Lliw Valley Reservoirs
Having visited the lower Lliw reservoir last week during a lunchtime bike ride, I thought it would make an ideal place to take the family on a warm and sunny bank holiday!
For those of you whom aren't familiar with the area or how to get to the reservoirs, simply leave the M4 at junction 46 and follow the signs for Felindre and the brown Country Park signs.
As soon as you see the Felindre village sign turn right and follow the road until you see the sign to turn left for the Lliw Reservoirs (opposite the Welsh Water buildings/works). Follow this road and you'll eventually get to the country park at the lower Lliw reservoir. The kids will love the latter part of the journey as the road passed several fields and a farm, complete with sheep, horses, donkeys and chickens!
There are good car parking facilities in the park, as well as toilets and numerous picnic tables. An ice cream van had even pitched up for the day today - thanks to the sunshine I'm sure. There used to be a cafe - with working clock perched on top - but I'm told that the lease for this is now up (see Welsh Water if interested!).
Also situated in the car park is a bronze sculpture called 'Emergence' by Naomi Bunker, a local artist. I'm unsure as to the significance or relevance of this to the area. Does anyone know?
There are several walks to choose from and cater for everyone - from a short wander around the lower reservoir, a 4 mile route suitable for pushchairs taking in the upper and lower reservoir or an open moorland route of over 10 miles (for the more adventurous and kitted out walker!).
Given that we had the kids and pushchair in tow, we opted for the 4 mile walk and enjoying both the reservoirs. The two reservoirs offer a distinct difference in environment - the lower set amongst a wooden valley, whilst the upper is in open moorland.
This meant that the walk offered us a great mix of nature and landscape - some of which are hopefully captured in the following photographs.
This gorse bush had a really strong scent which I can best describe as smelling like coconut oil - and no there weren't any sunbathers in sight!
Here a just a couple of the many sheep we encountered whilst heading towards the upper reservoir and latter stages of the walk.
The kids loved being able to get so close to them, not to mention the various streams that were full of tadpoles and pond-skaters. We were even fortunate enough to hear a cuckoo - a sound which I certainly hadn't heard for quite a few years.
The entire walk took us approximately 3 hours but that included several stops, taking pictures and various kiddie carrying debates 
But all in all it's been a lovely day and one which we all thoroughly enjoyed. So if you've not visited the reservoir(s) before, I hope you do as I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
One final tip, if you want a really in-depth walking guide for the Lliw Valley reservoirs, then I'd recommend reading the Glamorgan Walks website.
Llyn Llech Owain Country Park
With my 5 mile Monday run out of the way by 11am this morning, we thought we'd make the most of the remainder of the Bank Holiday weekend and head off to a local country park.
It had been many years since I had been to Llyn Llech Owain Country Park and I was keen to show it off to the rest of the family whom had never had the pleasure of seeing it previously.
Llyn Llech Owain is situated in the village of Gorlas, near to Cross Hands in Carmarthenshire and is easily accessible from the nearby A48. Here's a link to the park on Google maps.
The park is essentially a peat bog, lake and woodland reserve of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has a wide range of interesting wildlife in its different habitats.
A modest £2 all day parking fee applies and there is a visitor centre, café, childrens play area - one for toddlers and one for the older kids.
There are numerous picnic spots dotted around for you to enjoy the different scenery on offer - whether it be the lake, nearby woodland, foresty or even the distant views of Pembrokshire's Preseli mountains.
The choice of several different walks around the lake and surrounding woodland making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and especially families with children.
Access to the walks is pretty good with the lake being circled by a boardwalk and the other paths suitable to pushchairs - with a wee bit of effort.
A well positioned bird watching hut - with views over the lake - will be a favourite with both ornithologists and part time birdwatchers. It also provides a tranquil spot in which to fully enjoy nature's beauty.
There is also a man-made bog pool in the park, which was created in order to provide a rich habitant for the various insects and amphibians which live in and around the lake.
The kids were drawn to the visitor centre (shame it was closed) or the mini tower as DDWT Junior refered to it!
They also liked the Welsh water pumphouse which meant they could get an even better view of the lilly pads on the lake - we didn't see any frogs though unfortunately.
Several of the boardwalks have sections which border the lake's edge thus allowing you to scrutinise the water for sign of wildlife.
At one of these sections, we were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of dozens of tadpoles merrily swimming around just inches away.
We probably spent the best part of 2 hours wandering around the park and I've no doubt that we'd have been there longer if it wasn't for tiny feet and tummys starting to ache and rumble.
I'm sure that visiting the park on a Summer's evening with the sun setting - or even sunrise perhaps - would provide an even greater insight into the full range of birds, insects and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
So if you're stumped for something relaxing to do one weekend afternoon or even weekday evening - then head off the Llyn Llech Owain Country Park, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Newgale Sands in Pembrokeshire
An early start today as I went for my 2nd run of the holiday, as we'd planned on spending the best part of the day on Newgale Sands.
We'd had the idea of spending the day down on the beach after admiring it's beauty - albeit from afar - on our trip to St. David's a couple of days ago.
Newgale is approximately 6 miles north of Broad Haven and has pretty much everything you'd expect of a Blue Flag beach with a long golden beach, surfing waves and stunning scenery all around it's edge - as you can see from this video I did.
There is a free car park adjacent to the beach as well as toilet facilities and a small ice cream stall - which was closed when we were there (darn it!).
The beach was stunning and ideal for anything from sunbathing to flying a kite, or even in our case using the pebbles from the natural sea defences as a source for a sand dinosaur!!
I've got to say that the credit for this bit of creativity must go to my 6 year old son - not moi!
Although the day was - or at least felt - the warmest day of the year thus far, the sea breeze/wind made it feel cooler than it probably was. Having said that, it made perfect conditions for kite flying and we duly took the opportunity to give it a bash.
Thinking back, whilst it was my son's first attempt at flying a kite, it must have been the first time in donkey's years (i.e. over 25) that I'd had a go and it was great fun! In fact I'd forgotten how much fun flying a kite was/is
Despite a sumptous alfresco lunch, it was apparent that by late afternoon that the sun had taken it's toll on us all and with enrgy levels flagging it was time to head home to recharge the batteries.
Given the clear blue skies, we made a brief stop on the way back to Broad Haven at Maidenhall - an ideal picnic spot a couple of I hasten to add a couple of miles south of Newgale - to admire the stunning coastal views from a higher vantage point.
By now my face felt like a pair of brand spanking new leather shoes... and it was a surprise that I didn't stop any traffic on the way back - such was the red 'ish amber glow to my complexion!
Thankfully Mrs DDWT's moisturiser came to the rescue and I'm hopeful of a reduced and non-blistered facial glow tomorrow morning!
St. David’s – Britain’s smallest City
With most of the holiday gang having an unexpected lie-in our planned early departure to St. David's didn't materialise and we ended up being a couple of hours late - much to the drivers annoyance 
However, once we were on our way we were all mesmorised by the wonderful coastal views and sandy beaches which we took in along the way to Britain's smallest city.
The coastal walk around Druidston Haven looked stunning as we slowly drove past and although we couldn't see how to get to the beach, I've little doubt that it was another of Pembrokeshire's hidden gems.
Next stop was Nolton Haven a small but impressively sandy and secluded spot and well worth a visit if only for a bite to eat or temporary respite from the narrow and meandering B4341. One word of advice about the road - try and avoid meeting the Pembrokeshire Coastal Bus service en route, otherwise like me, you'll need to reverse some 50 metres so it can get past!
The real stunner however was Newgale beach whose golden sands seemed to stretch for miles and was quite spectacular and reminiscent of the large sandy beaches of the Gower that I am more accustomed too.
After going through the small village of Solva we had almost reached our intended destination. It had been many years since I - or indeed the rest of the gang - last visited St. Davids and I couldn't help but feel that it had lost some of its quaintness due to becoming more comercialised with an abundance of bistro's and designer chic clothes shops.
Whilst wandering around the "city" the vast array of accents that we overheard - particulary American - gave testament to the commericial changes and I suppose any person with some business acumen would see the potential of certain establishments.
Although the weather was very sunny it was surprisingly chilly due to the blusterly north easterly wind, so we quickly headed for the sanctuary of St. David's main attraction - the Cathedral.
Here is a picture of the ruins of the Bishops Palace, which is adjacent to the cathedral.
Once inside the cathedral, we were amazed by the colourful stain glass windows that decorated the interior and the very impressive organ - which impressively overshadowed the numerous pews.
It's also worth mentioning that the St. David's cathedral website is very informative and well worth a read - especially if you intend visiting or simply wish to know more about its history.
Before concluding our visit to St. David's we took a stroll around the award winning Oriel y Parc Gallery. The gallery won the prestigious 'Rural Areas and Natural Environment Planning award' in 2009 for its use of state-of-the-art green technologies and is a well worth a visit on any day out in St. David's.
Oriel y Parc is the National Park Authority's visitor centre for St. David's and provides you with all of the information you're likely to need for your visit. You'll also find several galleries - including collections of art and treasures from the National Museum of Wales - a café and a shop. But perhaps best of all are the regular events held at the complex for children - all of which are related to the environment and its sustainability.
After returning back to base and relaxing a wee bit (i.e. stuffing our faces with some pukka tucker) we decided to round off our day with an evening stroll along the beach at Broad Haven.
Watching the sun setting over St. Brides Bay was very romantic... even if a wee bit chilly!
Exploring Broad Haven
An early start to proceedings today as I opted to go for an early morning run, the first of the holiday thus far. In typical fashion it was also the windiest day thus far and the hilly terrain provided me with an alternative run out to my usual surroundings.
My 35 minute run took in the main road between Broad Haven and Little Haven, as well as some of the surrounding lanes and tracks - not to mention what I can only assume is Broad Haven football club's home ground?
A quick shower and it was time for us all to have a much anticipated bacon butty breakfast. Not exactly in keeping with the healthy theme I know, but what the heck we're on holiday!
Next stop was Broad Haven beach with our goal today being to walk around the cove to Little Haven - tide permitting (unlike yesterday).
Thankfully a quick check on the Pembrokeshire tide tables via the internet on my mobile meant that we knew we'd have to be well on our way before the low tide at 11:30 am.
Although Broad Haven beach is wonderfully sandy there are enough rock pools near the coves to the south and north ends of the beach to make them an intriguing destination for kids of all ages (including big ones like me).
With the sun beating down on us in what felt like the hottest day of the year thus far and the kids starting to flag it was time to make a hasty retreat to the house for some much needed refreshments - but not without stopping for a dollop of Pembrokeshire's award winning ice cream from Upton Farm first though!
This evening saw a beautiful sunset and the location of our holiday home provided an ideal photograhic opportunity...
Broad Haven here we come
Phooo wee, it's been a long day but alas we're now tucked up and un-packed in our humble abode for the week in sunny Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire - the St. Brides Bay version not the other one!
Without doubt Broad Haven is a popular place mainly thanks to it being great for sun worshippers and water sports lovers. It's expanse of golden sand - which links up with nearby Little Haven at low tide - make it a great place for young families and it is widely considered as one of the finest beaches in St Brides Bay.
So eager with excitement, the house of DDWT was up at 7:30 to get ready for a proposed 13:30 departure (as we were unable to use our cottage/house before 3pm). For once we actually left on time and had a relatively easy journey with no tantrums and very little traffic, the only hold-up really being the road improvement scheme on the A40 near the Blue Lagoon Water park.
The accomodation was great and we could see why it had been given a 5 star rating. The bottle of wine provided by the owners was also a nice touch!
After unpacking, we ventured out for a walk down in order to get our bearings and check out the beach - especially with the sunset fast approaching. Although a chilly wind ensured we didn't stay very long - but long enough for DDWT Junior to 'fall' into the sea and drench himself!
With the sea air still fresh in the lungs, I then had the misfortune of drawing the short straw of deciding whom was going to do the grocery shop. I ended up in the Tesco superstore in Haverfordwest - they get everywhere don't they - and as usual lined the pocket of Tesco far too much. At least it was a short drive of only 5 miles away.
So here I am having got back around an hour or so ago and everyone is ready for bed - it's been a long day!
Norwich City v Swansea
Norwich City away was the longest trip the Swans would face in the League this year and so it was an obvious choice on our shortlist of 'away' trips to be undertaken. Here is a rundown of our little trip!
The Deeters Bar Jacks (note the new spelling in order to avoid confusion for Chris whom thought it was Dieters as in weight loss, rather than a German forename!) set off in bang bus number six at 7:15am with a daunting 616 mile round trip to Carrow Road ahead of us.
We had the pleasure of welcoming TJ to the Deeters 'family' although some of the lads insisted on calling him Conkers - in reference to his north Walian wine making roots as opposed to his genitalia. Anyway, his additional vocal presence was most welcome.
We made good time and before we knew it were in Reading services having an M&S stop. We were roughly half way there! Without wanting to waste valuable eating time, we left sharpish with Lance at the helm and it was full steam ahead for our pre-match lunch stop - The Gamekeeper in Old Buckenham which was some 15 miles or so from Norwich.
After a few minor navigational problems we reached our main grub stop around noon and were impressed by what we saw when we arrived. Good choice Lance! Trudging in through some bemused locals we studied the menu and ordered our liquid refreshment. We were not disappointed on either front!! I went for the Rabbit and Venison stew in dumplings, served with mash and roast courgettes, swilt down with some fine Aspall Organic Suffolk Cyder - WOW it certainly hit the spot. Don't ask me what the others had, I was too busy satisfying my palette on one of - if not the - best away day meals I've had to date.
1:30 pm duly arrived and it was time to head off in search of Carrow Road and some parking. It was a bit touch and go for a while and a very long walk meant that we finally got to the ground with 10 minutes to spare!
I won't say much the game itself as you can read numerous match reports on both the official Swans and Norwich websites.
It goes without saying that we were well happy with the result and it made the long journey home a happy one, which had we lost I think would have - well need I say more!
Talking of the journey home, you'll never guess who we saw driving (with his son) - yes, the hamster himself Mr. Kenny Jackett!! We did try our best to get his attention - but he never flinched, keeping his eyes on the road and Mercedes in one piece with it. Miserable git
Not being one to start rumours or anything, but he was heading in the direction of Watford on the M25 circular - going home after the 'Wall game maybe or perhaps off to see the Watford chairman about a new job. Remember where you read it first
Anyway, farewell until the next Deeters Bar Jacks away trip.....
Katherine Jenkins' Drugs Revelation
Poor old Katherine Jenkins. How difficult it must have been for this talented multi-millionaire songstress to come clean and reveal to the tabloids that she'd done various drugs in her pre-stardom days. Grown men and women have leapt to her defence and expressed admiration for her having the strength to come clean.
Oh come off it. I mean really, how hard could it have been for her. She's well liked (as the public/media reaction illustrates) and financially secure (having recently been awarded a £6 million pound recording contract).
Can you imagine the outcry if a lesser known/squeaky clean personality had come out about their past misdemeanours. Need I say more?
Of course there is the issue of Christmas being just 51 days away and a certain 'Sacred Arias' album having been released just a couple of weeks ago - so it couldn't be one massive marketing and media push by her agent could it?
Nah, our Katherine is too nice for that. Surely.
Shoe shopping
Oh what a day. I've never liked shoe shopping, not even for myself and I simply can't understand why so many women (in particular) do. Anyway, where am I going with this?
Well it quickly became very apparent today that DDWT Junior is certainly following in his dad's footsteps (no pun intended) with his immense dislike for shoe shopping as well! Trouble was, it was for him we were doing the shopping.
To make matters worse, we needed shoes and trainers for him - so we were going to have our work cut out. I won't bore you with the details of a marathon 4 hour shoe shopping session - where tempers flared on several occasions, but we got there in the end.
My pockets are nigh on £55 lighter (for size 11 children's shoes!) but at least we got the job done and the little fella is happy with his new "shoosies".
I'll also give a mention to the Landore park and ride service, which we used for the first time today. For £1.50 (per car) it's great value and we were very impressed by the service and shall be sure to use it again - rather than get gridlocked in Swansea and then pay through the nose for parking.
It was also nice to have a rest day from the training as well. Having done 4 runs this week, I was in need of a rest as I felt leg weary to say the least. I still missed not doing any training though!
Gillingham v Swansea City
The Swans finally sealed promotion to the Coca Cola Championship with a 2-1 win at Gillingham and I was there!
Full details of the my day on tour with the Dieters Bar Jacks to follow soon!
