Traditionally a MTB place, we are off to hunt waterfalls that Mr Moon has seen on his Biking days. I’ve never been here so it’s all new for me.

We had the first part of the day back on Barmouth beach, having our breakfast porridge pot, and first coffee looking out to sea. It was heavenly and much warmer than the previous day.

After feeling like I’d had too much sun, as I do have a sun allergy. We headed to the woods, a perfect place to get some shade, though it was cooling off as it was 2pm. We planned a small walk and have our pot noodles near the river.

We finished around tea time, and it was time to get off home. Feeling good we were driving in the golden hour we felt we had no cares in the world. Until the A458 and there was a fire in the middle of the road, so that caused a huge 40min detour. But home by 9pm we were exhausted but thrilled to have had such a lovely adventure.

Archive, Arthritis, Covid -19 ~ Week One Hundred Four, Covid-19 Lockdown, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Family Adventures, Hip replacement, Travel

We had a really good break, since our late trip out. The weather stated it was warmer, we picked a flatter area, and mission is on!!

Now there’s no various appointments, it’s been boring staying indoors. I needed some fresh air.

The path is muddy, but more claggy sticky mud than slippy. The path winds down around the River Wye. Watching dippers bob up and down, dipping into the water, Heron taking off, looking like a Pterodactyl.

The day is amazing with blue skies, a little wind, and some warmth in the sun. We took it all very slowly and with maximum tablets, and pole. I’ve noticed I scramble too, often using my hands and grabbing things to steady myself, rocks, fence posts, walls. No wonder I have upper body aches too.

Warm pot noodle made dinner good fuel to keep us warm. Mentally this day out has been invaluable. Bodily I won’t be moving for a long time, but worth it.

Archive, Arthritis, Covid -19 ~ Week Ninety Seven, Covid-19 Lockdown, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Family Adventures, Health, Hips, Hypermobility, Hip replacement, Travel

First Wild Camp

Archive, Arthritis, Challenges, Randoms, Miscellaneous, Covid -19 ~ Week Sixty Seven, Covid-19 Lockdown, Family Adventures, Health, Hips, Hypermobility, Hip replacement

I’ve done a lot of exciting things, but I’ve never wild camped, I’ve loved basic campsites, but this is extra special, as you are alone.

So for an amazing adventure, nestled between the euros as you cant miss that! we did a hike and camp. And it was epic!! We went from the 1st – 2nd of July. A perfect way to see in my birthday month.

We were spoilt with views pretty much straight away, and though we set off at 4pm it was boiling hot. So I huffed and puffed my way through.

First time carrying a bigger rucksack and I will say the hips hated it at first, but I got used to it. Lots of ibuprofen gel helped too.

Met a friend, the most inquisitive sheep ever. Really I think she wanted our food. Even allowed her baby to get close too.

We saw fellow wild campers along the way, hoping as they were faster that we would still have a spot.

We got a lovely spot, granted it wasn’t near the plunge pool but neither of us had swimming gear.

The view we had was spectacular, and I know most wild camp up the top, but that won’t ever be me. It’s too difficult to walk that.

Before bed I managed to fall over the guyline, and break a tooth, as well as a swollen knee. Let’s hope it’s not too bad in the morning???

Midgies loved us all night, which made sitting out a challenge. Sadly our bug off was not enough for these hungry monsters. So to the tent for bed at midnight. I loved listening to the river all night, and the birds to wake us up. I was thrilled to hear owls.

We set off at a reasonable time in the morning, hoping to beat the heat. Off to visit the mermaid pool for breakfast with a view.

Mr Moon mapping out our way to the pool, I was grateful we hadn’t done this walk yesterday, as I wouldn’t of be able too.

Knee a lot better than I thought, though it aches and is tender to the touch.

Had our breakfast here, and what a glorious view. Porridge oats just add water, they were a taste sensation.

Next we were meant to carry on upwards and after trying, I really did try. I had to admit it was beyond my capabilities and we had to go back the way we came. Traditionally we do loops, but this was too difficult so we took the easy option to backtrack.

I’m so glad we did, it felt a lot easier this way and it was a weight lifted off my shoulders, knowing I’d done that trail before therefore knew I was capable of it.

Once back down to where we camped, we stopped for a coffee and foot dip in the plunge pool, that was heavenly on hot tired feet.

We saw lizards, a toad and a super green caterpillar. We waited for the caterpillar to get to safe ground so he wouldn’t be trodden on, it attracted a fellow walker to come and look, he said thanks for showing him. I would love that, we always go super slow and from this we see so much more wildlife that many dont see. That and I look at the floor when I walk, to keep my feet steady.

Back at the reservoir, and what a view. It was honestly hard to leave, even though my joints were crying out for home.


Now home to unpack both physically and mentally, and god I best seek the dentist again about this tooth!!

Local River Dunking

Archive, Arthritis, Covid-19 Lockdown, Covid-19 ~ Week Sixty Four, Family Adventures, Health, Hips, Hypermobility, Hip replacement

After a long hot day inside the garden, we decided to go and visit the river where Mr Moon paddle boards, and have a little dunk.

Sharing a cider we enjoy the riverbank that is mere minutes from the house.

But muddy in places, but overall dry and shallow enough for me to get into, without too much trouble.

And we are in, obviously cold but warmer than Three Shire Head.

I’m only up to my waist, but of course Mr Moon does the full swim experience.

Lucky it’s so close to home and we can potentially do this often.

Luds Church Adventure

Archive, Arthritis, Covid-19 Lockdown, Covid-19 ~ Week 53, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Family Adventures, Health, Hips, Hypermobility, Hip replacement, Travel, Triple Pelvic Ost, Femoral Ost, PAO, Witch, Pagan, Druid, Faery, Spiritual

Now and again you stumble across a walk, or place that just feels super magickal, and part of the faery realm.

Luds Church is such a place, along with Danesbridge. You have woodland, streams, fields and hills, and dramatic rocks too. A little of everything.

We went last year too you can read it here

Barely a soul in sight, we had the run of the place, to really soak in the energies.

And take cheesy photos of ourselves.

We had all seasons nearly, super windy and tiny specks of rain, to warmth and sheltered in the rocks.

Patchwork of colours is a feast for the eyes, and we didn’t want it to end.

Can’t hold a pole for a while due to my hands, so it’s nice to look back at this walk before the steroid injections in the hands.

Celebrating Mabon, Water Witch

Covid -19 Week Twenty Five, Covid-19 Lockdown, Family Adventures, Witch, Pagan, Druid, Faery, Spiritual

There is something so pure, so cleansing, and so energizing in a simple stream, the babbling brook has the most amazing calming affect on me.

And with recent house stresses, life stresses and anxieties, getting out and being wild was exactly what I needed.

Mabon is quickly approaching, the Autumnal Equinox the balance of light and dark. The globe is of two hemispheres but on this one day they both celebrate the complete balance of equal day and night, before slipping into the opposites. For us the nights are longer and dark is creeping in.

We celebrated earlier in the week, as a rare Sunny warm day was available so we jumped at the chance to get out and feel free. The world has all consuming and overwhelming issues, that it’s nice to escape from time to time. To recentre myself, and ground myself.

Mushrooms are always a good find, I like to think of the Fae Folk living in them. The little signs of Autumn arriving is everywhere if you look around.

Paddling in the white bubbles, feeling that energy, is not only refreshing, but immensely cleansing. I felt restored.