Snowdonia by Helicopter

Beautiful flight over Snowdonia in a helicopter. The sun was shining, Sue was waving (but you can't see her) and Andy Murray won at Wimbledon. Great birthday present, thank you so much.

From Betws y Coed via Dolwyddelan, Blaenau, Dduallt, Oakeley Arms, Plas Tan y Bwlch, Portmeirion, Nantmor, Aberglaslyn, Llyn Gwynant, Plas y Brenin, Capel Curig, Betws and back to the impromptu airport.

Three Castles up Stwlan

74 classic cars started the Stwlan Hill Climb as part of the Three Castles rally but only 73 made it. Watch the film to see what happened to the Lotus!

It was brilliant to see and hear these wonderful cars snaking their way through the chicanes and round the hairpins up to Stwlan. A friendly, not too obtrusive sort of event.

As for hitching a lift with the Clerk of the Course to check out the preparations .... this is what it looks like when being driven by a young rally driver:

Slugs and sheep!

Sheep on the balcony munching geraniums

Ffestiniog 360

I didn’t see Bradley Wiggins but I did see a lot of people taking part in a very worthwhile cycle event looping 62 miles around Snowdon to raise funds for Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospice. This is what they looked like at the ‘no sweat stage’ just 5 miles down the road from Blaenau and before the uphill began.

Mr & Mrs Nuthatch return to Campbell's

Mr and Mrs Nuthatch have returned to the same hole they occupied last summer - perfect for watching the trains go past Campbell's Platform.

Likewise Pied Flycatchers returned a couple of weeks ago and one pair has taken up residence in exactly the same hole. I'm assuming it's the same pair and not trespassers. Perfectly eye level as I drive down past the bottom hairpin. This film clip was taken at the start of June last year.

Steam in the bathroom

Highlight of the week's stay for a recent visitor was watching a steam train go past from the comfort of the Campbell's Cottage bathtub.

View from the tub

Prince at Campbell's Platform

Great to see Prince back in action after some five years of absence. Looking beautiful on a sunny first of May.