Ffarm Yard

I don't remember this lovely little bridge at all, but doing the circuit in those days it would have been behind me and I doubt I'd have been as interested in my surroundings as I am now! 

The last time I walked this way was probably with Blade and Pepsi. I was looking for somewhere reasonably flat and clean to walk before going to Mum's. When I lived in Tremadog, we called this walk "Rownd Ffarm Yard." (Easily worked out I'm sure.) To do the circuit, you can start or finish going through the nursery, but today I parked at the entrance of the single track road, walked to the railway line and back again. It was a lovely change and I'm sure it won't take me 30 years to go back again!!

Not As We Hoped

There is some sadness here today, this weekend we should have been whelping a litter. Siska is absolutely fine, her hormones seem to have settled, and she's eating normally now. She's still happy to be a couch potato, but was full of fun on her walks. So yeah, just me that's feeling it! 

Beti is just Beti, after the first few weeks of reduced appetite my little explosion of happiness is back to her normal happy self. I really hope she comes in season in four months and manages to bring the other one in with her!

I've Been Playing

I'm really happy with how this has come out of Beti. 

I'll try someone else now I think. 

Bridgeview Jara

Just thought I'd share this photo of Mattie, I can't help but get a little excited. 

Trying To Escape The Wind

Ok so it was sunny, but that wind was powerful and cold. I was going to do one of the Carmel routes but it was still really windy there so I headed further down for Dinas, anyway on route I changed my mind and decided to walk Lon Eifion from Groeslon towards Penygroes. It was still really windy down there, so I went mooching into the woodland on the side of the track and into the "nature field." We were out about the same times as normal but more exploring than marching. Definitely a good place to good in this kid of weather.

Walking On Dog Food Day

Thankfully, mother nature decided to give us a break after a few very rough days. On such a beautiful day, I took the camera with me to get some photos on zoom. The top photo of Ross and Beti is taken without any zoom, so this is where I stood to take it, and the second photo is taken with some zoom from exactly the same spot. I love the quality and clarity. 

With Orin and Siska I found the track I used to follow to go up Cilgwyn Mountain, but the fence is not there. The more I think about it, the more something rings a bell that it was taken down years ago and yeah I knew about it .. but hell I forgot. 

I did have a bit of a meltdown as my sight in the Winter sun was really poor. I continually feel there is something in front of my right eye and I just can't distinguish the shadows from the mud and the dips in the ground. My right eye was also running and a lot of the times my surroundings were blurred. Hell I should be grateful for what I've got, but I guess sometimes we are all allowed to feel sorry for ourselves. Steve is waiting for cataract surgery on one eye and laser treatment on the other, but at least with that he can be "fixed" ... I just have to live with this, and sometimes I feel it is affecting my quality of life! 

Anyway, we didn't go far up the track, that was not my plan for today, but looking back the view towards home was phenomenal. 

After doing two walks Steve and I went to Wynnstay to pick up the 30 bags of food. 24 bags in the van and 6 in the car. I got the last lot of 30 in August, 18 Gold at £15.50 each and 12 Titanium at £20 each. They had gone up and I wish I'd looked back as that was bang on, but my memory didn't serve me well and I ordered 20 gold and 10 titanium at £16.50 and £20.50. Ah well if I have to buy a couple of Titanium at the normal price later on then so be it! Roughly it costs me £24 a week to feed the guys - mind you when you add all the other stuff then it must be nearer £30 a week, and we won't mention Beti's meds! Though of course we'd be financially richer without dogs, our hearts and homes would be empty. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't go out shopping etc .. hell I don't have to explain myself to anyone do I! 

Whilst standing in the car park waiting for the food to be loaded I was totally shocked to see an older man walking an older Spaniel through the car park off the lead. A young man was driving a large truck, slowly through the car park and the dog crossed in front of him. I screamed and he stopped. Had he run over the dog in that large vehicle, even at that speed, I can't imagine the dog would have survived, but it would not have been the driver's fault.  I just can't get over the stupidity of some people, yes he called the dogs name, but he took no notice, where the hell was his lead?

Unloading the van was hard going. 30 x 15kg is knackering, even with the help of "Willy Wheels!" I had to laugh at my Mum who suggested I ask a dog walker or something to come and give me a hand. I did do it in 2 shifts, but I wish we had a bath here now, I'm sure it would help the old bones! LOL I'm not going to Ring Craft tonight, I'm just shattered and with another hospital appointment tomorrow (For Steve) I think a night on the sofa is the best plan of action. I did take both classes at the last session  so I don't feel guilty about missing this one. To be honest at the moment I am seriously considering my future within the club, maybe it's time to stand aside and let fresh, new blood take the reins.  

Some Dogs

Sometimes a dog comes into your life and changes things, either for the better or worse. Whatever it may be, we have to learn to cope, adapt, and manage. Rehoming in some cases is simply irresponsible and that is why Zeus is still here, rehoming him would have made our life so much easier but as he is my responsibility, keeping him safe is paramount.

I guess I've been lucky over the years, there have been very few that have pushed the buttons too far. We all laugh now about Tali and her "Feck off" attitude, but in all honesty, she was never that difficult. I just wasn't used to a dog who did things in her time and not mine. She was a trustworthy girl with a lovely character, she was very confident in her own skin and just not needy. 

I think the most difficult female I've ever had was Jezi. There were times when I would have paid someone to take her away. She didn't particularly like people beyond her family, though to be fair she showed aloofness and not aggression, She was a nasty piece of work when it came to other dogs, particularly bitches. You may recall her absolute hatred of her sister Danni, who was Steve's pride and joy. Both sisters were never meant to stay, but Danni, who was a darling, had to be rehomed as Jezi could well have been a liability in the wrong hands. I tried to show her, her colour was not her fortune, but she was nicely constructed with nice movement, but her unpredicable character outside the ring made it impossible to relax in her company.  Of course, I didn't breed from her either! Managing Jezi wasn't easy, she couldn't be doubled up with any of the other bitches, but then a lovely, lovely dog called Nico joined the Blanik clan and his influence made her a better person and gave her the company she needed. Nico was beautiful dog, a kind soul with an ideal character. 

Well I guess since we are talking about the difficult ones you know where I'm going next. "The Beautiful One" is easily the most difficult, unpredictable male I've ever owned. We manage him, we cope with him, and yeah we love him, but there is no doubt he can be a fecking knob. I think a huge part of the problem is that he's so bright, ridiculously clever, but as I've said numerous times, he has no interest in pleasing anyone but himself. Our ups and downs with him have been well documented and there is no doubt that spending more time with his mother has really improved managing him day to day, but I worry, she's not getting old, she may not know it but Sammi is old. What the hell will I do when the inevitable happens, or she becomes too old to be his buddy as well as his mother? I have tried him with Meerah, on a walk, it's great, but not in the house. He's too OTT with her and, as yet she's not been brave enough to tell him to bog off! 

A lot of the dogs simply become part of the family, all special in their own right, they are generally easy ones, loveable and wonderful, but they don't necessarily stand out from the crowd like some of the others.(for the wrong or right reasons) I guess Siska and Meerah currently fit that category. They don't tend to give me any hassle, I adore them and they are family ... and then there are the ones who shine so brightly, not necessarily the big show winners, but the big personalities, the ones who push themselves to the forefront. Going back to the beginning, of course Blade, then Seffe, Louis, Mikey, Nico, Sammi, Kaiah, Orin and Beti. Coincidently, Nico was Sammi dad, and then you have her, both her kids and her granddaughter. 

Beti came here when I was in a very vulnerable place. The losses of 2022 had been absolutely devastating, but to go on then and lose Kaiah in 2023 almost took me over the edge. Beti helped heal the wounds, she distracted me from the sadness that was engulfing me, maybe that's why I've bonded so much with her. There is no doubt she's a star, bursting with energy and fun, but full of love and affection for me and her human friends. Like her father and grandmother, for me Beti always shines brightly, maybe my vulnerable state in 2023 made our bond deeper, or maybe it's just who she is that fills my heart. On saying that though, not everyone in this house is as impressed with her bubbly nature and exuberance as I am. I think we'll leave it there!

Nothing Happens In Fron

This morning, Sammi and Zeus waited in the van that I had parked by the top of Pen Yr Orsedd quarry. I walked Beti and Meerah cross-country to the Cwm and then headed off towards Castell, with the plan to circle right back through the fields to swap dogs. To get through the main gate before heading down for Castell I put both girls on the retractable leads. Closing the gate I got a sharp tug from Beti's lead .. I called her back, but she didn't come. She'd got the lead caught in the wall, and the more she pulled to get to me the tighter it got! I struggled and struggled to release it, but it was not budging, I consider I may have to cut my losses and leave it there, or call Steve. Then I heard a noise and I looked down the track (In the photo) to see two police cars and a police van coming towards me. Shit, I tied Meerah to the fence and pulled Beti into the edge. As one of the officers came out of her car to open the gate I called out "Can you help me?"  Bless her she came over and between us, we managed to get the lead free. I thanked her, and she left, but there were 6 of them in three vehicles ... what the hell had been going on at Castell??? (I did hear a couple of years ago that the owner had a "trespassers will be stabbed, " on the gate and that there was trouble with people walking the path. Needles to say I never go that far.) 

The second walk was pretty uneventfully really - but despite the wind we did have a lovely time!

With Steve needing to pick up his prescription I walked Orin and Siska down from the village, past the donkey field and he picked me up at the top of Carmel by the bus stop. The only disappointment was that there was not a single donkey in sight!

I hate having 7 dogs, poor Ross was today's billy no mates!

Traitors And Torsion

 I just want to thank Ian, Katrina and Jane for convincing me to watch "Celebrity Traitors"  recently. Having found it gripping I decided to give this recent series a go, surely it couldn't be as good? Well I can honestly say it's one of the best think I've watched. I don't do Strictly, Big Brother or it's like ... but I love I'm a Celebrity ... but Traitors, well it's in a class of its own, grippingly brilliant! 

On a more serious note, a friend's dog recently had a Torsion/GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) luckily he survived and is doing well. I was lucky, Blade survived, twice, many are not lucky. Anyway I've got a bee in my bonnet about it, people are still calling it "Bloat,"  Torsion and bloat are different and knowing that could be a lifesaver for your dog. Bloat (gastric dilatation) is the swelling of a dog's stomach with gas or food, while torsion/GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a life-threatening, emergency condition where the bloated stomach twists, cutting off blood supply and trapping gas. Bloat is serious, but GDV is a rapidly fatal, surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Bloat can and often does lead to torsion, but being aware of the difference is paramount! 

Symptoms of torsion can not be missed, it's obviously to the owner that something is wrong and Veterinary intervention is required, as GDV can be fatal within a couple of hours. "Symptoms including a visibly swollen/hard abdomen, non-productive retching, excessive drooling, extreme restlessness, and collapse. Other signs include rapid, shallow breathing, pale gums, and a fast heart rate."

Loki had many episodes of bloat, but luckily for us it never progressed to torsion, so his stomach filled with gas, but it did not twist. If he "bloated" we never left him alone and on one occasion I stayed up for hours with him to make sure he was safe overnight. Whilst he was unsettled and distressed, he was not drooling on trying to vomit. He would take a biscuit and we allowed him small drinks. Eventually things settled. All I will say is, I may have been unlucky to observe torsion in Blade and Storm (Who died of complications after surgery) but I was lucky to understand the difference when it came to Loki. If you ever have any doubts then get help, instantly! 

Lovely Walks In Dinas

Beti and Ross

Orin and Siska

Poor Sammi

Well, we are halfway through our three weeks of medical appointments, and we had a free day so Steve and I decided to go for lunch, lovely it was too. When we got back Sammi had had a complete meltdown in her crate. The front of the crate was warped and bent and the cable ties we used when she last did it in the Summer were over the other side of the room. Wow the state of it, it had taken some effort. She's not had a meltdown since I was staying in Windsor in the Summer, and that was during a Summer storm ... I can only think that the wind and hearing changes had spooked her again. There's never an issue with her in the bedroom, but obviously for some reason the strong wind upsets her when she's in her crate. 

Fecking Wind

With the wind howling through the mountain, I felt I had no choice but to go downhill to walk. I parked just below Dinas railway station to discover I was heavily over-dressed and there wasn't a breath of wind down there. I do remember thinking, if anything bullies me off this mountain, it'll be this bastard wind! 

I love walking these two together now, Meerah has learned so much from Beti's confidence and happy-go-lucky outlook to life. She didn't bark at anyone or anything. As we set off, a person pushing a pram and walking the dog quickly retreated back the other way as soon as we joined the path. An older couple, by that I mean just a tad older than me, walked towards us and I moved the girls to the side. "Bore Da" (Good Morning) and in Welsh the man said, "What a beautiful couple of dogs, so majestic." I thanked them and Beti I'm sure said "We know!"  A couple of bikers and walkers, with everyone polite and grateful that I moved the girls to the side for them to pass. One jogger said, "Thanks, good boys!" I shouted girls after him and when we again passed him on the way back he made me smile as he said "Thanks ladies!" Then I jumped out of my skin as a man on a bike was suddenly right behind me. I told him, Wow, you made me jumped out of my skin, he stopped and said "Oh I'm sorry," before putting his arm out to Beti saying "You are beautiful." She wiggled from her waist down before jumping up and kissing him. Oh, Beti you are such a tart, he then put his hand out to Meerah, she wagged her tail but gave him a more subtle "Hi!" 

I couldn't walk far, after yesterday's physio my knee was killing me, though more so on the slight decline, it was better on the way back. To be honest if it wasn't for my knee I wouldn't even notice that the path wasn't straight. On a positive note, the physio praised me for the work I'd done as my knee is now a lot stronger than it was. The new exercise will be harder, but needs must!  

Manchester Chat

 It was an early start to Manchester, but not as dog shows go, it's just there have been very few early starts recently, and I've got quite lazy! I picked Owen up in Bodelwyddan, then joined up with Debbie in St.Asaph before all change at Junction 10 of the M56 where Linda jumped in with me and Owen joined Debbie. 

It was just great to see the special people in my life again. Despite a post floating around Facebook that stronger people have fewer friends, I'm happy if I'm considered weaker as I love the people I'm blessed to have in my life. It's not that I need them to pander to me or "Validate my worth," I just love having my like-minded friends around! 

Beti was in the biggest class of the day, and looked fab. She gave a great performance for Arron and really gave me the boost I needed. I have to say I do regret not taking Orin, I'm sure he'd have managed a very respectful 3rd in Open, but of course, I'll never know!

Siska really didn't want to play, I guess her hormones were in charge on the day, but she was still happy to sit in her chair and eat crisps! 

A few people that I expect to see were absent, but having found out that one of them had had major surgery 2 weeks before, I was concerned. Anyway I rang him yesterday, and we talked for an hour which ended up with him thanking me for the call saying it had really cheered him up. 

Back to the show, Katie bless her walked round the GSD ring giving out Cadbury cream eggs, not my favourite, but I put one in my pocket for later. Sarah kindly bought me a Wham! T.shirt, and I've been told I have to wear it for Crufts ... so even with Last Christmas on it, I will wear it. As we packed up Linda was hanging onto Beti, an elder gentleman was desperately trying to get her attention (Beti's not Linda's 😁) but she only had eyes for me. (Beti not Linda!!) Anyway I lead her over to meet him and she was her usual cuddly self but as I turned to continue collapsing her cage she watched my every move. I guess, happy that I was not going anywhere she went back to her new friend, and as I said "Just watch her she can get OTT," she climbed onto his lap and gave him a big wet sloppy kiss, well several actually. He was beaming, Beti made his day! 

As I was packing up I came across a prize card that wasn't ours in our trolley, hopefully forgotten and not simply discarded. As I've said before, for me it's not about the "Prize" these days, it's about the accolade. Class trophies and rosettes are wonderful to receive, but sadly many here have just ended up in landfill, at least the cards can be popped in a folder and saved. Of course, "Special" rosettes and trophies are treasured, but too much of a good thing kind of ruins the moment for me. 

After Debbie's van was dug out of the mud, we set off for home. I had discussed with Ian that I'd like to follow him home, and I was kind of hoping for a Maccies stop, but sadly they had gone, and I just didn't feel comfortable going to Maccies on my own with Owen, yeah I'm a bit odd, but I got a sandwich in Bodelwyddan services and as I competed the journey on my own I regretted not buying chocolate for myself. Then a light bulb moment. Cadbury's Cream egg .. but where was it? I have six pockets in my body warmer but for the life of me I couldn't feel where it was from the outside. There was nothing else for it, other than a search of all the pockets ... 5 pockets down and no egg .. pocket no 6 .. OMG my hand was engulfed in a sticky mess, and as I tried to pull my hand out of my pocket the pocked pulled through so it was inside out and a mass of stick egg, melted chocolate and silver paper covered my hand. Now I'm on my own in the dark, on the A55, all I could do was flick it off onto the dashboard and suck the melted goo off my hands - what a mess!!! Lesson learned, don't put a Cadburys Cream egg in your pocket and expect it to still be whole 6 hours later! 

Kaiah

 Last night I was chatting to Ian in messenger, we were chatting about Kiaan and comparing photos of him from Manchester Champ Show over the years. When Ian's reply made no sense I looked back at my post, OMG I'd typed Kaiah instead of Kiaan. I explain myself, but a little further on Ian type Kaiah and I thought his comment was irrelevant to the chat, but then he said .. I meant to say Siska! How odd eh, maybe last night Miss K wanted to make sure she was not forgotten, maybe she wanted us to know she was still the star of the show! 

Loki, Ross and Kaiah always out in front!

Siska And Seasons

 I have a lot to say about Manchester Champ Show, and I will write a post, but one thing has come to mind that I need to write about. At the show I was sat chatting to a lady who had a lovely Reno son, and I told her what had happened with Siska, so she told me her story .... She blood tested a female and the test showed she would be ready for mating within 2 days. She took her over to German for the mating, but the bitch was totally unreceptive and they didn't get a mating, they came home and tested the bitch .. her season had finished! Anyway, the following season was normal, they cut their losses and didn't go back to German, they mated her to Reno and had the litter. 

The chat has made me think of Siska and her long and very odd season, maybe she did something similar? There is no doubt she was less receptive to Reno than she was to Vesco and Lucca, and there is no doubt that within 2 days of the mating the boys here had switched off. So she wasn't ready on Thursday, and from the reading shouldn't have been on Friday ... or early Saturday, but hell we'll never know now will we, it's just the chat has given me hope that next time things may go to plan! 

Manchester Champ Show

Well, that was just the boost I needed - Beautiful Beti was 2nd out of 11 in PGB. She gave a faultless performance and even if I say so myself, looked fabulous. 

Now Siska on the other hand, well she stood well at the beginning of the class, moved well and then decided she'd had enough ... refusing point-blank to stand again, probably loosing her self a place. Naughty Siska was 3rd out of 4 in her first open class! 

A Nice Bit Of Sun

Sammi and Zeus out in Dinas

Changes For Beti

 In my process of trying to find the correct supplements for Siska I came across some information that may help Beti. From what I've read, giving the Riaflex Omega-3 to Beti's will do more for her "soundness" than almost anything else.( maximum anti-inflammatory power) Beti doesn't just have "wear and tear"; she has a piece of bone that isn't quite attached. This creates a very specific type of stress in the elbow, so I'm looking to give her anything and everything that will help her in the future. 

Raflex Omega-3 Ordered! 

Then I came across something called- 4CYTE (Epiitalis Forte): Many vets and specialist orthopaedic surgeons (especially in the UK and Australia) now recommend 4CYTE with Epiitalis. This is a "Repair Stimulator." It tells cells to be active and grow new cartilage. 

4CYTE with Epiitalis Ordered. 

Beti was already on Collagen, but apparently not the best one as it was not UC-11. Standard collagen is broken down by the stomach as protein. Undenatured collagen (UC-II) works differently: it "trains" the immune system (via the gut) to stop attacking the joint's own cartilage. Clinical studies have shown UC-II can be more effective than Glucosamine/Chondroitin for improving mobility in arthritic dogs, this is her "Immune Shield." It stops her body from attacking the joint when that loose bone piece causes irritation. 

Systemavit (UC-II Collagen): Ordered

So I considered stopping the Glucosamine & Chondroitin, and I asked for help  ... 

These are her "Raw Materials." Think of them as the "bricks and mortar." If the 4CYTE is the "builder" telling the body to repair, the Glucosamine/Chondroitin provides the actual physical materials the builder needs to do the job. Riaflex Omega 3: This is the "Fire Extinguisher." It keeps the daily inflammation from the loose bone from turning into chronic pain. Systemavit Chew (the UC-II "shield" works best when given consistently). The "Teamwork" Effect (Synergy) Clinical research shows that these ingredients work better when they are combined because they attack the problem from different angles. This is called a Multimodal Approach. The Building Blocks (Glucosamine/Chondroitin): These provide the "bricks and mortar" for the cartilage. When Beti’s elbow has a structural issue like UAP, her joint is constantly "using up" these materials to try and stay lubricated. The Repair Signal (4CYTE): 4CYTE is the "Foreman" on the construction site. It doesn't provide the bricks, but it tells the body's cells to start building. Without the Glucosamine "bricks," the 4CYTE Foreman has nothing to work with. The Immune Shield (Systemavit / UC-II): This stops the body from "knocking down" the work the 4CYTE is doing. It prevents the immune system from causing further inflammation. Why this is vital for a UAP Elbow Because Beti has a piece of bone that didn't fully fuse (UAP), her joint is under mechanical stress. This isn't just "old age" wear; it's a physical instability. More Raw Materials: She needs a higher-than-average supply of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to keep the joint fluid thick and the cartilage "bouncy." Maximized Protection: Studies have shown that combining UC-II Collagen (in the Systemavit) with Glucosamine/Chondroitin leads to a much higher reduction in stiffness than using either one alone. Your Daily "Beti Blueprint" Since you have all these products, here is the most effective way to give them: Morning Meal: * Riaflex Omega-3 Oil (for maximum anti-inflammatory power). Systemavit Chew (the UC-II "shield" works best when given consistently). 

Evening Meal: 4CYTE Gel (the "repair" happens while she rests). Your existing Glucosamine/Chondroitin tablets (to provide the building materials for that overnight repair).

Weight is everything: For an elbow case like Beti’s, being "lean" isn't enough; she should be "ribby" (a Body Condition Score of 4/9). Every extra 500g of weight is magnified by 4x across those front elbows when she walks. Remember the "No-Ball" Rule:" Since she is sound now, the temptation is to let her chase balls. Please don't. The "braking" action of chasing a ball or jumping down from a car puts immense shear force on that partially fused bone. Stick to long, steady walks and swimming/hydrotherapy."

Well I guess every day is a school day, but bloody hell my cogs haven't had to work so hard in years! 

Planning Ahead

After doing some research I have a summary of a "Fertility Plan" for Siska: 

Now - Early March I am considering changing her diet to Arden Grange Performance but I have already ordered the slightly expensive Riaflex Omega 3. To try and help Siska "catch" and support a litter, I need an Omega-3 that is high in DHA and EPA. While Salmon Oil is popular, it is said that a high-strength Fish Body Oil (sourced from sardines and anchovies) is actually the secret weapon for breeders because it is often more concentrated than standard Salmon Oil. For fertility, Riaflex Omega 3 (Liquid) has been recommended as it is one of the best for high concentration. Apparently it is a favourite among professional breeders because it is exceptionally strong and very clean. 

In early April I'll start "Folate Loading" by adding 400mcg Folic Acid daily. Starting one month before her earliest expected season ensures her body has "saturated" its folate levels by the time she ovulate. Since Siska's cycles are unpredictable and can vary between 6 and 8 months, the best strategy is to prepare for the earliest possible date (the 6-month mark.).  Research (including studies by Royal Canin and specialist vets like Dr. Marty Greer) shows that for maximal effect on egg health and preventing defects, folic acid should be in the system well before the heat begins. Folic acid is water-soluble. If she doesn't come into heat until July (the 8-month mark), any excess she doesn't use will simply be flushed out in her urine. It is very safe to continue daily until she eventually comes into season. 

Day 1 of her season I'll start fertility boost and add Wheatgerm Oil (and double it on mating day) It is packed with Vitamin E (the "fertility vitamin"). It protects the eggs and supports the uterine lining for implantation.. 

Three Weeks Post-Mating Whelping, I'll stop the Wheatgerm and start Raspberry leaf as a whelping aid. It tones the uterine muscles to make the actual birth (contractions) easier and more efficient.

So that is the plan of action! Photo of Siska asleep in a cat bed on top of her crate, just because it's amusing! 

A Little Disappointed In Myself

 I'd planned it, I knew where I was parking and I thought I remembered where the path was ... I was going up Mynydd Cigwyn ...but hell I didn't get very far. That hamstring muscle that has been quite for a few weeks started pulling as soon as I hit the steep incline. I had to turn back, I have to get Mum to the doctors tomorrow, and I've a drive to Stafford on Sunday, I just can't aggravate that now! I was disappointed, but I did find another route to walk, one that I hadn't done in years, so at least we had a good time. After coming home I've considered that I tried to go up the incline in a different place to where I used to go, but since last years fire it's hard to find the tracks. Maybe I'll try again! 

If you are using a decent size screen, or you can open it up and zoom, 

can you see our house?

After about an hour out with my lovelies, in this weather, I just had to take the girls out. Views towards Caernarfon behind them in the first photo.