Return visit to Wales!

We loved the Conservation Centre where we held the Pilates retreat so much that we went back to stay in "Owls Roost" in the Eco Lodge in the last week of  May for a whole week of chilling. (Next retreat June 17th-19th 2016)
Next Pilates retreat June 17th-19th 2016 click here for details.
These are images from the lovely river walk we did on the outskirts of Lampeter. 
We saw herons, damselflies, plus a lone Red Kite circling above us - being harassed by a crow actually! We were surprised these majestic birds were bothered by something much smaller than themselves, and that the crow would dare to do it. In fact we saw this happen a couple of times during our stay. Does anyone know why this happens?
There were some amazing reeds with white flowers flowing (and growing!) in the river reminding us of "Ophelia" painted in 1852 by the Pre Raphelite John Everett Millais.

                                                                               So peaceful. 

                                                                                                And here she is - Ophelia herself. Can you see what I mean?

Another day we went on a wonderful coastal walk from Aberaeron towards  Newquay (the Welsh one of course!). I love the wonderful coconut smell that the gorse  always gives off. Sometimes coastal paths can be gruelling, but this one was just right with spectacular views, and a lovely kind of "dingle" halfway along. Here we rested on soft green grass, studded with wildflowers,  enjoying the river trickling through the small valley into the sea.

19 seconds of our walk!

                                                                                          A boat presented itself at the just the right time!

                                                                             Feet up on the Eco Lodge verandah  outside "Owls Roost" after a nice long walk. Aaah bliss!

Blackcurrant meringue pie made with home grown fruit and eggs!

Gary cutting pie, we cant wait!

Sunday

Another peaceful night."Bonding" was going very well -discussions and laughter peppered the final class of the weekend. The session was also punctuated by the farm cat catching a mouse outside. The cat was spotted trotting along with a steely, determined eye, full of feline pride, the poor mouse clamped firmly in its jaws -but -despite all that, the mouse got away, disappearing into the bushes.

Still blessed with sunshine, our Sunday lunch was served outside - all very civilized with tables and chairs, no balancing plates precariously on laps for us. Our chef excelled himself and sent us off with a bang, with his absolutely heavenly, melt in your mouth, slow roast lamb, with crisp roast potatoes and homegrown greens. (The vegetarians among you would also be in for a treat.) Home made apple pie followed and he persuaded (!) us to try some home made icecream made with hedgerow blackberries and cherries from an old variety grown in their orchard.

As the  afternoon drew to a close,  a keen knitter in our group discovered that she was able to buy some home produced natural wool, courtesy of our hosts sheep, so she went off very happy. Others went away with jars of the tasty jam and chutney also made on the farm. Contented, well nourished- in all respects - and inspired by the breakthroughs made in their Pilates practice, our group said their goodbyes, rather regretfully, and decided to look forward to the next weekend.