Oxwich Bay, Gower

the sun was out between clouds .. warm when it was out, chilly when hidden, so a good day for a walk.

Down to the beach ... the track went from the campsite, down through the woods following the coast path, coming out on the dunes and scrub.

Down onto the beach, and Bertie headed straight off to the waves, running like a possessed hound ... he liked the moving water, except when the waves crept up behind him ... could not understand where they were coming from.

We then wandered along the beach to the east and back towards three cliffs bay (hidden behind the headland for the moment as the tide had not gone out far enough).

A pause by some driftwood, before continuing to a sheltered bay for a lunch stop. Watching a steady stream of people who seemed to be on a sponsored walk along the beach and up the coast path.

As we finished a rain deluge happened, soaking everyone, as we huddled under jackets waiting for it to complete. Then we climbed back up to the top of the cliffs/ slope, before heading back along the coast path to the campsite.

Back at the van to dry off and some more "snacks" enjoying the warmth when it was there and sheltering when the rain came back.

Mumbles, The Gower

Crossing the Severn on the old bridge ... we made good time and were in Swansea, then the mumbles by Mid afternoon, with a short stop for lunch on the way.

We drove down to the Mumbles first and tried to find the castle, which was on one side of the centre, with no car park or obvious place to stop. Driving past and up the hill we finally found a place on the road down to Rotherslade bay by chance rather than design.
We walked down to the beach, - no dogs allowed - so took to the coast path to head for the lighthouse, which was a bit further along than anticipated. but gave us a view of the shore and some interesting buildings.

Then back to the van and a return to the Mumbles shore.

Parking in the middle - after a trip out to the lighthouse and a realisation that everywhere was “pay to park”.

A quick wander around to pick up some breakfast items - Welsh cakes, and bara brith - I had noticed a chippy ... time for tea waiting for Steph ... Bertie was pleased - his favourite - chips out of the paper.

As we got back to the van we had a call from Steph who had just arrived ... and a drive around towards Oxwich and the campsite we had booked into at Nicholaston farm . A new place for us, but had a Quiet field we could park the van in.

2017 Steph's Birthday Trip, The Gower

Visit to the Gower for Steph's birthday, however the trip started on Friday morning as we packed the van and left for Swansea. We had arranged to meet by the castle in the Mumbles.

The campsite at Nicholston was good .. electric provided, and helped the van run the fridge and heater ... the dog cuddled up on the seat in his own little world. we were in the field furthest from the facilities ... kept it quieter, and also less movements.
As it was Steph's birthday we asked where she wanted to go for dinner ... choosing not to walk to Oxwich, we piled into her car to go to the Gower Inn (just back past the three cliffs campsite). This allowed dogs into the public bar ... and we settled into a small table in the back, with Bertie trying hard to avoid being in the corner.
Food and drinks were more of a challenge ... We got 3 drinks but 2 meals with no cutlery ... resolved in the end but the food was average and only warm. It came too fast to be individually prepared. I suspect if we go back then somewhere else maybe chosen.
Back to the van before the next rain shower, and an evening reading and listening to audio books.
Sunday came and the rain continued .. so we packed up and headed home in convoy. drying off and washing. Bertie enjoyed himself.

• Day1 - Mumbles, The Gower
• Day2 - Oxwich Bay, The Gower