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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Sunday 19 June 2022

Ynys-Hir RSPB reserve

 That meal at the hotel last night, well worth the 20-minute walk into Pennal. Not that cheap, but what was delivered was substantial and very well-prepared. Rain had also been forecast, so waterproofs tucked into a backpack just in case. But for once our luck was in because not a drop fell until after we got back.

This morning we said farewell to Sheila and Chris, Alan, Angela and the adorable Sophie. Another family holiday thoroughly enjoyed. Roll on next year when we do it all again.

Our first stop was for provisions, Ian's turn to cook tonight, and we can't have a chilli without mince! Then it was off to the RSPB centre at Machynlleth. 

Gosh, it was a shock to the system when we stepped outside MB. Blooming cold after a week of high temperatures. Ian still insisted on shorts, but even he resorted to a thick fleece! Anyway, as members we could get in for free, a map was given with instructions to where we should aim for. Crikey this place is vast with three different trails to go on and no way would we get around to see it all today, so we chose the Salt-marsh trail first, just 1.5 miles circular walk with estuary views and two hides overlooking the marsh pools. Because of the cool conditions, none of the butterflies that are usually fluttering about were seen, but I have high hopes of better weather tomorrow when we return to do the last two trails.



 


It wasn't totally dry, we did get a spot or two of rain when in one of the hides and almost back to the visitor centre when the rain came in earnest. The thought of driving off to find a park for the night,  hmm...not looking forward to that! There was a possibility of one at the golf course near to Aberystwyth, £10 for the night, about 6 miles away, we knew we could get in there.  But then...well weren't we again the lucky ones. Chatting to Graig the warden, I happened to ask if we could stay the night seeing as we were coming back. Fully expecting a no, well he surprised both of us by saying yes. There was a lay-by right by the entrance, under trees but away from the road. Such a nice chap and great to think we haven't got to move anywhere tonight. 

So here are a few of the birdie photos today.









And these seen before we left the campsite.






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