Red Kite feeding

We had expected rain all day, but in fact there was a short spell from 10 until about 1 when it didn't rain. We had decided to go to this nature reserve where the Red Kite is in abundance. We got up late, relieved to hear from Henry, who survived his night of wild camping in a bivvy bag and under a tarp. I think he was warm, but had to get up to pin down his tarp in the night. I worried about it all night, but for him, at 19, he has taken himself off for an adventure, and is fine. He is now heading to a campsite in North Wales, and hopes to find birds to photograph.

Our drive along the coast road was a nightmare. It has been the downside of our holiday - all of the main roads have roadworks. It took an age to creep along the coast and so we stopped at Aberystwyth and went in to the town where we found a table outside a nice cafe where we had coffee and crepes. So that was a treat. Then walking back along the front, blustery and cold, we stopped to chat to a couple who were touring on their motorbikes. The man had a huge BMW and his lady had a 1200cc Triumph!! They came from Guernsey, so I wonder if Jose and John know them? Jon was envious of the bikes, they were very smart.

We drove from Aberystwyth to the Bwlch Nant Yr Arian Forest. We went for the kite feeding at 3, so squeezed our picnic in, but had to stay in the car. It was very wet. Then walking down to where the kites are fed, the sky was awash with birds. They clearly knew what the time was. My camera couldn't really get a good picture, and I'm restricted to blipping with my phone while I am away, but it was an impressive sight. We walked round the lake. It was just too wet to be out in it for any longer.

We drove back across country, the journey took an hour and a half. It seemed a long way, but at least we weren't sitting in road works.

I cooked a chicken korma when I got back, adding things that needed eating up (some French beans!) We are hoping we might get another dry spell tomorrow morning. If we do, we can take down our awning. We will take it down tomorrow anyway, but it woukd be good if it was dry. We are due to go home Thursday, but might leave tomorrow evening. So a bit of sorting out to do tonight and tomorrow before the journey home.

Has been a lovely break, and such lovely countryside and coastline. A bit wetter than I'd like, but that's why it's so green. Might come back, but would only stay for a week next time!