Tonight I am one chuffed Dad, as my 6 year old son has now been to see his first EVER Swansea City football game.

In years to come, will he remember that his first game was a 3-nil win for the Swans in a Carling Cup 1st Round tie against Barnet at the Liberty Stadium? Well maybe, maybe not, but at least he's now been and what's even better was the fact that he loved every minute of it and wants to watch the Swans every week!

It's somewhat ironic to think that just under 20 years ago - Tuesday, 7th October 1980 to be precise - my Dad took me to my first ever Swans game. I can remember it as if it were yesterday. We were sat in the old wooden double decker stand at the Vetch Field and the Swans were up against Oldham Athletic in the 'old' Division Two - we also won that game 3 nil as well. Memories eh!

My son has asked about going to watch the Swans several times before over the last 2 seasons - usually when I'm going out of the door to a game - but every time it came to getting a ticket, he'd decide that he really didn't want to go as he'd be "bored" - much to my frustration. I did begin to wonder if this day would ever come, but alas I did need to remember that he was only 6 after all.

So last Thursday you can imagine my surprise when - as someone who shows no interest in football on TV not even during the recent world cup - I casually asked him about going to "watch the Swans" he jumped at the chance to go!

Seizing the opportunity, I bought a ticket for us both (and a friend and his son - also a first timer) to go along to the match.

I've been a bag of nerves all day, wondering and hoping that he'd enjoy his match day experience. I needn't have worried.

From the time we got to the Liberty Stadium at around 19:15, he was a bundle of excitement - even before he started on his bottle of pop - and we took our seats some 15 minutes prior to kick off.

The questions started flowing... "What are they doing that for?", "Why has he got a yellow flag?", "Where is Barnet?", "Why is he wearing yellow boots?", "Who's the man with the whistle?". This inquisitiveness continued into the game - much to my pleasure. Here was MY son and he was loving the football - the thing that most Dad's dream about.

The game itself made it all the more interesting for both of the junior jacks - what with a missed penalty, 3 goals and plenty of nearby and goalmouth action (we were sat in the very front row of the West Stand!).

The atmosphere was quite muted and certainly nowhere near as intimidating as what greets a Championship game, but there was enough noise and banter to provide additional amusement for the kids. I've little doubt that the pop, sweets and chips helped a little as well.

I also managed to restrain myself from bellowing out the usual repertoire of East Stand songs/comments (obscenities?). The only exception really being me calling Barnet's No. 4 (Mark Hughes) - no not THAT Mark Hughes - a "Donkey" due to his continuous clumsy challenges, which eventually resulted in a yellow card.

The "Donkey" comment also made it's way home with us and my son took great pleasure in explaining this little episode to his mother and the rest of the family!! Although the "Donkey" had transformed into a "Cart Horse" by the time it was retold

He also spoke excitedly about his "favourite player", the "really small and really fast number 12" - referring of course to Nathan Dyer. So it looks like Alan Tate will be struck off as his favourite player on his Cygnets membership now!

So there we have it, a memorable night for me and my son and perhaps his request on the way home of "Daddy, can we go every week to watch the Swans please?" - was the best result of all.

Who know's, but a lifelong passion might just have begun tonight.

Well here we are some 72 hours or so after Dan's Stag Day on Saturday and I'm glad to report that he's fully sobered up now. He's also back to wearing his normal clothes... by his standards anyway! Only kidding Dan

So now that the alcopops have settled, the pictures vetted and stories of the day's conversations shared, I thought it time to enlighten those present (and those not) as to some of the funnier moments of our Tour de Gower aboard the blue bus.

Now being somewhat of a lightweight in the drinking department, I opted for the safe option of a noon start to proceedings, rather than taking the hardcore option of meeting the majority of stags at 10:30 am for some breakfast.

From what I was told, breakfast consisted of two large baps filled with fresh, top quality cholesterol products - not too dissimilar from my brekkie pictured below.

With the carling/strongbow/stella/vodka/whatever (delete as appropriate) having started to flow, it was time to don the Dan's Stag attire of white t-shirts for the day and head off in search of the Royal Oak Hotel in Penclawdd.

The early banter from some of the passengers on-board the blue bus suggested that the testosterone levels had already started to rocket and that the bus wouldn't be the only thing considered 'blue' as the day unfolded. The excuses of "Well, he doesn't get out much see" were already in full circulation by the time we reached stop numero uno.

The Royal Oak, well what can I say? It has some cracking views looking out of the Loughor Estuary from the front, and erm, some stunning views of someone's kitchen from the beer garden. Oh yes and they don't sell many (if any?) bottled beers.

One of our motely crue was so rude as to ask the barman for "a bottle of Sol please butt". The rather disdainful look he got in return would have been more akin to someone asking if they could have your last 4 sheets of toilet paper when you'd just endured a severe bout of diarrhea.

After exchanging some pleasantries - and a wolf whistle - with a passing groom and bride (we had to point out the whistle was for the bride, as the groom seemed to think it was him) and giving Dan Biggar (of Osprey's fame) a big wave, we boarded the bus for our next destination never to return to the Royal Oak again. Sorry but we couldn't think of a reason why we'd want to!

Now The Greyhound Inn in Oldwalls, is what I'd call a proper country pub with a bit of character and most importantly an atmosphere.

Many of us were licking our lips at the thought of lunching here - due to a well tasty looking menu - but alas with the restaurant busier than a beach in Benidorm, we would have to make do with some liquid refreshments instead.

Thankfully there was a cracking choice of beers (including bottles!) available and large rear beer garden in which to enjoy them. This also provided us with a great team Dan's Stag photo opportunity.

Alas no sooner had we had our photo's taken and sunk our beverages it was time to head off in search of our next destination.

It was at this point in the day when we realised one major deficiency with our 'blue bus' - it had no friggin' suspension (or at least it felt that way). It did occur to me that IF any of the passengers had been suffering from piles - which had recently rescinded - then the pothole pummeling would surely only serve to bring them back to their original painful position? Thankfully nobody commented on whether or not this indeed applied to them.

Perhaps the historic ruins of Weobley Castle or the rather unusual sight of some mountain boarders in the nearby field helped null the pain many of our backsides were feeling. Thankfully it wasn't too long before we arrived of pub stop number 3 - The Britannia Inn in Llanmadoc.

The Brit is a wonderfully weird kind of place complete with it's own aviary, rabbit run, children's playground and beer garden overlooking the Loughor Estuary. It has a very rural, out of the way feel about it - but it is extremely welcoming.

With the stomachs starting to rumble and much alcohol having now been consumed, it was evident that the hazy fantazy period was well underway - aided by a rather scorching sun. Many others like I thought it was time to dine and opted for the following for £6.95 - which was described as Ham, egg and chips!

It was a disappointment to say the least and one really should have stuck with just some good old fashioned stodgy chips. David (Dan's brother) managed to blag - or perhaps commandeer would be a better description - an order of 5 bowls of chips from the young eastern european waitress. Little wonder table 9 wondered what happened to their order then...

Still at least the resident beer drinking albino cat - which could quite possibly have belonged to Ernst Stavro Blofeld of James Bond fame - enjoyed eating the fatty gristle which I'd trimmed off the cold ham!

Dan: "Is that a skinny cat?"
Blofield: "I think not Mr. Bennett"

You can just imagine the number of pussy related gags that were aired at this point - none of which I will bore you with here!!

The barman at the Brit had the most amazing (in term of looks) Russian proverb tattooed on his forearm - the translation of which escaped me and everyone else at the bar. Mind you the two pin studs he had inserted into either side of his spine at the back of his neck said it all I guess!! Who'd have thought that there'd be a wee spot of Russian in deepest Gower

After much debate and an extended stay at the Britannia it was time to hit the road once again for our last scheduled stop on the Gower tour - the Countryman in Scurlage.

This part of the journey was without doubt the worst and merely served to remind us that we did indeed have a bus with no suspension. As soon as we arrived, the queue for the gents was a sight to behold and wouldn't have looked out of place in a conga at an old people's home.

A new pub meant a new hat, neck tie and footwear for Dan. In fact I think he wanted to join the nearby 30th birthday party - as part of the entertainment obviously.

The beer kept flowing as did the games of killer pool and darts, and suffice to say the accompanying choice of music on the jukebox got that bit crankier as well. From Europe to Dr & The Medics, A-Ha to Michael Jackson and perhaps most worryingly of all the Birdy Song!

Talking of beer and food, I was mightily impressed by the selection of tipples on offer - especially Magners on draught. The choice of food menu wasn't bad either...

... but it didn't stop me and a few others sneaking into next door for some pukka tukka to soak up the afternoon's liquid refreshments.

By 18:30 it was time to depart the Gower and head off for the bright lights of the city and a return to basecamp in the Wig and Pen.

At was as this stage that a number of the troops were a wee bit worse for wear and took the sensible (if boring!) option of heading home. By the time we'd donned our number one's (i.e. bestest shirts) and admired our glowing foreheads (thank you Mr. Sunshine) our numbers had dwindled to around 18.

From here on in things get more than a little bit sketchy as this media correspondent was well and truly in ciderspace. They say a video is better than any blog's words, so with this is mind I'll let this video snippet of Dan the Stag set the scene for the reminder of our evening...

Shortly afterwards a party of saga louts arrived to celebrate someone's 80th birthday and so we thought it best to leave as we didn't want any trouble

So only 8 of us then made the long walk into town (via McDonalds) to Reflex for some bopping and other Wind Street, Swansea sorts of things.

To set the final scene, I'll just use a few choice words/phrases and leave the rest to your imagination - giant cocktails, landing on one's arse, nurses, dodgy dancing, shorts, pole dancing, peppermint and cheap vibrators. Those present 'til the end will know exactly what I'm referring too!

All in all it was a cracking day and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves immensely - especially Dan.

A big thanks as well to Captain Chris who organised proceedings and for all those that attended and made the day what it was. Thanks to those of you who followed on twitter as well - just a shame the #dansstag hash tag didn't catch on.

And finally, apologies if I've missed anyone or anything off this little write up, but the combination of alcohol and age have taken their toll on my memory!

See you all on September 3rd

Tomorrow is a big day for a certain Daniel Bennett as it's his stag do. Fair play, the lad's got sense making sure he has his 'blow out' well before he gets married to Laura on September 3rd

Our Dan is an avid Swansea City fan (like myself) and is a season ticket holder in the affectionately known 'ASBO stand' (AKA Tesco stand) at the Liberty Stadium. Thinking about it, I suspect that given the Con-Dems decision earlier this week to abolish the ASBO (in its current guise at least) then the stand will have to be re-named... hmmmm... answers on the back of a banning order please. Anyway, I digress.

He shares a passion for disliking Cardiff (anything and everything), football officials and his 5 year old nephew beating him at penalties. He also had a tendency to get rather irate at the football - usually at Gorka Pintado's striking ability or the officials. Personally, I think the constant sucking on Trebor's extra strong mints has something to do with it, but he denies this vehemently.

So there's your background on the stag and an insight into some of the likely banter for the day.

Talking of banter - the whole reason for this blog post - is that I've been assigned the task of media correspondent for the day, which will involve providing online updates of the day's events... from a sensible start to a messy finish no doubt - and the obligatory (censored) epilogue afterwards of course.

I'm hopeful of many a tweet, twitpic or twitvid - so if you fancy a gander then simply follow me. I'm also going to try and start trending the #dansstag hash tag on twitter - but I suspect I won't get far with that unless my followers/blog readership help out... HINT HINT

In all seriousness though, I hope it'll make interesting reading as part of the day will involve doing a tour of the Gower and it's numerous country pubs - cue some culinary, historical and beer related info, or at least that's my plan. You never know on trips like this if you're going to unearth some real gems (in terms of food/beer).

All sounds a bit sensible for a stag do - well yes it probably is, but part of the reason for this (from my perspective at least) is that I really can't drink very much alcohol (i.e. > 3 pints) without sounding like a complete bumbling f*ckwit! Some people might say I sound like that anyway, but that's a different story.

The fun kick's off at Sam's Cafe on St. Helen's Road at 10:30, am before our official transport arrives at the Wig and Pen at 11:45. This is when I suspect the majority of the party of 25 plus - myself included - will arrive. I had hoped to disclose a picture of our t-shirt attire for the day on this very blog, but alas for reasons of secrecy I am unable to do so. I'll be sure to post a picture tomorrow though!

Our first scheduled stop is the Royal Oak in Penclawdd before embarking on our own 'Tour De Gower'. For those left standing/walking/talking it'll then be onto Wind Street by approximately 8pm - which is when I'm sure we'll really have the urine extracted out of us due to the t-shirts.

And there you have it, the prologue to what we all hope will be an epic day for Dan the Stag.

The ever popular Cancer Research 'Race for Life' came to Swansea once again today and it marked the very first "organised" 5k run that my Mrs had ever taken part in.

Several months ago - well May to be precise - Mrs DDWT had mentioned how much she'd like to get into running - especially seeing as I'd caught the 'running' bug. So we sat down and thought of a way forward...

That's where the 'Race for Life' came in and what better way to start running than to support a charity for something which was close to our hearts.

Cancer had claimed the life of my Dad and no doubt countless members of other families across the length and breadth of the UK and indeed the world.

So the goal was set - to run the Swansea Race for Life. This meant that not only would Mrs. DDWT get fit but as we had personal reasons for supporting a charity, it would also give her all the more drive and determination to achieve her goal.

Given her lack of running, she'd also set herself - what I'd call an extremely modest - target of £75 in sponsorship money. And here's a shameless plug for anyone who'd like to donate online - even if it's only a £1!

As you can imagine, our two little 'uns and I were immensely proud to see Mrs DDWT on the starting line today. The stunningly pink site of thousands of women doing their bit for such a wonderful charity was fantastic and spurred everyone on I've no doubt (aided by some tub thumping music!).

Here's a short video clip I took when the "race" started (see if you can spot yourself ladies) ....

Some 37 minutes or so after the start we were cheering Mrs DDWT over the finishing line in a time well under her target of 40 minutes!

At the end of the day though, as she rightly said, it wasn't about her time - it was about the taking part and feeling part of such a great and touching occasion.

The personal messages that adourned the back of every participant was testament to how much cancer has touched so many lives and for this reason alone it was wonderful to see so many women of all ages, shapes and sizes taking part.

So well done Mrs DDWT and ALL of the other women who took part, you should be extremely proud of yourselves.

Having been on what I'd call a 3 discipline fitness routine - running/cycling/weight training - since May, I thought it was high time to actually set myself a more challenging target than I had originally.

The original target was to train at least 5 times a week, running at least 20 miles, cycling at least 20 miles and doing 3 weight training sessions (of at least 1 hour in duration). This meant that I'd also have to discipline myself to get up at 6am most mornings to fit it all in or face it during my lunch break! It was a tall order but I was up for the challenge.

Looking back since I started, I've had some good and some bad days - not feeling 100%, work or home life impacting on scheduled training days, lack of motivation, etc - but all in all it's gone fantastically well. Better in fact than I'd ever imagined.

But here I am some 10 weeks into my fitness 'regime' and I feel it's time to focus on my next challenge as the existing one is starting to get repetitive - despite feeling and seeing the benefits of my hard work!!

So during my al-desko lunch break today I took the plunge and entered myself for the Cardiff Half-Marathon on Sunday, October 17th 2010. This will be without doubt my biggest running challenge EVER - as I have never run 13 miles in a race environment in my life. Please note that I'm not what you'd call a "proper" runner anyway!

The time between now and October will give me enough time to tweak my current training methods to focus more on longer distance running - something which I will have to do at the expense of (probably) the cycling - otherwise I am going to suffer big style come race day.

I've also decided to use the Swansea Bay 10K on September 26th, as a kind of benchmark of my progress (in terms of race time) and as part of my training.

Why do I do it? Well I suppose the main reason is that I'm a very competitive person and I always try and push the boundaries of what I can achieve, firmly believing that you can always squeeze that little bit extra out - be it running 2 seconds faster or lifting 5 kgs more. I think I'm pretty much like that with everything in life and I know my wife would agree with that statement!

Hopefully this half-marathon will give me the satisfaction of achieving another goal in my life and subsequently will no doubt drive me onto my next challenge - whatever that may be.

As it was such a gloriously sunny summer's day, we decided to make the relatively short drive to the Cwm Clydach nature reserve, which is in the village of Craig Cefn Parc - some 4 miles north of junction 45 of the M4.

One of the first things you notice as you arrive at Cwm Clydach, is that the New Inn pub is conveniently located just across the bridge from the entrance to the reserve - so for those of you looking for some pre/post walk food or liquid refreshment you won't be disappointed!

The nature reserve is made up of woodland and grassy glades and the lower Clydach river runs through the entire length of the reserve. This therefore makes an ideal habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies and flowers.

The reserve also offers two different trails catering for those who want an easy route, called the 'Nixon' trail - which is child and pushchair friendly - or the more rugged 'Trussler' trail for the more adventurous walkers. The former is approximately 1.5 miles round trip to the car park and back, whilst the latter is around 3 miles there and back.

The trails lead on from each other, so you have the choice to carry on if you wish or simply turn back. Both are well signposted as well - so there's no chance of getting lost!

As we'd left the pushchair in the car, we decided to go for gold and do both! With two young children (6 and 2) this took us around 3 hours to do - with numerous stops along the way to look at plants, birds, butterflies and even some fish in the river.

Whilst walking along the initial Nixon trail, it was hard to imagine that until 1962 the reserve was actually a working coal mine and that this particular trail was the tramway that server the collieries. The remains of some of the old colliery buildings were still there for us to see - despite being covered in moss and ivy in many cases.

Here are some more of the better pictures I took whilst we were walking along the trails...

There were an abundance of foxglove's to be found throughout the reserve, which added some dazzle to the predominately green colours on display. There were also buttercups and bluebells aplenty for the flower lovers amongst you.

On the return leg of our walk, we we fortunate enough to spot a Grey Wagtail hopping between some rocks - looking for food I suspect - on the river.

We also spotted and heard the loud 'calling' of a young buzzard whom was being what I can only describe as harassed by some ravens. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't quick enough with my camera to capture it.

Despite spotting several different coloured butterflies - including a bright yellow one - I was only able to catch 2 on camera. I think that the following are pictures of a Great Spangled Fritillary and a Silver Washed Fritillary - but I stand to be corrected.

The reserve will offer a completely different persona and resident depending on the season of your visit, but no matter what time of year there is plenty of natures beauty on offer to entice people of all ages.

So if you're looking for something relaxing to do this summer and enjoying nature or walking, then I think you should make a visit to Cwm Clydach - I doubt you'll be disappointed.

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.

For as long as I can remember I've had little interest in General Elections - for various reasons - but this time around it's been different.

I watched all 3 of the leader's debates on television, read various online sources of election information and news, picked up numerous 'tweets' about it and pretty much soaked up any other media source of election titbits that came my way.

Why? Well quite simply for the first time in my life I actually feel the outcome of this election will affect not only my life for the forseeable future but that of my family as well.

What did I learn from the televised debates? Very little if I'm honest (did anybody?). We had what I personally felt was expected...

Gordon Brown bombarding us with facts and figures or 'substance' as the media moguls kept calling it;

David Cameron playing the 'pick me for change' card, but without actually really telling us what that exactly would mean to the average person in the street;

Nick Clegg happily playing the waiting game whilst G&D exchanged verbal blows before swanning in-between both and appearing as the solution to everything (but again without actually telling us anything!);

As for the minority parties well I didn't really see or hear enough about them - or rather their policies - to really make a judgement. A fact which I thought was rather surprising, especially here in Wales as we have Plaid Cymru. I wonder if any Scots reading this felt the same about the SNP?

Much of the media hype surrounding the debates focussed on what they wore, how they did their tie, did they look at the camera, did they address the person in the audience asking the questions, etc, etc - did anyone really give a rats arse about this stuff? Surely it's the policy details of each political party that we're interested in, after all that is where the devil is... isn't it?

I was brought up in a working class environment - my father a lorry driver and my mother a shop assistant - money was hard to come by and my parents worked very hard.

Growing up I remember the Thatcher years and the stories my Dad would say about the miner's strikes and in particular the violent scenes at the now former British Steel Plant in Port Talbot. Scenes which were replicated across the coalfields of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire - remember Arthur Scargill?

I can also recollect the privitisation of British Rail - another wonderful Conservative government idea. I'm sure there are other bones of contention for those of you with better memories that I.

But all that is in the past now and I've kept an open mind - or at least tried too - for the 2010 General Election. I've focussed on what affects the house of DDWT now.

I am a married man with two young children and work in local government. These facts alone make me very wary of the Conservatives.

The proposed £6 billion savings that Mr. Cameron would look to slice off 'Government' immediately if he came to power worries me - how many jobs and services does that equate to? Then there's the debate of tax credits, oh and the inheritance tax thresholds to help the more economically stable individuals within the UK. I won't even be drawn into the debate over immigration....

Mr. Clegg was refreshing and offered - I felt - less of a gamble than a Tory vote but at least they appeared to be on the same lines ('ish) as Labour when it came to tax credits and the NHS. The only bone of contention for me was/is the immigration amnesty policy - the least said the better probably.

And finally Mr. Brown, whom basically gave it to us as it was - complete with his facts and figures (again!). He is no prime minister though and lacks the charismatic charm that goes with the territory. You only had to see Tony Blair in action earlier this week to confirm that. GB was a good chancellor, but not such a good PM.

So who did the house of DDWT vote for? My wife made no secret of the fact that she didn't have the same interest or indeed inclination to be interested (her words not mine) in the election as I did, and as such we had our own views on each party and their policies.

Having said that we both voted and given the information at our disposal and considering our own circumstance, we both decided that it was very much a case of 'better the devil you know that the one you don't'.

Only time will tell of course if that remains the case, but I've little doubt that whomever is the power holder in British politics some turbulent times lay ahead.

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.

Being an avid football fan, I was most intrigued today with the announcement of the squads for some of the particpating countries in this year's World Cup in South Africa.

BRAZILIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2010
Pinnochio
Libero
Vimto
Memento
Borneo
Tango
Cheerio
Subbuteo
Scenario
Fellatio
Portfolio

SUBS:
Placebo
Porno
Polio
Banjo
Brasso
Stereo (L)
Stereo (R)
Hydrochlorofluoro
Aristotle
Computersezno

CROATIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2010
Itch
Annoyingitch
Hardtoreachitch
Scratchanitch
Hic
Sic
Spic
Pric
Digaditch
Fallinaditch
Horseraditch

SUBS:
Mowapitch
Letsgetrich
Shagabitch

RUSSIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2010
Whodyanicabolicov
Ticlycov
Chesticov
Nasticov
Slalomsky
Downhillsky
Risky
Swedishshev
Mastershev
Fuckov
Ufuckov

SUBS:
Rubitov
Gechakitov
Sodov
Pastryshev
Najinsky
Ivorripabollockov
Taykitov

ROMANIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2010
Chatanoogaciouciou
Atishiou
Blessiou
Thankyiou
Busqueue
Snookercu
Pennyciou
Twoapennyciou
Fourapennyciou
I'llgetciou
Youandwhosarmi

SUBS:
U
NonU
ManU
Stuffyiou

DANISH SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2010
Toomanigoalssen
Tryandstopussen
Crapdefenssen
Haveagossen
Firstsson
Seccondsson
Thirdsson
Legshurtssen
Notroubleseeingussen
Wherestheballssen
Getthebeerssen

SUBS:
Howmanygoalsisthatssen
Finallygaveupcountinssen
Hurryupandblowthewhistlessen
Yourelatedtoalexfergusonssen

ITALIAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2010
Baloni
Potbelli
Beerbelli
Giveitsumwelli
Wotsontelli
Yrarseissmelli
Onetoomani
Legslikejelli
Havabenni
Wobblijelli
Spendapenni

SUBS:
Cantthinkofani
Buggermi

MEXICAN SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2010
San Francisco
Costa Brava
Hopelez
Juan Andonly
Manuel Gearbox
Don Criformi- Argentina
Skrewdigalz
Luis Canon
Sombrero
Chihuahua
Jose

SUBS:
Jesus Maria Don Key
Burrito
Speedy Gonzalez
Tequila
Caramba

DUTCH SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP 2010
Kenning van Hire
Van Diemansland
Van der Valk
Van Gard
Van Erealdizeez
Ad van Tagus
Hertz van Rental
Transit van Dors
Van Coova
Van Sprokendown
Aye van Hoe

SUBS:
Van Iller
Van Ishincreme
Van Morrison

Now the squad names have been announced I'm off to get my favourite Brazillian player's shirt - Fellatio