Exmoor ponies, May 2011

Clipper Cottage, Watchet, May 2011

SS Great Britain in dry dock

Staycations, or vacations in the UK

We have both been so busy this year that it has been hard to schedule time away, though we had some weekends away. We stayed in the family condo on the harbourside in Porthmadog twice, once in July and again for Martin's birthday in October. On both occasions, we went on the Porthmadog to Beddgelert section of the Welsh Highland Railway, with its magnificent section through the Aberglaslyn Gorge. In July, we redid two favourite walks: to Cwm Idwal to see the unusual plants, and along the Fishermen's Path through the Aberglaslyn Gorge.

We also spent an interesting few days staying in a converted fisherman's cottage (Clipper Cottage, recommended!) in Watchet, Somerset, which coincidentally has a station for the West Somerset Railway. We visited Dunster and Exmoor, and took a day trip to Bristol to see the SS Great Britain. Gillian also did some family history work on this trip, visiting Goytre in Monmouthshire.

In October, we went on the 'Hucklow Hobble' to the Long Mynd area in Shropshire, and in November we went to Fishbourne Roman Villa, near Chichester, with friends.

Martin in Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia, July 2011

Carding Mill Valley, Long Mynd, Shropshire, October 2011

Fishbourne Roman Villa near Chichester, November 2011