A walk around Rhossili Down in January

Rhossili Down (January 2012), a set on Flickr.

I’ve been quite active this year – going to the gym, and heading outdoors to make the most of the stunning countryside on my doorstep.

A few weeks ago, on a stunning Sunday, my wife and I headed for Rhossili Down, here’s a few pics from our walk.

I’ll be posting more in the next day or so

A reasonable start!

Anyone who knows me would have been shocked to have seen me walking out of a central Swansea gym earlier this evening. But yes, I have made a good start on one of my resolutions – I’ve joined a gym and actually been for a workout.

The gym I’ve joined is The Gym, a national chain of budget gyms newly opened in Swansea. At only £10.99 a month for the first 12 months it’s a bargain. And, the no joining fee or contract suits me fine – should I suddenly lapse .

 

The gym itself is fairly spacious, spreading across the upper floors of a retail complex, and is equipped with a good range of basic cardio and resistance machines supplied by Matrix Fitness – don’t expect state-of-the-art with entertainment screens or internet access, it is a budget gym after all.

There are number of personal trainers walking the floor, who seem to be happy to put you right if you’re using the equipment wrong. But, if you’re looking for anything more such as a training programme or motivational support you’ll have to pay extra.

I went around 6.00pm today and it was rather busy. There are around 25 treadmills and all seemed to be occupied, although I didn’t have to wait long. I started with 10 minutes on one of the cycling machines before another 10 minutes on a cross-trainer. I then tried a couple of reps on two different types of shoulder press machines before finishing with 10 minutes on the treadmill. If the machines are to be believed I burned off around 300 calories – a reasonable start (if I may say so!).

Having worked up a sweat I wanted to shower before heading home. I was pleased to see that there were separate cubicles and several of them. The changing room is basic but clean and well appointed.

As I’m just starting out and not looking to join a fitness class yet (I think I’m not fit enough yet) I’d have to say that I’d give The Gym the thumbs up. It offers good facilities, basic but perfectly fine equipment, and at an introductory price of £10.99 a bargain to boot.

Resolutions for 2012

I’m not usually one for resolutions, but this year I’d like to:
1. Read more
2. Blog more
3. Listen to more music
4. Exercise more, lose weight and feel fitter
5. Get a digital SLR and take-up photography
6. Work harder on my degree course, and not leave my essays until the last minute
7. Be a better husband, be more understanding and supportive, and do more around the house

Well they’re written down for all to see and judge how well I get on.

Good luck me

My view this lunchtime

This is my lunchtime view this lovely day. I’m sitting here looking down at the stream and valley listening to the birds sing whilst reading up on migration and identity for my OU DD101 course – bliss!

Mumbles wreck

The Gower coast has some notable wrecks, the Helvetia at Rhossili probably the most famous. This wreck at Mumbles is probably no more than a small local craft left in the bay to break up over time.

Then again, I could be wrong. It’s a mystery I’ll have to solve – first stop the West Glamorgan Archives Service for a bit of sleuthing.

Dire Straits Alchemy Live

Despite being unable to read music or play an instrument I love music. I’ve got nigh on 500 CDs stored in several places throughout the house.  The past week, after having a bit of a sort,  I’ve had the sounds of Dire Straits blasting through the house.

Here’s a clip of Dire Straits performing Telegraph Road on tour in 1984 – classic!

One of my favourite albums has got to be their Alchemy Live with Telegraph Road being a particular track I like to repeat. It’s got great lyrics which make you question whether with all our technology we’ve really improved life, and the music, especially the riff (at least that’s what I think it’s called) gets the old adrenaline going when driving.

A worthy toast to Nelson

I tried this Bateman’s ale earlier this week. It’s a lovely smooth ale with a fruity tang, a worthy toast to a national hero indeed. Here’s to you Nelson.

Sandcastles

I took this photo on Monday 5th July at Langland. I like the way the shot makes me see the world from a the different perspective.

I’m also glad I managed to capture the couple enjoying a romantic stroll – reminds me to make the most of things.

Tweet Little Thing

A few weeks ago this little fella was stuck in our garden. He was a young fledgling who seemed to be struggling to fly. After several laps of the garden, he jumped up onto the lounger, I just had to take a picture.

After a few more laps I managed to coax the little guy, with my excellent chirping routine, onto my hand so I could place him atop our wall, from which he managed to fly into the neighbouring trees.

I’ve been wondering whether he’d survived. Earlier this afternoon, two birds looking very much like this chirpy chappy flew into the garden, I’d like to think one of them was him.

Such a perfect birthday

T’was my birthday yesterday (5th July) and I quietly celebrated with a cold glass of Peroni at a sunny Langland Bay – bliss!

The day started with a rather rare occasion – I stayed in bed while my other half went off to work. My wife’s a teacher so it’s usually the other way around.

After pottering around the house and garden, catching up with some of the jobs I’ve been putting off for weeks, I headed into the village (Mumbles) for a haircut – number 2, back and sides, shortened and thinned out a bit on top.

I sat at Cafe Valence in the sun drinking coffee and reading The Maestro’s Voice by Roland Venrnon - promises to be a good read.

Getting itchy feet, I got up and strolled over to Langland Bay, it was particularly pleasant. I sat on the beach for a while before taking a few photos, getting my bum wet whilst crouching down to look into a rockpool - I’m such a klutz!

Having sufficiently dried off I walked up to Langland Brasserie, sat on the balcony and quietly drank a glass of cold Peroni, but I prefer Moretti.

I then headed home to see what Em had bought me. I’m really luck to have met someone so kind and loving. She really spoils me, and my birthday was no exception. I had a portable gas stove for our camping trips plus a few aluminium pans, a new pair of shorts, a Star Wars T-shirt and £100 for my study fund (I’m planning to start an OU Degree course in the autumn – Politics, Philosophy and Economics).

After a quick shower we walked down to Verdi’s for tea – pasta shells with tuna, cherry tomatoes, olives, white wine and parsley sauce and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. We dined alfresco watching the sun set behind Oystermouth Castle - totally relaxing. Living in Mumbles can feel like being on holiday quite often.

We had a few beers in nearby Salt (The George) before cheating and jumping in a taxi to go up the hill to home.

It really was a perfect day and I’d like to thank my wonderful wife Emma for her small but significant part.