Horsing Around in mid Wales

With remarkably good weather giving perfect conditions two of us enjoyed a spin along the Millenium Coastal path near Llanelli with good views across the estuary towards North Gower after which I headed west and then north and inland to a favourite wild pitching spot near the Teifi Pools above Pontrhydfendigaid.

En route we stopped for lunch at the RSPB reserve near Tregaron and enjoyed a walk out in glorious sunshine to the hide before starting the riverside walk that heads in to the centre of the extensive bog land.
Whilst following the boardwalks we spotted a horse's head sticking out of the wide perimeter ditch with a trail of disturbed mud and silt where the unfortunate beast had tried in vain to escape. The spongy surface deceived the eye as beneath it were many feet of silt and debris and despite our best efforts with a handy fence post we were unable to persuade him out.
Sarah headed off to fetch assistance whilst I tried to reassure the beast and put a section of walkway in place to provide a bridge and give me something to hang on to as I was literally out of my depth. Two local farmers arrived with a telescopic handler but despite a great deal of effort we were unable to make any progress. A tractor was fetched that could cross the bog enabling us to get a rope and head collar in place and after another hour we eventually we pulled the by now exhausted animal out on to the firmer ground.
Almost immediately it staggered to its feet, gave a few hefty shakes and set off in search of companions whilst we all deterred it from returning to what could so easily have become a watery grave.

The rest of our walk was enjoyed in hot sunshine with swans, geese and otter prints to enrich the day.
Up at the pools we parked with a stunning view west and enjoyed a comfiortable evening with phone and TV signal very much appreciated in such a quiet location.
Saturday was grey and cool so we walked up to Claerddu bothy and were disappointed to find it in a filthy condition - a large school group had stayed the previous night and litter, food debris and abandonned clothing spoilt every room. However half an hour with a broom saw order restored and the bin bag full of rubbish was carried out to the van after which we enjoyed a brisk walk round the pools before firing up the genny on a very breezy evening.
Sunday dawned bright and sunny and gave us a full day out north of the bothy enjoying some quiet tops and still pools before a return to Pembrokeshire and then my departure east.
The mountain bike trails at Abergorllech and Halfway provided good filming opportunities before I stayed overnight with friends at Lower Chapel near Brecon where on Tuesday morning we winched a large beech trunk in to position to create a rustic garden bench. Several hours exploring the commons and ridges to the north east were enjoyed in hot sunshine and later that evening Bill came over from Bristol to join us all in a curry.
Bill and I overnighted in my usual town centre hideaway before cycling out to Talybont and climbing south towards Trefil on the old Brynmore tramroad. Further Go Pro opportunities presented although the steam train at Pontsticill fooled us by heading the wrong way as we waited to capture it. The Gap Road climb was superb but on the steep descent north I took a tumble and stuffed the handlebars in to my left rib cage which caused the odd expletive. However a fast descent in to Brecon rounded off a superb day of thrills, spills, punctures and exercise - my aching ribs meant that the evening's badminton was something of an ordeal but 3 pints of Irish pain killer eased my weary bones.
After an uncomfortable night I met an MBA stalwart in Builth to hand over donated tools and then concerned that I may have given the old ticker a jolt popped in to the Minor Injuries Unit at Llandrindod Wells where skilled staff checked me over. Basic obs were spot on and an EEG merely highlighted a heart block that identified my stent. The likelihood of a cracked rib or two will relegate me to light duties over the forthcoming bothy workparty at the Elan Valley but I look forward to the usual good company and stunning surroundings
Anyway a report on that event will appear next week so enjoy piccies HERE and search for me HERE.