Two of the three Swallows who comprised the latest brood to fledge in the old feed room for the stables. Some of this year's broods from us and presumably another local house (possibly the empty one opposite). I counted 23, but some might be House Martins. They have built up another damaged nest and I think are nesting in it too - but it may just be a House Martin "cwtch" place at night.
Anyway, I have renewed my reading ticket at The National Library of Wales. This was the view from outside it looking across the sea and the old University building. I ordered up some books about place-names on the Isle of Man and had a happy hour and a half delving into them. It felt very safe (Covid-wise) as they took every precaution to make it a safe experience. They had a thermal test camera at the entrance - so if you were possibly infectious you wouldn't get any further. Then I was shown where to go, where to put my belongings (locked locker) and my seat where my books were waiting. Automatic doors throughout too, and a one-way system. Things have changed since I was there last - a very swish shop too (even selling posh alcohol!) Another time I will have more time to take it in, but I had Keith waiting out in the car so had to be quick.
This monument was built in memory of the Duke of Wellington, and his success at Waterloo, and dates to 1852, the year of his death.
The Pier at Aberystwyth, and a receding tide . . . We sat here to eat a substantial and tasty baguette type lunch.
This is the cliff railway - a funicular one - at Aberystwyth. I quite fancy going up that another time. A lot of the seafront houses are owned by the University and students live there - ok until there's a "bit of a blow" and the sea virtually comes in the front window as the waves crash just feet away.
Up in the town, two splendid pieces of late Victorian architecture - one sadly a little the worse for wear these days. I think that's high-rise Buddleia!!The drive through the Cambrian mountains was a bit like a switch-back and the scenery pretty desolate too, but popular with walkers and probably prettier away from the road. Imagine what it must be like in Winter? There were the remains of old long-abandoned mine workings (lead and silver) seen from the A44, and the only trees were the dark pines of the Forestry Commission.
Another time we will stop at Nant-ar-Arian, and sample the walks as well as watching hundreds of Red Kites feeding. That really WILL be an experience.
Great photos,, nice to see so many swallows being given room to nest. The university gives their students ocean-front housing--amazing.
ReplyDeleteWe welcome the Swallows, and never had House Martins at our old home as no roof overhang. They set up home at the farm buildings next door though.
ReplyDeleteThe students must love that sea view (in summer anyway). There are a few Hotels along there too.
Wouldn't fancy trimming that Buddleia! Looks like it was a good excursion for you. Learn anything new about the IoM during your library visit?
ReplyDeleteOne of my sons would love to hike up to that Wellington Monument. He has read many books on the man. When we were in London, we visited his tomb in St Paul's.
Me neither Mary! It was a nice day out, something very different from our day to day life here in quiet little Builth. I learned things specific to our family name on the IoM, and it was interesting reading but I had to stick to the facts and not get distracted.
ReplyDeleteWellington was a very interesting man and so pivotal in English history.
Wonderful photos. When we visited St. Ives a few years back I was amazed at how large the seagulls were and how unafraid of people. We were having our lunch by the seaside and I was sure I was going to have to fight the gulls for my lunch as they came right up and sat by our feet.
ReplyDeleteLove swallows and martins.
God bless.
I have to say, the minute Keith sat down with his bacon roll, a very large Herring Gull strutted over and eyed it up. The Pigeons were less bold but more persistent . . . I know in some towns the seagulls are quite aggressive and will steal food from unsuspecting victims!
DeleteYour first photo of the National Library shows what a truly imposing building it is, and it sounds very Covid safe. I'm sure the seafront, with all those beautiful houses, is used in one of the climate change trailer {adverts?} on BBC, with waves lashing over the railings. Soon, the swallows will be gone again.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying not to think of the Swallows and House Martins leaving (and the Swifts will be the first to go). The wild seas at Aber have probably always been like that as the houses are SO close to the beach - just the road-width away.
DeleteLovely to see the swallows and great photos. Glad the library experience felt so safe. Good to see Aberstwyth - I applied to university there many many moons ago but failed to get an offer!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to going back and doing some more research. It will have to be in the next few weeks as it gets a bit wild and woolley up there in the winter months. What a shame you didn't get offered a place there.
DeleteI visited Aberystwyth years ago, for some reason immediately on returning from a long holiday in Stavanger Norway. Talk about extreme contrasts. We did like Aberystwyth though.
ReplyDeleteI imagine the two places were most dissimilar! Aber always struck as run down in the past when we visited there, but now it is quite vibrant and I'd like a proper look round the shops with Tam another time.
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