Today it has been sunny at the coast and a lot greyer inland. It has also been quite windy so it was a good thing that the regatta at Aberdyfi was postponed much to Peter and the other rowers' disappointment but at least they now have a few more weeks to train.
Today's walk began at the Osprey Centre. (Will post photos of the ospreys tomorrow.) Only three of us today, not surprising as people tend to have family commitments in the school holidays. The first thing we did was look at the six large screens that were livestreaming from the osprey's nest. Then we noticed an even larger smart screen, about 4ft across showing the Google Earth view of the area. Naturally we started moving the touch screen around to see where we were going to be walking and other places we knew. Our inexperience had the screen going this way and that and turning unexpectedly. We ended up with a 3-d view of the hills from the other side of the valley which was quite impressive. There was much hilarity and no doubt people were thinking who were this unruly group of older people? Then while my fellow walkers sat and had a coffee in the very smart visitors' centre as I took advantage of my pass and went for a quick walk along the boardwalk. (I have a year's pass for the wildlife reserve.)
Sunset last night.
As it was quite cool there was a distinct lack of lizards but there were large red signs about asking people not to touch the lizards or any other wildlife. I was able to point out the one lizard I saw to a family group who were just behind me which they got quite excited about.
This was the cosy reading area, somewhat ransacked by children, where my friends were waiting for me.
From the Osprey Centre we crossed the main road and climbed a small path beside Nant Morben, a small stream in which was growing large groups of skunk cabbage. The skunk cabbage is an invasive non-native species that probably originated in the gardens of the grand mansions that were once the homes of the wealthy.
After climbing over fallen trees we made out way up to the toll or turnpike road that used to connect Mach with Aber in the days when sections of the valley were marshy and impassable.
From there we turned up and climbed Mynydd Cynffyrch (So Far Mountain). Okay so it's only a hill but the name says mountain and from our lunch spot we had great views up the Dyfi valley towards Mach.
And more views across to Snowdonia. This time it wasn't a circular walk and we had to retrace our path back down the hill. The first section by the stream is too uneven for Peter's knees but we can take the easier route up from Derwenlas along the turnpike road instead so that's another one we can do together.
Afterwards we all drove back to Borth and paid a visit to Gill, (the friend who tripped and cracked her hip a few weeks ago) as the chap who organised the walks is also a friend of hers. She's still staying with her friend but the friend had been away for a few days visiting her family and we thought she could do with some company. She can get along on her crutches and has been taking short walks around the block but she has to inject herself (in her abdomen) every day. Something to do with preventing bleeding in the hip. We had a good chat together before heading off to our respective homes.
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