September

 September's the time to (hopefully) grab a little last minute sunshine before autumn really takes hold, so we headed off to Wildernest glamping site near the Welsh coast in the hope of finding some. It didn't quite work out but we had a couple of wonderful warm days.

Back home, it was time for a couple of days out - to Kedleston and Calke - while the good weather lasted and for some gardening - gathering the last of the allotment produce for the season, enjoying the end-of-season flowers and wrapping up delicate bean plants against overnight frosts

While way on holiday, I'd started a crochet project  - a kit given to me some while ago by my daughter - and I was determined to carry on once back home. I'm a relative novice to crochet but it's coming along nicely now, and the bag section is almost finished with just the strap to go.

Something that taken up a lot of time has been an attempt to clear the freezer ahead of buying a new one. Lots of old fruit and vegetables were lurking in its depths, and some of these at least have now being turned into jams, chutneys, and (to a lesser extent) meals. 

It seemed to be a busy month, but we had another holiday planned for the beginning of October.

Calke Walled Garden

Another lovely day took me to our second local National Trust property, Calke Abbey. Being late in the day, we hopped on the shuttle buggy which whizzes from the car park, down to the front of the house then back up hill to the gardens and church. 

The garden entrance is hidden behind shrubbery, but through the gateway, covered in bright red Virginia creeper and white wisteria blossoming late in the season, and the gardens open out. It's not cold enough yet for the palms to be covered up for winter and flowers were still blooming in the surrounding beds.

Moving on into the produce garden, the scarecrows were keeping watch over the vegetables and fruit - brilliantly-coloured chard, fat sunbathing pumpkins, apples, pears and medlars .in the orchard, and even some hop vines..

And either side of the central entrance the dahlias were in full bloom. Autumn certainly isn't a time for dying-back and empty garden beds at Calke.

 

A Wonderful Autumn Day at Kedleston

Mid-September brought us a few glorious days of sunshine (and accompanying nights of frost) and making the most of clear skies and warmish sunshine we headed out on a couple of local National Trust adventures; first to Kedleston Hall, the next day to Calke Abbey.

We didn't walk far at Kedleston - round to the Pleasure Grounds where I was surprised to find so many flowers, and even some butterflies among them.

Then after a brief pause for ice creams, down to the bridge where the lakes looked almost tempting enough for a swim.

 

Red Kites at Bwlch Nant yr Arian

One of my favourite places to visit when in Mid-Wales is the Visitor Centre at Bwlch Nant yr Arian, especially if I can time things to be there in the afternoon when the red kites are being fed.

They aren't visible on my photos but the skies were full of kites circling around, waiting.

At the same time every day someone appears on the bright green patch of grass by the lake,with food - and the kites flock in.

We weren't in the best place to watch this time as I didn't fancy walking down to the edge of the lake but stayed on the terrace by the cafe. There are still wonderful views to be had though, particularly of  the birds overhead which seem to come really close.

It's a beautiful place even without the added attraction of the kites. There are walks and cycle trails for the energetic, a play area for children, and a cafe for those who just want to take in the view towards the mountains.

 

Ceredigion Coast

Part of my intent this holiday was to head to the coast - and perhaps even go swimming. But the best laid plans don't always quite work out.

There are a lot of places to choose from along this section of coast and we only had time to visit a few.

First up, the nearest to our cabin - Aberaeron, a beautiful Georgian town with prettily painted houses, but at the moment there's a lot of disruption to the harbour as work on new sea defences takes place.

Next day we headed to Newquay. The sun shone, we had ice cream overlooking the bay and after a wander round looking at boats and shops, fish and chips later. A proper seaside-y afternoon, but it didn't feel warm enough for swimming.

Overnight the weather changed and the next day couldn't have been more different. In the evening we drove to Llangrannog nestled into a steep valley by the sea. 

The sea was rough and the wind whipped across the beach but almost unbelievable someone was out in the water, swimming! I wasn't tempted to join them and settled for exploring the caves and rock formations along the beach  - in fact as the rain increased I decided enough was enough and took shelter in Tafarn y Tan pizzeria.

Our last seaside stop was at Aberystwyth (on the way home) - the day was warm, the sun shone, and, although I didn't go swimming, I at least got my feet wet paddling. 

An early start to the day meant it was time for a second breakfast in the cafe on the promenade, followed by an amble past the pier and university buildings to the castle ruins before heading homewards.