SOUL REPLENISHMENT AND A STORMY FAREWELL

aluably, our time here, however finite, proved perfect. The mission of relaxation was a success, only slightly undermined by a foolish, self-inflicted work distraction that slipped past my rule of communication blackout. The week delivered so much joy that the heartache of leaving was hard, as always, but every moment was utterly worth it. The sudden, blustery turn in the weather at the week's close perfectly reflected our feelings, yet with every ending comes the beautiful certainty of another trip—and we are already planning for next year.

THIRD POSTCARD FROM THE CEI

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ritics might suggest a third visit to the same quiet harbour town in one calendar year is predictable, but to me, this unprecedented return to New Quay/Cei Newydd is less about habit and more about pure necessity. I take all the stick for my unwavering loyalty, letting the judgement wash over me entirely because the deep connection I share with Cymru, and this specific stretch of the Ceredigion coast, is where my heart truly lives.

PATRIOTS AND FLAG SHAGGERS

nlike some, I've never been one to get misty-eyed over a flag. The St George's Cross, the Union Jack, any of them – they just don't stir any deep sense of national pride within me. That isn't to say I'm unpatriotic or a traitor, but the idea of 'my country, right or wrong' has always felt strange. I'm just a bloke who doesn't quite get the whole national pride thing.

PENBLWYDD HAPUS MIKE - WELSH LEGEND

enblwydd Hapus to a man who holds a truly unique place in not just our lives, Mike is truly a Welsh legend. He's not just a friend, but family in every sense of the word. It was an absolute honour to be invited to join his nearest and dearest for this special celebration. With our bags unpacked at our familiar caravan park, just a stone's throw from their house, the stage was set. Let the festivities commence!

CEI NEWYDD: MORE CYMRU AND CARAVANS

t's with a heavy heart that I leave this place, a place so deeply embedded in my soul that a piece of me feels torn away and remains here. I dream of the day I can truly become one with this land that I hold so dear.

What truly enhances the second part of our stay is the delightful fact that we've extended it by an extra two days this time.

CYMRU, CELTS AND CARAVANS

ei Newydd is my favourite place on the planet. My time here is simply the best; it's where I find my deepest relaxation. And so, the eagerly awaited moment has arrived—it's time to be here again.

This visit is a special one, just Morticia, Magnus, and me.

THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

ule is a special time, a moment of peace and reflection that transcends beliefs and means so much to so many. The world continues with its wars and the disasters continue it’s important to cherish the simple joys of life whilst the rich still seem bent on destruction for their own benefit.

So whilst the King is waffling on on the telly I get to deliver my message to the world.

2409.16 FIRST HOLIDAY

Because Rags couldn't come along in May we organised a return (which we took last week). This makes this trip my Grandson's first proper holiday. I'm proud that his first holiday was in a place that is so special to all of us.

2405.11 THE USUAL POSTCARD

Our happy place... so glad to be back here. This time it's for our birthdays, especially Morticia's (as mentioned in my previous post). It's a mental unwind, a spiritual retreat and that's the reason we return year after year - not to mention some great friends. 

2404.27 BABIES, CARS AND HOSPITALS

Considering just how much has been going on recently you wouldn't be mistaken for thinking that I had plenty of excuses for posting a blog. Unfortunately all I've had on my plate has been a tad overwhelming. But here we are, or at least here I am.

2402.09 THE LOST CELTS

I wanted to write this down as a way of clarifying what has been swimming about in my head in a way of making sense of it all.

My beliefs are sat firmly in the Nordic camp but I've always been very Celt-curious. 

2312.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

Another year in the bag and the big news is that I didn't die (well this would be the definition of irony if I fail to survive the next week). The shitstorm continues with high prices and low wages ravaging those of us on below average wages but we struggle through. The world is full of war and climate distasters, I feel so bad for those affected. Maybe one day the power hungry megalomaniacs will get their heads out of their (or each others') arses and work to solve these solvable problems although I'm not holding my breath.

2311.27 WINTER POSTCARD

Everyone knows where I go every year. In fact I was there a couple of months ago. So it may surprise people to learn that we are back so soon.

2310.22 TIME FOR JUMPERS

It's been unseasonably warm this season which is currently in the process of change. Weather isn't always a cyclist's friend, the cold and wet together with wind and ice sometimes make the rides dangerous or just plain unpleasant. As I write this Storm Babet is battering the country (it's safe to say I didn't cycle to work today - Friday).

2309.30 POSTCARD FROM CEI NEWYDD

I've done so many blog posts about my holidays and it could be said it's the same every year. I don't really care that we visit the same place every year. People might roll their eyes when we say we are going there but when you find a place which just resonates with you and makes you happy then why wouldn't we? This year, however, there is one significant difference... the dog, Magnus, came with us.

2307.02 IT'S JULY SO IT MUST BE...

It's my favourite time of year. The weather is warmer (although we still get plenty of rain), the days are long and I get to enjoy the greatest bike race in the world. July is a wonderful time of year.

2212.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

If we thought 2021 was bad 2022 said "hold my beer". Covid is reduced to a background issue now, we are in the midst of a cost of living crisis with prices and inflation flying upwards. Then there's the energy prices which are scarily high and are having to be capped (slightly) with government intervention. Life in 2022 is so much more expensive. This has lead to strikes and hardships across the land. 

2209.28 POSTCARD FROM CEI NEWYDD

I've been excited for my holiday for a long time. There was a time where I believed we weren't going to get away what with the energy prices and the cost of living crisis but we've managed it and we are here... in our happy place.

2207.18 BYE BYE BORIS

The Prime Minister has finally quit after years of lies and basically taking the piss out of the British people. But I have to talk about night's out, birthday celebrations, bike racing and of course, the weather!

2110.07 HAPPY PLACE

I don't blog enough. I know this, I feel a little overwhelmed at the moment. Work is really been getting me down, the pandemic is still bubbling around as well as all the usual life worries we carry. To eleviate the stress I'd planned a trip with my beloved Morticia to our favourite place.