It all seemed so pleasant at first. . .
Grif and Lauren prepare for the final assault

Throughout our climb we were watched with curious interest
View from the top of Sugarloaf

The Williams family rests at the peak

Our descent took us through beautiful oak woods

Nearing the end, Mark almost falls into a mountain stream

A climb up Sugarloaf

Yesterday, we journeyed to Aberveganny in Wales and climbed to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It was a nine-mile trek and took us through beautiful forests and upper heathland. Throughout the 4 hour adventure we constantly had the support of the sheep who use the mountainside for grazing. We are none the worse for wear the day after our adventure.

Where to go? Where to go?

With the arrival of our American cousins less than 36 hours away, Maurene and I puzzle over where we might take them to give them a flavour of the United Kingdom. Yesterday's Independent offered something that might make an interesting tour. The daily newspaper named the British villages with the rudest names. Yes, all of these are authentic and can be found on most Highway and Ordnance Survey maps. Besides Shitterton we have:

Cockington

Lickey End

Nob End

Thong

Ugley

Pratts Bottom

Lower Swell

Wetwang

Twatt

Balls Green

Penistone

Bitchfield

Tosside

Prickwillow

Crapstone

Bell End (am I missing something?)

Cockenmouth

Spital In The Street

Titlington

Upper Dicker

and Muff

I can see Mark posing by the town signs and taking photos home to show all of his friends and family.

If you get a chance, go see this film.

Maurene and I went to our Little Cinema last week and saw this film starring Sally Hawkins. In my opinion it is the quintessential British film. It takes place in Camden Town, just to the south of where we lived whilst in London. Sally Hawkins' performance is outstanding and makes you have faith in humanity in these troublesome times. It is a feel-good film, no doubt, but it does have its darker moments to which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Go see Happy-Go-Lucky. The Director is Mike Leigh.

Hillary cartoons. . .

It times like these it's nice to have something that makes you smile.

A view from the ladies 13th tee. Notice the aiming stakes in front of the dunes (necessary from the back tees.) The Bristol Channel lies beyond the dunes.

Dunes are prevalent on the back nine. This is a view from the back of the 13th green.

Looking down on the 14th Green from the 15th tee. The Bristol Channel lies beyond.

The flag is an indication of the power of the wind which whirls around the Bristol Channel almost constantly. This is the unseen hazard that is always in play.

The ever-present Gorse bushes.

P & K

Yesterday I travelled to Wales to play golf at the Pyle and Kenfig Club which I joined as a country member last month. I thought I'd add a few holiday snaps from my outing. It was a great day. I returned with either a sun or wind burn (probably a combination). Double-click on photographs for more detail

Will they, or won't they?

I walked into town today to do some work at the office. Actually, the first and last Monday's in May are bank holidays, but I worked a bit anyway. After I left the church I saw these novice kayakers trying to summon up the courage to go over the Pulteney Weir. The weir is a flood control measure on the Avon River since the Avon is affected by the tides. I guess it is about a 10 foot drop total. They hovered around at the top and failed to heed the enthusiastic words of encouragement from those who were gathered on the road above. The photographs also contain 3 of the tour boats that get very active this time of year.

I finally left and snapped the photograph of one of the floral arrangements in Parade Gardens which is right next to the river and weir. I heard a cheer and two of the five kayakers ventured over, whilst the others headed for the shore.

Our neighbour, Olly Barkley scores one of his two 'trys' (yes, that's the appropriate spelling)

Would you believe Lee Mears is a 'hooker'?

Bath 66-21 Saracens

Bath Rugby moved into first place today with a decisive victory over the Saracens.

Take that, ilegal immigrnats. . .

Rita Whiteinblew, a former runner-up in the National Spelling Bee, makes her feelings known about securing America's borders.

To all of you folks that are getting a tax rebate. . .
Why don't you send it to this fine gentleman? Jesus is coming soon, and boy is he pissed!