On Our Doorstep.

Yesterday's new walk was just great, but today's, well, that was something more special. Yesterday we walked from the top of the Carmel to Rhosgadfan road, not far from Capel Y Bryn, downhill towards the top of Rhostryfan. Today we walked from the entrance to the quarry and came out by the cemetery at the top of Rhosgadfan. I just can't believe that I've lived here all this time and didn't know about this track. Well, I did know about it, I recall Tish posted photos from her walk on it the once, but I've never considered walking along it before. 

I loaded 4 into the van, it was breezy, but sunny. I went back in to get my coat and put my wellies on, went out, the sky was black and it was snowing. Oh hell it was too late to change my mind. It was less than a 5 minute drive and by the time I was getting the dogs out of the van the sky had clearerd and the sun was shining again. 

For the first walk I followed the track, to the cemetary and back, but I could clearly see lots of paths off the main track, and I went off a slightly different way with Meerah and Zeus. I'll be going back there as soon as I can to see how many circuits we can find. With it all being minutes away, I think I may drive up to the cemetery and see which paths go from there too. 

Our Lovely New Walk

Some Friends

 "I'm just saying it's funny how things have changed," wittered Steve. "You just no longer seem to be the priority, and it hurts me when you prioritise them over yourself, but they can't do the same for you."

Well in a way he's right, and yeah it does hurt when you have always considered yourself to be close, to be a team, you've put them first, sometimes to your detriment, but maybe now this has given me the opportunity to open another door, to have a different team? I won't now feel I'm breaking the loyalty; I can, after the next couple of shows, ask elsewhere! 

For better or worse, some friendships change, it is what it is and we can't do a thing about it. I haven't lost the friendship, but sadly it does seem to have changed. 

Back On Home Ground

Orin And Siska

Sammi and Ross

A New Walk With Beti And Meerah

I'd clocked the sign a while back, but to be honest, I'd forgotten about it, but lying in bed last night planning my day, I remembered and decided I'd give it a go. Parking was Ok, and I followed the track over common land till I came to a gate and then another. There were signs for "Cae Haidd Bach", but nothing to show where the footpath went. At the second gate a car came towards me, a man came out, and so I asked him, in Welsh, if I was on the right track for the footpath. He apologised and said he was on holiday, I repeated my question in English, but obviously he didn't know! I carried on to the gable end of a house, where I saw the homeowner in the garden .. I called to her and asked if I was on the right track for the footpath. No I wasn't; she was very pleasant, and pointed me in the right direction. After a short chat with her and her English Setter I headed back to the footpath. Just one sign there would have been a big help. 

After crossing a couple of fields, and going through another couple of gates I found myself heading towards another property! Again, I saw someone outside and asked if I was in the right place. Yes, I was, but after spending about 15 mins talking, I opted to head back the way I came. I now know the route and where it comes out in Rhosgadfan - so a bit further and no talking on another day!

Heading back - they were such good girls.

As I got my keys out to get back in the van, another bit of the dog walking back fell off. I have plenty of bags but this is the only one that's big enough for leads, phone, camera, keys, treats and everything else that I throw in there. I have a lot of nice bags, but these flexi leads take a lot of space. 

This afternoon Steve and I went to Go-Outdoors to try and find a bag, nothing except backpacks. We went on to charity shops in Caernarfon, nothing. Steve got irritable with me because "I'm fussy" apparently. Hell no, what is the point of buying something that's not suitable? I know what I need when I'm walking, and a bag on my back is simply not practical. So internet shopping it was again, I've ordered something which arrives tomorrow; let's hope I got it right!  

Meerah At Club

Owen and Meerah chilling at club - they are both learning together. 

Last night they both did a great job. 

It's been a changeover in the doggy bedroom today. Meerah has outgrown the bitch-size crate, and now she's had to have a boy bed! lol  I've had to move the crates around too, let's hope we can all remember who sleeps where now! 

Such A Privledge

Kaiah, Siska, Orin

I was chatting with a friend about the dogs earlier this week, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about our conversation. Losing Kaiah was one of the most devastating experiences of my life; it broke me. Next month marks three years since she was so cruelly taken from us. She was such a special bitch—a surprise package and the only female in Sammi’s litter of three back in 2016. Kaiah was everything I had ever hoped for, and more.

A few weeks after the loss I was blessed to be able to bring Beti into our lives. Beautiful, bubbly Beti. The truth of the matter is, had we not lost Kaiah, then Beti would not be here now. So while there will always be sadness, and yeah, bitterness at being deprived of more time with Kaiah, I have to be grateful that I've had the pleasure and privilege of both of these extraordinary females in my life. 

The Story

On a stunning day you are bound to see people about. Walking in this kind of location is as good for the mind as it is the body. Whilst out with Ross and Beti I saw dog walkers, but everyone was respectful of each other's space. My loonies had a lovely time off the lead, running and splashing about, but then to show respect to other walkers, they walked back to the van on their leads.

Sadly the second walk was not as good. I'd heard about the couple who walk a mixture of 4 or 5 Labs and Goldies and that they don't seem to bother with leads on all the dogs and allow them into other dog walkers' space. Luckily today, I saw them in good time and chose my path accordingly! As I got nearer to the lake, I could see people at the far side. I was far enough away and thought they'd be gone by the time I got there. As I walked along the edge and got nearer to them, I saw a woman pick up a child, and another following her, they proceeded to settle down to eat a picnic on the path that I was walking ... Hell, why didn't they stay where they originally were? A man with a Choccie Lab came down from Mynydd Cilgwyn; the small terrier who was with the family lunged out barking at the Lab. I now needed to go over the overflow pipe and go behind them to continue on the path. In English I said "Would you mind moving up just to give me a bit of space?" The man replied with a sharp "what?" I repeated myself, he looked behind him and said, "There's plenty of room for you to pass there." He turned round and said something to his wife in Welsh; any communication between us after that was in Welsh. "I can't get through there with your dog lunging out as he just did at the other dog." He said, "the dog is fine, he's just a puppy." So I said, I'm sorry I'm not willing to take the chance in case I slip, please move him to the side."  He did, but he was ignorant and rude... Did he not see that all I wanted was to keep everyone safe? I don't see why I should explain to people that I'm wary with my sight on uneven ground ... just a bit of common sense. With so much space, why block the path with your picnic anyway? I hope they got sheep shit in their butties!!! 

As regards to Orin and Siska, they couldn't have behaved any better, not a word from them though he had to lift his barking, screeching terrier off the floor for me to pass safely. You can just imagine if these had said a word back, can't you? "The Alsatians had a go at my puppy!"  

I walked further and was just taking a photo when I noticed Orin and Siska looking back. (Top Photo) I then heard voices and saw 3 women coming from behind the trees. I called out, "let me sort out my leads." They waited, and I thanked them; they were courteous, and we exchanged pleasantries about the weather and the view, but .... as they had no lead, they had to carry their dog past! Yes, she seemed well-behaved, as were these two, but Why? Just why? There are plently of light slip leads you can pop in your pockets ... I wish people would try and think ahead and keep everyone safe! 

Llyn Cop

A wonderful time with my water babies Ross and Beti. Just a few people about, but a safe distance away!

This must be my favourite photo of the day. Orin and Siska watching walkers further down on the slate path, but there is a story to tell ...

Hell I Was Right

I usually park where the dot is on the right hand of the screen and walk cross country to a gateway where I've put the gap. I turn around there and enjoy the stunning view on the way back too. Today I parked where the left dot is, but got totally confused when I saw the farmhouse in front of me - if only I'd gone through the farm gate and a tad further .. ah well now I know! 

Last September Linda and I did the walk from the vineyard but then followed a footpath sign and went through a few gates before we found ourselves with nowhere to go, a gentleman kindly let us out through his property ... I still don't know how we went wrong that day; I'd love to find the footpath through those fields too! 

Photos from September