Christmas shopping... too many relatives... wrapping presents... yet another mince pie. Sometimes a chap needs to escape the Christmas chaos and get some space. 
I'm staying with the inlaws over the holidays (joy!), but fortunately being in Wales means fresh air and big skies are not far away.
This was my target... a small mountain lake a little way from Pstyll Rhaeadr waterfall
I left my car near the foot of the falls (just visible through the trees!)
I was heading up the valley to the lake... this is the view back down (I love the Welsh countryside)
I followed a mountain stream to its source at the lake
Finally arrived!
I took a couple of moments in quiet comtemplation... I have a lot to give thanks for this year, especially the safe arrival of my baby daughter (it's her first Christmas this year).
A quick lunch of pork pie and an apple, and then a self-portrait by the lake
To get back to the car I climbed the ridge above the lake
I walked back towards the top of the waterfall and got stuck in a boggy puddle (thank goodness for waterproof boots!)
Then it was home through the winding lanes of North Wales in time for a candlelit carol serivce with the family.
A lovely afternoon of solitude and quiet communion with the natural world... but it's always nice to get home to my wife and baby.
I hope you all get some time to chill out this Christmas - thanks for looking and Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year to all on BCUK.
I'm staying with the inlaws over the holidays (joy!), but fortunately being in Wales means fresh air and big skies are not far away.
This was my target... a small mountain lake a little way from Pstyll Rhaeadr waterfall
I left my car near the foot of the falls (just visible through the trees!)
I was heading up the valley to the lake... this is the view back down (I love the Welsh countryside)
I followed a mountain stream to its source at the lake
Finally arrived!
I took a couple of moments in quiet comtemplation... I have a lot to give thanks for this year, especially the safe arrival of my baby daughter (it's her first Christmas this year).
A quick lunch of pork pie and an apple, and then a self-portrait by the lake
To get back to the car I climbed the ridge above the lake
I walked back towards the top of the waterfall and got stuck in a boggy puddle (thank goodness for waterproof boots!)
Then it was home through the winding lanes of North Wales in time for a candlelit carol serivce with the family.
A lovely afternoon of solitude and quiet communion with the natural world... but it's always nice to get home to my wife and baby.
I hope you all get some time to chill out this Christmas - thanks for looking and Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year to all on BCUK.
