Down The Lane

Why Anglesey?

2011-01-23T23:14:00.004Z

"Why Anglesey?" It's a question I'm often asked. My answer is simply "Why not." It could have been Devon or Cornwall or maybe the Lake District. Of course, for me there has to be sea. The smell of it, the feel of it, the unpredictable way of it. But choose a coastline and I'll be OK. But Anglesey, being an island, is surrounded by the stuff.
Having recently traveled back from London after visiting my daughter, I recorded some video footage on my compact camera and made good use of it to answer that question; " Why Anglesey?"

Picture Perfect...

2011-01-17T20:56:00.007Z

There are days when I'm so busy, the last thing on my mind is photography. When all I want is to get things done, get home and get to bed... But even when the chips are down and it's feeling like an uphill struggle, the sun breaks through the clouds and that beam of light dances across the fields in front of you and you find yourself reaching for the camera, because, not to do so would be the worst kind of crime a photographer could commit, and that is to turn your back on a perfect picture.
And so it was, as I traveled back from Holyhead looking forward to a glass of wine and some mind-numbing TV, the skies opened and the light of life shone through and I had no choice but to give chase. I took a side road that lead to another side road that lead to a lane that lead... nowhere! So I got out of the car and carried on chasing until I could chase no more, because I had reached the sea and it's waves and and all I could do was to wait and see what life would give me in return for my chasing.
Sometimes it promises you everything and gives you nothing, just a dull grey sky that turns to night. But once in a while it gives up it's magic to you and only you, sweet payment for having faith, faith that there is a real magic in our lives. And here is the proof. You may think the colours are exaggerated, but they're not. The sky was orange, the sea was blue and I was a happy happy photographer.

Anglesey Winter Wonderland...

2010-12-20T10:16:00.004Z

Hi, come on in. We've got logs on the fire and mull wine on the stove. Make yourself at home.The pond by the willow

A Merry Christmas...

2010-12-15T18:21:00.006Z

Just a quick blog to wish you all a very merry Christmas. We very seldom get snow on the island, the mountains seem to grab it all, but this year has been an exception and we have been lucky enough to get a fair share of the stuff, with more to come later this week.
Just a reminder that we have a wonderful property we let anytime of the year www.thepondbythewillow.co.uk and would be very happy to welcome you to this wonderful island of Anglesey.

All the very best for 2011

That time of the year...

2010-11-26T16:30:00.006Z

RYDER CUP COMES HOME...

2010-10-06T17:31:00.011+01:00

If you're not interested in golf then look away now, cos this blog is all about the great game! Yes indeed, I did manage to get tickets for the greatest tournament on the planet and I've got the pictures to prove it; and what a tournament it turn out to be. Four days of nerve jangling excitement and what a finish. Held for the first time in Wales at the Celtic Manor near Newport it promised to be a battle of the giants, and what a battle it turned out to be, both in terms of the golf and the weather.Cameras were only allowed in on practice days and I had tickets for Thursday ( a practice day ) and Friday, the first day of the tournament. ( Less said about that the better.) The Americans went out early on Thursday and only played the front nine. Europe came out later and played the back nine. Because of problems getting to the ground I missed most of the Americans practice round. But I'm happy to tell you that I had plenty of time to follow the European Team to get some great shots of the winning side.
If you're into golf then you should know who is who, if you're not, then I'm not about to tell you, figure it out yourself.WELL DONE TEAM EUROPE!

The Right To Roam...

2010-09-28T17:11:00.011+01:00

After a fantastic sea kayaking trip out off Malltraeth on Sunday morning I decided to explore the same coastline by foot. However, there was one small problem that had to be overcome, an old rusty sign stuck in the middle of a field which read, ' no trespassing.' Of course, if we were in Scotland this wouldn't be a problem as the 'right to roam' is statutory law, but here in Wales and England it's a little different. Needless to say, it didn't stop me, but I would advise anyone out walking, to think twice before venturing onto private land.
The area I wanted to explore is part of the Bodorgan Estate and is called Cwningar Trefri. I accessed it by crossing the Sand dunes at Aberffraw and by climbing up onto the headland at the far end of the beach. ( This being were I encounted the sign.) All I really wanted to see was the kind of coastline I'd find if I decided to paddle further out from Malltraeth with the intention of completing the journey at Abberfraw. And having made the effort to check it out, I think it will be a trip worth doing. With spectacular views across Caernarfon Bay and some beautiful sandy beaches to explore along the way, it could be a great day spent on the water. Let's hope it happens. I'll keep you posted.

Wind, Rain and Laughter...

2010-09-24T13:54:00.008+01:00

The nice thing about living here in North Wales is that you get a chance to show it off to all your friends and family whenever they come visiting. This last couple of weeks have been rather manic, with three lots of visitors coming to stay over a two week period. The weather has been quite kind to us, although there has been plenty of wind and some heavy downpours. But, all in all, we've had more than our fair share of the sunny stuff.Most of our visitors are from the major towns and cities, so it's always a great buzz to take them out into the mountains and to watch their reactions as they take in the views and soak up all that wide open space. It isn't long before they start to unwind and relax.
Even after nine years of living here It doesn't get much better then this.

Horses for Courses...

2010-09-09T21:53:00.008+01:00

We all love horses, although they don't always love me! But when you're given an environment like the Snowdonia National Park to ride in, then it's more then worth the effort to get to know your mare. Here in the heart of the park is a wonderful establishment that goes by the name of the Snowdonia Riding Stables. http://www.snowdonia2000.fsnet.co.uk/
Created over 30 years ago, it has some of the best trekking you'll find in North Wales. A beautiful selection of horses for all ages and abilities, and a fantastic group of leaders to take you up into the wonderful hills and mountains of Wales.I think the pictures say it all!

Mother of Wales...

2010-09-05T19:31:00.006+01:00

They don't call Anglesey, the Mother of Wales, for no good reason. Many, many years ago, Anglesey produced much of the wheat for the whole of Wales. The climate and large areas of flatland made it perfect for growing crops. Nowadays most of the land on Anglesey has been taken over for sheep rearing, but in the last few years there's been a noticeable increase in crop growing, mainly for the bio-fuel market.However, it's the coastline that holds the greatest attraction for me. Each of the four sides of Anglesey offer a different terrain to explore and enjoy. And of course, for any seafarer - and I count myself amongst this group, being a great fan of sea kayaking - one couldn't ask for a more varied and fascinating coast to explore.
I Love it!

All in a Days Work...

2010-08-20T22:38:00.009+01:00

Here we go again. Three locations to be photographed for Gwynedd C.C. all in the course of one day. Up at 5.30am for a one and half hour drive down the coast to Aberdaron. Need some atmospheric shots of this little village before it gets to busy with all the holiday makers.

Then on to Porthor, better known as Whistling Sands, a beautiful cove on the other side of the Llyn Peninsula. I managed to get there before the afternoon rush of sun bathers, and also before the sun decided to disappear behind a hazy summer sky. ( Blue skies are the order of the day)

Then, while we still had high tide hanging around, a quick stop at Trefor to capture this little harbour and pier, which can so easily be missed, as all there is is the tiniest of signposts showing the way to this peaceful out of the way village. By the time I got home I had been on the road for almost 12 hours, but I'm guessing that there are worst ways of earning one's keep.

I'm thinking that tonight I'll sleep like a baby.

The Sun Has Got His Hat On...

2010-08-09T16:41:00.006+01:00

At long last, the sun has arrived and we can get down to the serious business of relaxing. And there's no finer place to do that than here on Anglesey. No matter where you drive, at some point you'll arrive at the coast and it's a safe bet that you'll find something of interest. Whether it's a coastal path to explore or a sandy beach to play on or some rock pools along the base of some cliffs to investigate.One, out of the way, place we love to visit is Porth Trefadog. With views across the sea towards Holyhead mountain and plenty of little nooks and crannies to set up a picnic to just while away the hours.We owe it to ourselves to take time out, and when the sun shines there's no better place than here.

Animals of Anglesey...

2010-07-28T19:11:00.012+01:00

Here's a selection of animals I've had the pleasure of photographing here on Anglesey. Some just for the sheer joy of it, others as part of a commission. It just goes to show the wonderful diversity of creatures that go to make up this planet we all share. From dancing cows to grumpy pigs. To new born foals to watchful sheep. It's been a real joy.

My Babbling Brook...

2010-07-17T21:26:00.010+01:00

This is my new secret hideaway. Somewhere to sit and think and contemplate the simple things in life. The sound of the birds singing, the whispering wind through the leaves and the sound of a babbling brook as it makes its way from somewhere to somewhere, but never ending.
I steal by lawns and grassy plots,
I slide by hazel covers;
I move the sweet forget-me-nots
That grow for happy lovers.
I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance,
Among my skimming swallows;
I make the netted sunbeam dance
Against my sandy shallows.

I murmur under moon and star:
In brambly wildernesses:
I linger by my shingly bars;
I loiter round my cresses;

And out again I curve and flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on for ever.

Alfred Tennyson. The Brook

This is the Wales I love the most.

Views Around Anglesey...

2010-07-08T16:44:00.008+01:00

The road to Aberffraw...

Llanfair etc etc etc...

Busy crossroads on Anglesey...

Sand Dunes near Rhosneigr...

along the cliffs at Trearddur Bay...

Blooming Lovely...

2010-06-15T13:41:00.008+01:00

Wild Poppies, daisies and buttercup meadows. Wherever you look, here on Anglesey, the flowers are all blooming. Here comes summer! Let's hope it's a hot one.

My Anglesey...

2010-06-10T17:45:00.009+01:00

Here are some recent images taken within a fifteen minute stroll along the clifftops between Trearddur Bay and Porth y Post. This is what I love about this place, wherever you look there will be a picture to be taken, a picture to be made. This is my back garden, my backyard, my home.

How many lives has this lifebelt saved? How many times has it been thrown in vain. Like a solider on guard, it stands to attention, ready and waiting to serve and to save. day after day, night after night it waits and waits and waits...

My favourite path, but to where?

It's not all Sea and Sky on Anglesey...

2010-05-27T22:26:00.009+01:00

Anglesey has one of the most successful race circuits in the UK. Having just spent a large amount of money on expanding its circuit to over 2 miles in length, it is now atracting race competitions from all over the country. Prices are very resonable for a day at the races and you can get-up close to all the cars and motorbikes on display. I went down the other day to watch a group of enthusiasts, all members of the RAF, racing against each other for the sheer fun of it. The sounds and the smells of all those engines revving up at the start of a race is something quite unique. Well worth a visit.
Check out the website: www.angleseycircuit.com

Our Front Garden...

2010-05-22T11:29:00.010+01:00

What a great mix of weather we've been having across this May month. The one outcome to all this sunshine and rain is that the garden has budded and bloomed like never before. And as we're heading into the Holiday period I thought it a great opportunity to show what this weather has done to our own front garden. Of course, we hardly get to enjoy the pleasure of this garden as it's part of The Old Stables ( Yr Hen y Stablau ) a property which we rent out throughout the year. So should you be looking for a place to spend some quality time with friends and family then check out our website:
www.thepondbythewillow.co.uk
And come and enjoy the pleasure of this beautiful front garden all to yourself.
You'll be more than welcomed....

Porth Dinllaen...

2010-04-12T20:07:00.008+01:00

If you ever travel to North Wales, Porth Dinllaen is a 'must go see' location on the Lleyn Peninsula.
One of the most stunning settings I've had the pleasure to witness. And if you happen to play golf then don't forget your clubs because this location has one of the most breathtaking courses in the country.
Here comes some facts: Porthdinllaen (English Porth Dinllaen), is a small coastal village in the Dwyfor locality on the Llŷn Peninsula within Gwynedd, North Wales, previously in Caernarfonshire. It is near the larger village of Morfa Nefyn. It has been owned by the National Trust since 1994. With views across to Yr Eifl and Snowdonia, Porthdinllaen, with Nefyn and Morfa Nefyn, form a magnificent two miles (3 km) of sweeping bay. There are only about two dozen buildings at Porthdinllaen, with the Ty Coch pub the centre of the village. Vehicular access to the village is restricted to residents with a car permit; visitors must walk across the beach from Morfa Nefyn or across the golf course on top of the headland, past the Iron Age hillfort. Porthdinllaen was originally a fishing port, based around a natural harbour at the west end of a bay over a mile and a quarter (2 km) across, and with over one hundred acres (40 ha) of safe anchorage. The harbour is sheltered by a headland jutting out to the north from all but a north-easterly wind, and as the only such haven on the Llŷn Peninsula, it has been used for many centuries of trading, and as a place to run to for shelter in a storm. In May 1806, a parliamentary bill approved new buildings when it seemed that Porthdinllaen would be chosen over Holyhead, Anglesey, as the route to Ireland. The location was almost as far west as, but less accessible than Holyhead with Thomas Telford's road developments. Porthdinllaen Harbour Company was formed in 1808 in preparation by the Jones Parry family of the Madryn estate (the company's assets included the village and the harbour), but the bill before Parliament to constitute Porthdinllaen as a harbour for Irish trade was rejected in 1810.

Aberlleiniog Castle...

2010-03-21T09:21:00.009Z

Now owned and maintained by Mentor Mon, this wonderful little castle, which is not the easiest of places to find, is well worth a visit. 2009 saw much restoration being carried out with new pathways and easy access to the top of the mound. It's located in the Penmon area of Anglesey but not that well signposted: OS Landranger map 114: SH616793

Castell Aberlleiniog is the site of a Motte and Bailey, built in the 11th century on behalf of Hugh d'Avranches, the 1st Earl of Chester. Originally it would have been a wooden structure, now long since disappeared, and replaced during the Civil War by a stone structure consisting of a surrounding wall, and archers towers. Even later, during the World War it was used by the Home Guard.

The site is named after the local river, the Lleiniog. Aber means River. Castell of course being the Welsh for Castle. Hence, Castell Aberlleiniog roughly translates into the Castle of the River Lleiniog.

The Copper Mines of Anglesey...

2010-03-18T13:31:00.009Z

What a fantastic place Parys Mountain is. Although I've been here many times it was with great pleasure to be commissioned by Visit Wales to get some more shots of this spectacular location.
There is so much to say about it I'll let Wikipedia do all the talking.

"The mountain was mined for copper ore in the early Bronze Age, as shown by sub-surface debris nearly 4,000 years old revealed during excavations in 2002. Since then access has been regained to the sealed underground workings of the Parys mine revealing further evidence for this ancient mining. Parys Mountain is thus one of the few sites in Britain where there is evidence for the prehistoric beginnings of the British metal mining industry.
The 18th century miners recognised that they were following in the steps of much earlier workers, an observation that was then linked to the discovery locally of copper ingots bearing Roman inscriptions.
In 1764 Charles Roe of Macclesfield was granted a 21-year lease by the Bayly family to work the mountain for copper. Rowland Pugh, a local miner, discovered the "Great Lode" on 2 March 1768 and was rewarded with a bottle of whisky and a rent-free house for his lifetime.
Although the ore here was of low quality, this was more than compensated for by the fact that it occurred in two large masses close to the surface.[1] Initially ore was worked on the surface from shallow shafts, next by open-pit mining and finally underground from adits or from shafts. The ore was broken into small lumps by hand, the best ore being shipped to Lancashire or to the Lower Swansea valley in South Wales through the port of Swansea for smelting. Copper was concentrated and extracted from the remainder using kilns and furnaces on site. It was also discovered that purer metal could be obtained efficiently, although in small amounts, by its precipitation from drainage water with scrap iron in purpose-built ponds. Associated with the mines, important chemical industries were established on the Mountain based on by-products such as ochre pigments, sulphur, vitriol and alum. The processes were described by the German writer and translator, Augustin Gottfried Ludwig Lentin (1764–1823) who visited Parys Mountain in the 1790s and published his findings in Briefe über die Insel Anglesea : vorzüglich über das dasige Kupfer-Bergwerk und die dazu gehörigen Schmelzwerke und Fabriken (Leipzig : Crusius, 1800)
Parys Mountain dominated the world's copper market during the 1780s, when the mine was the largest in Europe.[2] Its rise severely damaged the mining industry in Cornwall.[1] The copper from the mine was used to sheath the admiralty's wooden ships of war in order to prevent the growth of seaweed and barnacles and to prevent boring by worms. This increased the speed and manoeuvrability of the vessels, although it is said that Parys Mountain copper was also sold to the French for use by their fleet."

Snow, Snow, Snow..

2010-01-10T16:02:00.010Z

I was looking forward to a relaxing start to the New Year... then it snowed and all hell broke loose! Calls from Visit Wales and Cadw came hot on each others heels requesting a long list of location to be shot in the snow. There followed 3 days of early starts and late finishes with overnight stays, zig-zagging our way across North Wales. Getting caught in snowdrifts on the Llanberis Pass and slipping and sliding to out of the way places looking for decent shots of Castles and Abbeys covered in the white stuff. It was a struggle just to cope with the constant change in temperature as we jumped in and out of the car, trudging through heavy snow and freezing winds hoping that the light wouldn't let us down. By the time we got home we were completely exhausted only to discover that the mains water in the house had frozen. Thank goodness for our wood burning stove, at lest we had warmth. Within 24 hours the water came through and we got back to some sort of normality.
Quite an adventure and some pretty pictures to boot!

Happy New Year...

2010-01-05T19:49:00.005Z

Just a quick hello to anyone that may have come across my blog site. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and that life is as kind to you as it has been to me. Busy working for the Welsh Tourist board photographing snowy scenes on Anglesey and around North Wales. I'll post some more images as and when I get them. Here's to a happy and contented 2010.

Paul.
Check it out: www.thepondbythewillow.co.uk

The Dingle...

2009-10-30T18:01:00.008Z

Now the leaves have all gone here's a little reminder of the summer that never was...

"The Dingle / Nant y Pandy Local Nature reserve is a 10 hectare (25 acre) wooded valley, rich in wildlife and history. It has recently been enhanced through community involvement, working in partnership, and by grant aid.

These enhancements include a wooden boardwalk that winds its way along the Cefni, which allows access to all to many parts of the reserve, three new bridges, sculptures, sculpted benches and picnic tables.

The sculptures include a huge dragonfly, giant seed pods and split oak timbers revealing the poem Nant y Pandy, by local poet Rolant o Fôn.

Parts of the woodland are dominated by sessile oak, ash and wild cherry, with a spectacular show of blue bells in spring. Other parts are mostly sycamore and the occasional ash tree with an abundance of ferns and mosses and woodland flowers, such as wood anemones. Coed Plas (behind Saint Cyngar's Church) was planted with sweet chestnut, beech and Scots pine, and has a carpet of wild daffodils in spring.

Frogs and newts live in the wetter areas, and adders and lizards in the drier woodland. There are many butterfly species, such as gatekeeper and the speckled wood, as well as moths. There are also dragonflies and damselflies, hoverflies, bees and wasps, beetles, slugs and snails, spiders, woodlice, and many other small creatures.

Birds are easy to see throughout the year; blue tits and great tits nest in the woods and moorhen in the water; wrens and grey wagtails are common small birds seen along the boardwalk; and larger birds, ravens, buzzards and herons fly overhead. A glimpse of a kingfisher may be seen as a flash of electric blue, or a dipper may be bobbing along the river. The tawny owl can be heard, and often seen, in the woodland at night.

Fish like the trout, roach and perch may be seen in Llyn Pwmp, and sea trout are occasional visitors, as are eels.

Mammals are much more elusive. The only sign of the fox may be the drift of its scent across a path. Bank vole and wood mice leave nibbled hazel nuts to show their presence. Eight of the sixteen species of bat found in Britain can be seen here at dusk."

Views from the Summit...

2009-09-17T13:51:00.005+01:00

Yr Eifl was mentioned as a hill located on the Lleyn Peninsula in North Wales but after an uphill walk of more than an hour and a half this hill now felt and looked more like a mountain. With aching calves and bursting lungs we eventually reach the summit of Yr Eifl where there stands an iron age fort dating back over 2000 years. These Iron Age guys must have been a very fit race indeed.

Yr Eifl is the tallest of The Rivals, an overlooked yet exciting range of hills that make up the backbone of the Lleyn Peninsula. The trek shows the walker two different industrial and colonial ages of the local area, from the abandoned quarrying village of Porth-y-Nant to the most fascinating feature of the trek, the iron age fort of Tre'r Ceiri that is still evident and now preserved on the southern most Yr Eifl peak. This trek is ideal for those afternoons when the surrounding higher peaks of Snowdonia are unable to escape the murky clouds. Tre'r Ceiri is a hill fort dating back to the British Iron Age, being built around 100 B.C. It is one of the most spectacular of Wales' ancient monuments, located on a summit of Yr Eifl.

Was it worth it? Well take a look and decide for yourself. Views like this can only be achieved with some physical effort and determination. Would I do it again? Yes I would, but like running a marathon, it makes sense to train a little before heading out on such a challenge.

Paul Mattock

Bangor Cathedral.

2009-07-12T18:35:00.005+01:00

We were given an interesting photographic job the other day by Gwynedd Council who were in need of some interior shots of Bangor Cathedral. Now these large interiors are never easy to shoot. For one thing they are far too large to set up lighting, and with so many nooks and crannies you’d need a truck full of lighting equipment to complete the job. And of course, as always, budgets are tight and they need the images tomorrow…
So this is where the joy of digital photography comes to the rescue. Set up the camera on a sturdy tripod and take a series of four to five shots at different exposures. This will capture all the details in both the highlight areas as well as in the shadow areas. Pop the mix into a piece of software called ‘Photomatix Pro’ and with a host of controls you can keep all the detail in the image but loose all the ugly stuff, like blocked up shadows and burnt out highlights.
The effect is quite amazing, and it saves on having to buy a truckload of lighting…

Clever stuff!

Another Day at the Office…

2009-06-07T19:32:00.005+01:00

Now that I’ve invested in a brand new camera (A Nikon D3 for those of you interested) it was time for it to earn its keep. Having packed my new backpack with all my new gear I headed off to the cliff tops on Holyhead to make my way to Penhryn Mawr, a notorious formation of rocks at the end of a headland, where large standing waves and tidal races form as the sea rushes from South Stack to Porth Dafarch and back. This is a popular stretch of water where the more experience sea kayaker comes to play. To reach it by foot is a good 30 to 40 minute walk from the nearest car park with spectacular views across the Irish Sea.
However, when I reached to Penhryn Mawr there was absolutely nothing going on. It was as flat as a pancake and not a sea kayaker in sight. Still, it gave me an opportunity to get out and stretch my legs and to test my new gear.
This is often the way with photography; you can never guarantee that shot. Just like fishing, you cast your line and sit and wait. If you make a catch then all well and good. If not, then at least you’ve tried and hey, there’s always tomorrow!

Music by Mike Dowling.

A Weekend to Remember…

2009-06-01T10:56:00.006+01:00

It’s been a long time coming, but it was well worth the wait.
We had glorious sunshine for the whole weekend and boy! did we make good use of it,
a camping weekend with all our kayaking friends and their families down at Rhoscoyln Beach.
A weekend of sun, sea and sand. A reminder of my childhood holidays when all was right with the world. Sand in your egg and crest sandwiches, ice lollies that melted and ran down your face and arms leaving a streak of orange stain that acted as some primitive form of sun block. The high-pitched scream of seagulls and over heated young children as the sun reached its zenith. The splashing waves and salty seawater that acted as a kind of nasal spray that would have a hundred children coughing like a smoker on forty a day.
The warm wrapping of the dry beach towel to conceal and soothed the goose bumps on a shivering overexcited child. Then with bucket and spade in hand, which contained a few precious pebbles along with a crab’s claw and some seaweed as souvenirs, we’d wander back along the beach to wash, to eat and to sleep the sleep of the dead. And when morning came, we’d do it all over again.
All praise to the great British summer.

Burial mound at Porth Trecastell...

2009-05-11T19:33:00.005+01:00

"Of prime importance at Barclodiad y Gawres is the unexceptional decoration on the massive stones forming the burial chamber. Here can be seen zig zags, chevrons and spirals, similar to the decoration found in the tombs of the Boyne Valley in Ireland, emphasizing the close associations across the Irish Sea. There is only one other example of this Neolithic ( stone age ) art form known in Wales (Bryn Celli Ddu). Such decoration is equally rare in England and Scotland and Barclodiad y Gawres is unquestionably the finest example in Britian. Unfortunately, the decorated stones have become increasingly vulnerable to graffiti and vandalism so it is with regret that Cadw is currently unable to allow unsupervised access into the chamber. Contact: 0845 0103300"

Even though you can't get access to the inner chamber, this burial mound is still well worth a visit. The views from on top are fantastic and the beach and bay are beautiful. If you like a bit of surfing then, with a southerly wind blowing on shore, you can expect some great waves to play in with no hidden dangers lurking on the seabed. A great place to picnic and lots to explore. And if you like to do a little walking you can make your way along the seashore to Rhosneigr and grab a coffee and a bite to eat.( Allow a good hour each way) You can find Porth Trecastell ( better known as Cable Bay ) along the A4080 road between Rhosneigr and Abberfraw.

THE WRECKS AT TRAETH DULAS…

2009-05-02T17:46:00.006+01:00

Very little is known about these wooden fishing boats stranded on the sands at Traeth Dulas. At low tide you can walk out across the estuary and get up close to these beautiful old wrecks. Every piece of flaking paint, rusty nail and wooden beam has a story to tell and a secret to keep. How they came to be here and about the men that sailed them no one seems to know, but there’s no denying their beauty and the craftsmanship that went into their making. Well worth a visit, just remember to keep an eye on the incoming tide; it would be a long swim back to the car.
Location.( 53º 22’ 26.50” N 4º 16’ 55.80” W )

“Dulas Bay (Welsh: Bae Dulas) is a small bay on the north east coast of Anglesey (Ynys Môn), north Wales. The bay is bordered by three beaches. The north-western beach is the sand, shingle, mud estuary Traeth Dulas (Dulas Beach); southeast of this is the tiny Traeth Bach (Small Beach) and the sandy Traeth Yr Ora (Beach of The Fortified Landing Place). The estuary running through Traeth Dulas is that of the Afon Goch (Red River). The Traeth Bach and Traeth Yr Ora at high tide are separated by a rock outcrop called Craig y Sais (The Saxon Rock). At low tide, however, it is possible to walk on the sand between the three beaches and also onto the larger but less tranquil beaches of Lligwy Bay to the south. All the beaches vary in size quite dramatically depending on the tide. Traeth Dulas is most affected by the tide, so much so that the most inland parts of the estuary are salt marshes.” Wikipedia

Criccieith by the Sea...

2009-04-15T17:50:00.007+01:00

Being on such a beautiful island we can often forget that there are other places to visit and other sceneries to explore. This often comes about more by accident than intent. Finding a dentist in this part of the world isn’t quite as easy as it would be in a major city or town, so after a day on the phone we tracked one down in the lovely seaside town of Criccieith. It wasn’t our intention to stay any longer then it took to have our teeth checked out, but we ended up spending the rest of the day just wandering around this lovely town and exploring the castle that overlooks the bay. Being about a 35 minute drive from Anglesey we will be back to explore this area again; maybe treat ourselves to an overnight stay at the grand St Georges Hotel; just as long as it’s not because of a need for a visit to the dentist.

Views From The Cockpit...

2008-12-03T17:24:00.012Z

3rd of December 2008, the perfect winters day. Clear skies, crisp clean air and not a breath of wind. Launch at Cable Bay and meander down the coast to Rhosneigr. A spot of lunch on the beach and a leisurely paddle back with the sun on your face, and the only sound you can hear is the light splash of the blade as it moves through the still water beneath you, and the occasional cry of a gull, or a guillemot just before he dives beneath the surface of the sea in search of his lunch.
Time stands still and all is right with the world.

" Where else to be,
but out upon the open sea."

Time Out...

2008-12-02T18:10:00.001Z

This picture of me is one of my all time favourite images.
Taken by a friend while out for a paddle just off Trearddur Bay,
It sums up everything I love about living here on Anglesey.
Just you, the sea and the sky. Everything else can just wait…

Two Into One...

2008-11-13T18:20:00.004Z

Clever bit of software this Photomatix. Take one picture exposed for the sky then another exposed for the foreground, drop them into the software and it blends the two together making a perfect mix.
This may seem like cheating but in fact the human eye can see a greater range of light and dark then any camera can capture, so this final image is a truer reflection of how the eye would perceive the scene. And that’s just the start of what it can do…

Cable Bay, or Porth Trecastell as it’s called locally, lays alongside the A4080 coast road just a short drive from Rhosneigr. A beautiful sandy beach and great waves for surfing when the wind blows. Fantastic cliff walks, which take you up to one of the most interesting and oldest burial mounds on the island. Come rain or shine it’s well worth a visit.

Down To Earth...

2008-10-14T16:11:00.005+01:00

Poking a camera out of the window of a light aircraft at 2000 feet isn’t the easiest of things to do; especially when the pictures you’re trying to take are going to be used very large and good detail is required for the final print. As soon as you pop open the flip-up window you get this rush of very cold air streaming into the cockpit of the plane and it isn’t long before your fingers start to go numb. A couple of minutes and you need to take a break just to warm up your digits, and so it went on. Almost 2 hours and 160 images later we eventually called it a day and headed back to earth. The images came out just fine and the client was happy with the results. You can never tell what the next phone call will bring, but that is why I love the job I do. Full of pleasant and exciting surprises.

Peidiwch A Tharfu...

2008-08-20T11:34:00.004+01:00

When the weather breaks and the sun decides to shine, there’s no better way to unwind then to grab my tent, rucksack and walking boots and head off to my favoured location, which shall remain a secret. Once there I get the tent pitched, kick off my boots, brew some real coffee, dig out my favourite book and hang out my sign … and in case you can’t read it, it says, in both English and Welsh, ‘ DO NOT DISTURB.’ - Sorted!

Back Home...

2008-08-18T12:03:00.006+01:00

It has been a very busy couple of months for us, what with the holiday letting and our trip to Torbay. We have also been given a handful of jobs by the good folk at ‘Visit Wales’; the main body that deal with tourism in Wales. One brief that took us by surprise was a request for some very wet and windy shots of Anglesey. So, armed with a new waterproof bag for my camera, of I went in search of the perfect wet and miserable day. After several ventures out in the pouring rain and being trenched to the skin, the one shot that got the best response was taken from inside the warmth and dryness of my car while parked at Porth Dafarh while taking a break from the pouring rain.
Right now these pictures just about sum up our British summer, not just here on Anglesey but across the whole UK. As the ad line says: “ It’s not inappropriate weather just inappropriate clothing.” Well worth remembering!

Down South...

2008-06-30T18:11:00.012+01:00

I’ve been away to Torbay for the last couple of weeks, not on a holiday I hasten to add, but working for the tourist department shooting images of Torquay, Paighton and Brixham, which go to make up the area known as Torbay, the English Rivera. We had a couple of bad days weather wise, but all in all mainly good sunny days and got the pictures they were looking for and in the process shot over 2800 images. (Many being variations on a theme) Quite a few early starts to catch the sun rise and late finishes to catch the sunsets. Being this time of the year that meant being up at 3.30 in the morning and getting home after 11 at night. Long days and 1250 miles later we're happy to be back where we belong, sweet isle of Anglesey.

Paddle Power...

2008-05-05T19:31:00.005+01:00

It’s symposium time again, the 25th anniversary of the Anglesey Kayaking weekend. Paddlers from all over Europe travel here to take part in all sorts of classes, from beginner to advance skills in paddling an 18 foot boat out on the open sea: All ages, all nationalities, all with one common interest.
The weather, as usual, was temperamental and changeable, with sunny skies and torrential downpours, all in the blink of an eye. The evenings were full of lectures and plenty of conversations about the day’s activities, with the last day of the weekend filled with live music, laughter and quite a bit of merriment taking place. No one drowned or was lost at sea, and lessons were learnt by just about everyone. Lessons that would be taken back home by the participates and put into practice and passed on to others for all to benefit from, this 25th Isle of Anglesey Kayaking Symposium.

The Fading Light...

2008-04-13T17:33:00.005+01:00

A few weeks ago I was doing some night-time photography for Wylfa Power station, creating some images for the security police that protect the buildings. As I turned up for work just before sunset, I spotted this image from the car park. It was the sun setting behind a rocky outcrop called the Skerries where a lighthouse is located. I shot it on a very long lens ( 400mm ) across two bays. The Skerries is located 2-3 miles off the northern tip of Anglesey. I only had minutes to get the camera set up to get the shot; then it was gone.
I’ve also included a couple of the images I took from that nights work. It’s not all sheep and daffodils here on Anglesey!

My Front Garden...

2008-04-11T15:10:00.003+01:00

With the cold and wet keeping us indoors for much of the time the garden is forgotten about during the winter months. But take a little stroll when the sun breaks and the wind dies down, and it’s quite amazing what you can come across in your own front garden.
Hidden beneath the bark of an old tree trunk is a bright green caterpillar just waiting for the right time to become a moth, or maybe lunch for the local blackbird. And out of nowhere, strutting around as if he owned the place, is a male pheasant showing of his glorious plumage for all to see.
It’s not a large garden, but there’s plenty going on if you just take the time to stop and look.

Happy Cows...

2008-04-02T13:15:00.006+01:00

Spring is here and the cows are jumping for joy. Yes, that's right, the cows are jumping for joy... After being kept indoors through-out the winter the cows are let loose to graze in the fields and they literally jump for joy. We've all heard of, and seen, spring lambs jumping and frolicking, well cows do as well; and with Spring in the air we can all join in.
Here's to a happy frolicking summer.

Point Lynas...

2008-01-16T16:21:00.000Z

We do take requests and this one is from Hugh. Fond memories of Anglesey has brought him in contact with this blogger and has expressed a particular interest in Point Lynas. Located on the east side of the island this area holds many special memories for him. ( view his comments on previous blog...) I'll leave it to David Phillips to describe this wonderful location.

"On your visit to Point Lynas you will see a white building built in 1835 by Trustees of Liverpool Docks. A north facing tower houses the all important lamp room. The rest of the building is made up of the telegraph and signal stations. Interestingly, the original pilot station at Point Lynas was built in 1781. There was a white Pilot House and a flagpole used for relaying day signals. While two reflecting lamps marked the point after dark, one facing north west, the other east.
This original station is long gone and it position was roughly a 100 yards (91 m) south of the present building. While in operation, this station played a key role in delivering pilots onto the ships bound for Liverpool. As such, moorings were laid for these boats on the Point Lynas headland, while others went ashore on Port Eilian beach. Records suggest that a Mr Robert Beavor (born 1749) from Aberffraw, south Anglesey, was the first lighthouse keeper. It seems he made his money trading commodities and seizing fighting ships in the West Indies. Echoes of "Pirates of the Carribean" here, I'd say! Following these "adventures" he retired to his native Anglesey due to ill health. In 1797 he was put in charge of Point Lynas. Robert Beavor died in 1814, and was buried in nearby Llaneilian churchyard."
David Phillips

New Year Starts Here...

2008-01-09T19:14:00.000Z

After a round trip of over a thousand miles to visit family and friends for Christmas it was with some relief to arrive back on the island, but only to be confronted with some of the worst weather we’d seen in a long time. No golf, no kayaking, but when the winds died down a little and there was a break in the clouds on went the walking boots and the waterproofs and out we went onto the cliff tops of Holy Island overlooking the wild and raging Irish sea. The walk from Porth Dafarch along the cliff path all the way to South Stack is a good couple of hours, but a great way to stretch those tired and lazy limbs and to get all the fresh air you could hope to breath.
I think next Christmas we’ll be sending out the invites for everyone to come to us.

2007-12-18T18:30:00.001Z

Out & About...

2007-12-15T13:25:00.000Z

A break in the weather gives us a chance to get out and grab some shots. With Anglesey being an all-year-round destination for people looking to take a break, there are plenty of opportunities for pictures that can be sold onto libraries, tourist organisations etc. (It also gives us a chance to get out from in front that open fire and exercise our legs and lungs)
This particular location is a favourite of mine as it is a hidden cove where I can quietly launch my kayak into claim waters even when the wind is blowing hard. It also makes up part of the coastal path, which has grown and developed into a walk that covers the entire coastline of Anglesey. A challenge I've yet to undertake but is on my list of must do's... Each year there is a Walking Festival where, for a small fee, you can book guided walks which cover certain areas of special interests around the Island. This festival runs from the end of May into June. Check out their website: www.angleseywalkingfestival.com

Winter Wonderland (part2)…

2007-12-02T14:46:00.000Z

Being only thirty minutes away from Snowdonia National Park is quite a convenience when it comes to landscape photography. A quick look out the window and a check with the online local weather report and I’m packed and ready to roll in minutes. I often set off with some rather fixed ideas about what it is I’m trying to capture and almost always come back with something completely different; which is why I so enjoy photography. If you don’t have a plan of action you can often find excuses for not venturing out, especially when the weather is cold, wet and miserable. But it’s this exact same changeable weather that can give up some exceptional images, which you could never hope to plan in the first place.
So, the key is to have an agenda to get you out the front door and then be prepared to scrap it. A flask of tea, some warm long johns and the reassuring sound of radio 4 on the car stereo and the worlds your oyster just waiting to be photographed.

Winter Wonderland...

2007-11-16T15:13:00.000Z

There’s no getting away from it…winter is with us once again. The rain, the wind and the dark early nights all add up to evenings in front of the wood burning stove. The birds don’t sing quite as loud in the morning while the windows and doors whistle their own tunes. Time to pull on the woolly jumpers and thick socks, get the fire going and cook up a large pot of vegetable stew and homemade bread. This is our hibernation time, and I wouldn’t want to hibernate anywhere else but here.

Set Sail...

2007-10-03T18:30:00.000+01:00

With Jane keen on baking her own bread it was with great excitement that we first visited Llynnon Mill in Llanddeusant, the only surviving working windmill in the whole of Wales; and less then four miles from the end of our lane. Now fully renovated and with the help of the islands notorious westerly winds, it now produces it’s very own brand of flour. This has got to be some of the lowest carbon footprint produced bread in the whole of the country and it tastes fantastic.

The Scary Skerries...

2007-10-02T02:36:00.000+01:00

Tidal streams running at 6 knots, over-falls and tidal races, 20 kilometres of endless paddling, over five hours on rough seas and 5 kilometres from the safety of shore… why on earth do we do it? Because it’s there to be done. It challenges our preconceived ideas of what we’re capable of and it confronts our fears. Hey, and it’s great fun if you get to survive it all.
This sums up my first open crossing by sea kayak to a place off the northern tip of Anglesey called The Skerries, a large rock formation which houses a lighthouse and is home to the Atlantic grey seal. It is exposed to winds from any direction and lies in the midst of some of the most powerful tidal streams in the UK. Because of these tidal flows there’s no straight line paddling to get to The Skerries. You need to have all the relevant navigational information and skills to achieve the crossing safely. Get your calculations wrong and the next call you’ll be making is to the coastguards. The furthest I’d ever been off shore was 200 metres and even then I felt very vulnerable. I hasten to add, this was no solo crossing, but with a group of highly experienced and skilled paddlers who looked after me all the way; there and back. Having said that, it was still me who had to paddle, deal with wind, rain and the unplanned negotiation of a tidal race (Large crashing waves out at sea) to make it back to landfall, exhausted, exhilarated and with a lasting respect for the power of the sea and the wonder of nature.Video clip of the trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVfDNHbv3tc

My Witching Hour...

2007-09-29T16:31:00.000+01:00

I’m guessing that ‘the witching hour’ is that time in the day or night that has a sense of magic about it. I’d have to say that during the summer months it would be the early hours of dawn. While the rest of the world is still in slumber and the sun is still wiping the sleep from it’s eyes, this is the time to feel the true magic of Anglesey. There is a unique kind of stillness that you can feel, especially near to water. Four Mile Bridge (Named after the distance from the bridge to Holyhead town) is an inland sea that remains quite shallow even at high tide. An ideal place to practice your kayaking skills or to learn your new windsurfing tricks. The bridge also allows a great flow of water through its arch, as the tide rises and falls, and is favourite with the white water kayakers. But in the early morning mist while all around sleeps, I stand and stare and am bewitched in this special magic hour in this special magic place.

A Life on the Ocean Waves...

2007-09-26T19:20:00.000+01:00

As a sea kayaker living on Anglesey, I’m often called on to act as a student to fellow paddlers training to become instructors in this wonderful sport. This gives me plenty of opportunities to get out on to the water while being instructed by supervised, trainee instructors. What would normally set me back £70 -£80 a lesson I get for free. It’s also a great way to learn about the coastline of this island, its tidal flows and currents, along with all the risks inherent in paddling the ocean waves. On top of all that, I get to pick and choose what kind of kayak I’d like to paddle for the day. (My wish-list is forever growing longer.) I get to meet like-minded people all sharing the same enthusiasm and passion for this sport and get to hear some great stories of kayaking trips from around the world. Dodging ice-bergs in Greenland or being surrounded by playful dolphins down in Florida. (A second wish-list is growing fast.) Anglesey is a Mecca for sea kayakers as it contains so many water features within such a small area. The famous tidal races at the northern end of the island out near the Skerries, along with the tidal flows and eddies of the Menai Straits. There is talk that in the next couple of years a regular kayaking festival will be held on the island and paddlers from all over Europe and beyond will come together to spend a week sharing their skills and experiences with fellow kayakers.
Sounds like a lot of fun…can’t wait.

Crackle and Pop...

2007-09-25T19:25:00.000+01:00

One of our most favorite pleasures, come these chilly evening nights, is to chop a few logs and to get the wood burning stove fired up. There’s nothing quite like the crackle and pop of dry burning timber and the mingled aroma of pine wood and cherry wood. A glass of wine and some mindless tele sets us up for a splendid evening of boozing and snoozing…
Our motto as always is, “ it can wait...”

The Church in the Sea...

2007-09-21T12:31:00.000+01:00

There are some fascinating locations all around the island, non-more so then Ty Cawyfan, the church in the sea. At high tide it is completely shut of from the mainland and has a history going back many hundreds of years. Not the easiest of places to get to, (unless you happen to own a kayak) but well worth the effort. I’ve included some information courtesy of Anglesey’s heritage web-site.

" Llangwyfan Church near Aberffaw The “Church in the Sea”. This old 12th century church originally stood on a cliff of clay overlooking the sea. A map drawn in 1610 seems to show it still attached to the mainland. It formerly had a second aisle on the north side, demolished in the early 19th century as the sea eroded more and more of the island. An arcade of blocked arches, once separating the twin aisles, may still be seen within. Replaced in 1871 with a new mainland church, designed by Diocesan architect Henry Kennedy, by 1893 it stood unroofed and neglected. It was then restored by the famous Llanfairfechan architect and archaeologist Harold Hughes. Erosion of the island was finally halted by surrounding it with a stone sea wall, at around the same time. The remains of the causeway linking the island to the mainland, once much larger, can still be seen. When the tides prevented services being held on the island, they were held instead in a room specially consecrated in nearby Plas Llangwyfan".

Of Man & Beast...

2007-09-19T08:55:00.000+01:00

The welsh are a very proud people, after all, they were the only Celtic speaking nation within the British isles that held on to their native tongue. It is a fascinating language that somehow reflects the landscape in which it’s spoken. Rough hued mountains and smooth silky sands, with the ferocity of a gale force wind singing its way down the valley and out to sea… I’ll often sit at home watching a Welsh international rugby game on welsh television and listen to the entire match in Welsh. I’ve never been much of a linguistic but it’s a sound I’m so familiar with that living here without it would be like sitting on a beach without the sound of waves breaking or of rain falling.
For me, they are the most unassuming, laid-back nation of people I have yet to meet, friendly and generous to a fault. They have a great respect for their heritage and retain their links with the past with all sorts of events and festivals scattered around the island that reflect this connection. One of our favourite events is the horse drawn ploughing competitions where these wondrous & powerful animals, with plough all harnessed, are guided to till the ground in perfect straight lines. Man, beast and earth all working in harmony together.
It may no longer be a method that could feed a nation, but its connection to the islands past should never be forgotten…

Mother of Wales...

2007-09-17T20:17:00.000+01:00

Someone once asked me, which of all my images that I had taken in and around Anglesey summed up my love of the island. Well, that would always depends on what mood I was in at the time of asking… But having lived here back in the seventies and now having returned in the new millennium, there is one image that I feel captures the beauty, the bleak, the wild and the melancholy that this place holds for me. (Or more truthfully, holds over me…)
This is an image of nature shaping the landscape. Of the landscape bowing and bending to the forces of nature, an image that has remained unchanged for thousands of years…
One could say that this image could be of anywhere, but I know that it is of Anglesey, the beautiful Mother of Wales.

Llanddwyn Island...

2007-09-15T15:48:00.000+01:00

This has got to be one of the most special places, not just on Anglesey, but in the whole of Wales. There is so much to say about it I’ll let someone else do the talking…

Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn) is a magical place. Located at the far end of a pleasant beach near Newborough Warren, this narrow finger of land is an ideal picnic site during fine weather, but also an exhilarating place when the winter winds blow. Its rolling dunes, large rock outcrops and mixture of historic buildings makes it an ideal place for an afternoon of exploration. The name Llanddwyn means "The church of St. Dwynwen". She is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, making her the Welsh equivalent of St. Valentine. Her feast day, 25 January, is often celebrated by the Welsh with cards and flowers, just as is 14 February for St. Valentine. Dwynwen lived during the 5th century AD and was one of 24 daughters of St. Brychan, a Welsh prince of Brycheiniog (Brecon). She fell in love with a young man named Maelon, but rejected his advances. This, depending on which story you read, was either because she wished to remain chaste and become a nun or because her father wished her to marry another. She prayed to be released from the unhappy love and dreamed that she was given a potion to do this. However, the potion turned Maelon to ice. She then prayed that she be granted three wishes: 1) that Maelon be revived, 2) that all true lovers find happiness, and 3) that she should never again wish to be married. She then retreated to the solitude of Llanddwyn Island to follow the life of a hermit. Dwynwen became known as the patron saint of lovers and pilgrimages were made to her holy well on the island. It was said that the faithfulness of a lover could be divined through the movements of some eels that lived in the well. This was done by the woman first scattering breadcrumbs on the surface, then laying her handkerchief on the surface. If the eel disturbed it then her lover would be faithful. Warren Kovach

For the love of it...

2007-09-13T20:25:00.000+01:00

One minute you’re photographing the wild rugged countryside of North Wales, the next, some ladies leather handbags and multi coloured baby bibs. Still, the need to be adaptable is very much a necessity when you’re scratching a living in such a remote location. (And, of course, leather handbags and baby bibs earn me more money in a day then I get from my rugged countryside images in a year.)

Speaking of rugged countryside images… here’s a picture just to remind me why I came here in the first place.

My Backyard...

2007-09-09T13:22:00.000+01:00

You don’t have to look far for a little bit of inspiration. The vast open spaces of the sea and countryside are there to be enjoyed, and a hike up a mountain or a four hour paddle along the coast is all well and good if you’ve got the time to do it, but sometimes I grab my camera and go out into the garden or just down the lane to see what little bits of magic I can find. If the light is right and the weather interesting then there’s a wealth of subject matter out there to be explored. I also find it a great way to relax and unwind and there’s nothing better then, having found something special, getting it onto the computer and up on the screen to view and enjoy…and to share.

Big Brother...

2007-09-08T17:58:00.000+01:00

We mustn’t forget that, for all its beauty, Anglesey is very much a part of Wales even though you could be forgiven for thinking that it is a separate country on its own. The mountains of Snowdonia stand over this tiny island like a big brother protecting his younger sister, and from just about anywhere on the island these big brother mountains can be seen standing tall and proud.
Travelling to Anglesey should always be undertaken during daylight hours and whenever possible, down the old A5 road. This brings you through some of the most stunning countryside you could ever wish to visit with plenty of chances to stop and admire the landscape along the way. Winter or summer, this journey never ceases to amaze me.

It's Never to Late...

2007-09-07T18:20:00.001+01:00

Here’s one of my favourite paths. It leads to a bay at Rhoscolyn call Borthwen Bay. It’s where I cut my teeth when learning to sea kayak and it was here I had my first encounter with a seal that played hide and seek with me for close to an hour. Wherever I paddled he’d pop his head up just a few metres away and if I paddled towards him he’d disappear under the surface only to pop up a few minutes later. And so it went on for close to an hour until I guess, he got bored with me. But what a fantastic face he/she had with huge eyes and eyelashes any girl would die for. It was also here that I found myself amongst a flock of feeding terns. As I sat quietly flouting, they would dive-bomb into the waters around me, disappear for a handful of seconds and then reappear with a small fish wiggling in their beaks.
I may have come late to this sport but am so grateful for the opportunity it’s given me to get so close to the natural world.

A Special Place...

2007-09-05T20:50:00.000+01:00

Smile, for your dreams await you.
Just around the corner and over the hill,
Your dreams await you with a smile.

Walk On The Wildside...

2007-09-04T20:13:00.000+01:00

Seeing as we’re talking man-made constructions, the Breakwater at Holyhead Harbour is one of the longest breakwaters in Europe, stretching over 1.8 miles out into the sea, protecting the harbour from the wilds of the Irish Sea. This isn’t a modern construction but dates back to around 1870 when they used timber scaffolding to help construct it.
It’s now in some state of disrepair and is being maintained by Stena Ferries at a cost of £150,000 a year just to prevent further decay. Once again, there’s lots of talk about restoring it and promoting it as a tourist attraction with a small gauge railway running along its length. It is possible to walk or even cycle along it, but not recommended when those Irish Sea storms come calling.

A Bridge To Far...

2007-09-03T12:06:00.000+01:00

There have been some mixed reactions to a new bridge and walkway recently built in Holyhead that joins the ferry port to the main town centre. Called ‘The Celtic Gateway’ it’s a wonderful piece of architecture that lights up at night and is well worth a visit next time you’re in Holyhead. But at the cost of some 6.5 million pounds it has a lot of local people questioning the use of so much money, especially when you consider that Holyhead, and Anglesey in general, is home to some of the lowest paid workers in the UK.
I’m sure the intention is to attract more tourism into the area and get them spending their cash in the local shops, but I would guess that the residents of Holyhead would have a very long list of other things they feel the money could have been more wisely spent on.
Having said that, from a purely aesthetic point of view, it really is quite spectacular. With something so modern at one end of the island and something so old and classic at the other – The Menia Suspension Bridge - we seem to have more than our share of bridges to boast about.

Just a little side-note to all you golfers, I managed my first eagle this morning on the opening par 4. It’s only taken me 17 years to achieve this. I now wait in anticipation for my first hole in one…

Over on the other side...

2007-09-02T11:37:00.000+01:00

Over on the east side of the island things are a little calmer. Protected from the harsh North-westerly winds, the climate is softer and house prices are more expensive. Here in llanbadrig is sited the most northernly vineyard in Great Britain where Tom Barlow grows a wonderful selection of grapes for his locally produced wines; and very good they are to. Just down the road is the port of Amlwch, which is steeped in so much history I wouldn’t know where to start. Lots of pretty fishing boats and old rusty anchors to trip over. The coastline on this side of the island isn’t quite as rugged as the western side, but is still full of charm and beauty. Lots of sandy beaches and fantastic walks and the whole island is awash with ancient monuments and standing stones wherever you look. If you’re into lay-lines then Anglesey has more then her fair share. (If you’re not into lay-lines then you wont have the faintest idea what I’m talking about…)
There’s the pretty harbour of Cemaes that looks as if its been plucked straight out of a Cornish calendar, along with the wide open space that is Red Wharf Bay, which stretches for miles when the tide is out.
It’s difficult to know what it is that draws a person to a certain place. Memories of a time gone by perhaps, or a longing for change, sometimes just for the sake of it… I think that you only ever know if a place is right for you after you’ve spent time away and find yourself pining to get back. When that happens then I feel you can rightfully call that place home, and for me Anglesey, the mother of Wales, is my home.

God bless her and all who live on her.

West Side Story...

2007-09-01T11:20:00.001+01:00

Being located on the West side of the island we’re prone to some very strong north westerly winds which blow off the Irish sea; never warm but quite invigorating, if you wanted to be kind with the description. But if you ever fancied witnessing the sheer power of nature then this is the place to be.
A walk along the cliff tops, anywhere from Trearddur Bay to South Stack when the wind gets up, will give you a front seat view of some of the most spectacular action scenes you’ll encounter this side of Bruce willis and his ‘die hard’ movies. No stunts here, just the awesome power of nature doing its thing. Not everyone’s idea of a pleasant stroll along the beach, but if you feel like blowing away some cobwebs, then this is definitely not to be missed.
( I like the idea of the life belt in the picture, not a lot of use on a day like this…)
Every year around May time an international windsurfing competition comes to town and some of the best at the sport come to Rhosneigr to show of their skills. When the conditions are right these guys just fly…I think I’ll just stick with photographing them, but it sure looks like fun.
I’ve spent to long now talking about the west side of the island so the next couple of blogs we’ll head east and see what we can find over there.

ain't nothing perfect...

2007-08-31T11:51:00.000+01:00

I’ve often spoken about the beauty and tranquillity of this stunning island, but it does have its fair share of contradictions. RAF Valley is world renowned for its training of fighter jet pilots, and of course they need somewhere to practice. Now if you’re into aeronautics this could well be heaven on earth for you. On any sunny day at Rhosneigr beach you’ll see 3 or 4 of these machines hurtling around the sky, chasing each other and performing some amazing manoeuvres, they also kick out quite a sound as they pass overhead. If you want to get up real close then just book a round of golf at Anglesey Golf Club and by the time you reach the back nine you could melt your marshmallows off the rear burners on these monsters.

Thankfully their flights are normally short lived and night time training was stopped quite a few years ago. One very positive thing that has come out of the RAF base is the new commercial airline that flies in and out of the airport twice a day and for £15.00 (booked well in advance) you can be in Cardiff in just under an hour. There’s talk of extending their routes over to Dublin where, believe it or not, we have yet to visit.
For anyone staying on the island, a cheap walk-on-ticket on the ferries will get you over there in just a couple of hours and, I’m reliably told, makes for a great day out…

From dawn to dusk...

2007-08-30T19:00:00.000+01:00

I’ve talked quite a bit about early mornings here on Anglesey, but the evenings can be pretty special too. Give me a cold beer, a campfire, some sand dunes and a guitar and, with a setting sun for a light show, I couldn’t ask for more. (Well, maybe some barbecued food wouldn’t go a miss) It’s a treat we always share with visiting friends and it’s a memory that stays with them for weeks, months and even years.
The island measures around 30 miles north to south by 25 mile east to west, so you can find a beach or cliff top in next to no time. And even in the height of the summer holidays there are places you can still go and be by yourself - if you know where to find them.
I first came to Anglesey back in the seventies when a bunch of friends decided that country living was the real thing. They headed off in a camper van from London and drove north having no idea where they were going. Someone saw there was an island at the tip of North Wales and a decision was made that would impact on all our lives. I followed them here a few months later and remained here for over four years before, one by one, we drifted back to what felt like the outside world. We all had our different reasons, mine was to try and make it in the music business as a musician and composer. After ten years of playing in all sorts of bands around London I eventually sold off the instruments and bought a camera and started to photograph musicians instead of playing with them, and that’s how I got into the photographic business, but that’s a whole other story for a whole other day.

Chill!

Early Morning Traffic.

2007-08-29T12:13:00.001+01:00

With summer fast coming to a close it’s time to make the most of these light early mornings and to get out onto the water. Anglesey is renowned for its wind, which bodes well for all you kite and windsurfers, but occasionally we get a welcome break from it and all things on the island become serene. Up at 5.30 am and on the water within half an hour, just me and the sea birds and the sound of silence… Take a look.

Sound track by ' Mike Dowling '

Bird on a wire..

2007-08-28T23:13:00.000+01:00

Found this bird on one of my walk abouts. I thought it was a rag caught on the barbed wire fence but when I got closer, realised that it must have flown at full speed into the wire, breaking its neck in the process. One minute a life full of song and flight. The next, just a silent corpse now swaying in the wind.
Now I know there’s a song in there somewhere and I know Leonard Cohen had an album by the same name as my ‘ bird on a wire’, but not being a huge fan of his I couldn’t say if there was any artistic connection between the two. Anyhow, if nothing else it brought out the poet in me…

“ With blackbird feather and raven eye
I soar upon winds in an open sky.
And where fate takes me, there I’ll fly,
And where fate grants me, there I’ll die.”

A new day dawns...

2007-08-28T12:12:00.000+01:00

I would be lying if I said it was an easy life here on Anglesey. You have to find some sort of work to make ends meet and if you don’t speak the language it can make the whole process a lot more difficult. Building up the photographic business has been very slow and I’ve often had to turn my hand to other skills such as carpentry or general handyman jobs just to earn a crust. But the idea of going back to the madness of city life just isn’t on the cards for me.
A typical day in the summer can often start with a phone call from my next-door neighbour Chris at 6 am asking if I fancy an early round of golf. We’re often on the first tee by 7 am and have got to know the green keepers very well. (By the way, a round of golf for us is the first 8 holes which brings us back to the club house; if we played the back 10 holes I’m sure we’d get lost and they’d have to send out a rescue team to find us) But what a way to start the day! By the third hole your looking out over the Irish Sea towards Dublin and there isn’t a soul around. We have the course to ourselves and take as long as we like over each shot watched only by the rabbits out feeding in the early morning dew while the swallows dart in and around our feet trying their best to trip us up. It can take anywhere from an hour and a quarter to two hours to complete these 8 holes depending on whether we stop off along the way to do some ball hunting. This always results in a collective find of anything up to twenty balls or more. – Can’t remember the last time I bought any… All this and I’m still home before 9am to start my proper day of work.
Of course I don’t play golf every day, On the days I’m not playing golf you’ll find me out paddling my sea kayak around some of the most spectacular coastlines to be found anywhere in the British Isles… but that’s another story.

Have a nice day.

Paul

You've gotta start somewhere...

2007-08-27T16:59:00.000+01:00

Well here goes... my first blog and I haven't a clue where to start. What I can talk about is Anglesey and how much I love this place. I have views across to the Snowdonia mountains and a short drive to the coastal waters of the Irish sea with some of the best paddling right on my door step. You can always find somewhere quiet to sit and contemplate and take in the sea air. The sand dunes of Rhosneigr or the pine forest in Newborough are just minutes away and a hike into the mountains can be had in less then half an hour.
I came here to get away from the madness of city life where I felt like a dog chasing his tail. As the saying goes; " Do you live to work or work to live." Well here on Anglesey I work to live, and what a life I have. Pay the bills, then make images, music and waves...
Will post a few images with this first blog of mine and later on, will put a few links to some of my music.

Have a good life,

Paul.