25 July 2010

We went for a trip to somewhere I had never been before: Newport Wetlands Reserve. What a great destination it turned out to be. It is run by the RSPB and I was really pleased and surprised to find that entrance was free. So much so that I did not baulk at the 30 pounds or so I spent in the cafe and gift shop.

It was a bit cool and breezy when we arrived so we sat indoors at the visitor centre and had refreshments looking out onto a large pond surrounded by rushes. Nearby was a brilliant playground and we spent an hour there, with the sun making an appearance and lifting the temperature to mid-20s. Emily and Fern had a fantastic time.

The playground was amid about an acre of thistle plants that were in seed, so we had tremendous fun trying to catch the fluff as it drifted by on the welcome breeze. Then we walked on a few hundred metres through the wetlands to a slightly elevated point with a very old and small lighthouse. The path there afforded wonderful views across the Bristol Channel to Somerset.

Back at the cafe we loaded up on sandwiches and cake then rode home just in time to Skype Nick, who had returned from a much-needed weekend away to Matsushima.

After I got a very weary Emily off to bed I went for another run. The evening had cooled down by then and there was a strong breeze, but I still finished with a very red face.