On the road - changing of the seasons

Leaving Wales on Sunday night, I followed the full moon down to Fort Martin, arriving just before the lunar eclipse and the onset of clouds.

Suitably attired for a bit of twitching, we enjoyed a blustery hike around Pitsford Reservoir the next day where top spots included some Wigeon.

Despite following the shore of a large body of water, we did have a few navigational issues, but after passing by a flock of geese, we chose the correct path that led us to the cafe and our salvation. It might not have been much to look at, but the cafe produced a decent coffee and hot chocolate inside, where we warmed up.

Pre-birthday celebrations for the boss followed that night, with all the associated tom-foolery that we like to enjoy (and expect) at The Fort. Fine dining (with the Wakling 1902 cutlery no less!) and even an introduction into the dubious world of G&T preparations. 

This morning was an absolute corker. Blue sky and a touch of frost. 

We took a stroll of the estate before breakfast to admire the surrounding and sights at first light.

Plenty of snowdrops out and daffs well on the way.

On the road back to Wales, the sky grew darker and the ground wetter and colder with every mile driven. On reaching the A5, snow started to fall.

Past Llangollen, the fields began to turn white.

After an afternoon meeting at Lledr Hall, near Betws y Coed, I reached the Ogwen Valley at dusk, just in time to get a glimpse of the snow covered mountains. Such a change from this mornings view!