It was dry and a hint of sunshine this morning, so I decided I would cheer myself up with a run out to the Elan Valley (about 20 miles from here). I had seen a photo on Facebook of Caban-Coch reservoir hurling itself over the Dam and wanted to see if it was in a similar state today. Water levels had dropped overnight but even so, it was still tumbling over and quite impressive. I got splashed just watching. And it roared!
As you can see, full to the brim.
It was just terrific! Attached to hydro-electric power on the occasions when this overspill happens, it would power Rhayader for a bit! I walked down to the end of the zig-zag path and couldn't hear myself think :)
Looking across to the car park.
Normally a barely noticable rill down the hillside, there was a fair bit of a stream hurtling down today.
Little steps of mini-waterfalls.
I stopped and bothered a couple of churches too - one in Rhayader (locked) but the other was open. Last time I went with Keith when we first got here and it was locked because of Covid. Today open - and a marvellous historical font in there. Photos soon.
Now it is raining again but I am determined to plant my garlic (it says spring, but the longer it has to grow, the better, and also my Purple Haze Dahlia, which Tam ordered when she got one for herself.
A hint of a church now . . .
And yes, that is a standing stone in the churchyard . . .
Oh, and the worry . . . I had bad IBS last night and the symptoms gave a nod towards the Pancreas being bothered. As my grandfather and aunty both died of Pancreatic cancer, that is always in the back of my mind. Not a good worry to have. Since Keith's death, my health has taken a downturn, from the worry and stress of nursing and losing him. Grief takes a heavy toll.
Ah, sorry to hear about your pains and hope that it is not what you are worrying about.
ReplyDeleteYour trip out sounds very uplifting though.
I had such a lovely day today and it has lifted my spirits no end.
DeleteAs you say wow to all that water rushing down - no water shortage there then.
ReplyDeleteHope you can rest up and get well again . Cancer in the background is a worry, there is so much in my family too. Just trying to stay well is the only thing to do I guess.
We've had more than the 40 days and 40 nights now I reckon! Dry enough today to get out and do half an hour in the garden when I got back. Yes, doing family history isn't very settling to the worrying mind, if you have applied for death certificates and the causes of death then haunt you!
DeleteIs that St Gwrthwl's Llanwrthwl, it was locked when I went a few years ago, I was hoping to visit to see the inside sometime. Yoga is the other I’d like to go round as well along with Nantmel
ReplyDeleteYes, spot on Billy. Open now. When Keith and I went it was Covid times and locked. Oh what a lovely surprise when I went in the door! Haven't been to Nantmel yet either. Yoga?!!
DeleteGlad you have found an antidote to the worry. The outdoors is a great leveller. Waterfalls are very therapeutic.
ReplyDeleteWalking is always an antidote and I love it in the Elan valley so whatever the weather, it's a pleasure to visit.
DeleteI try to go by "Don't worry until there's something to worry about" but it is easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteImpressive pictures, and what a noise there is between the overspill and the wind!
That's more or less what Tam said... Yes, it was incredibly noisy. Someone's photos on yesterday's post on Facebook showed it even wilder and I presume noisier still.
DeleteWhat a lovely dose for the blues! When I lived in Melbourne I knew (through other friends) these absolutely madcap twin gardeners - one never spoke, the other spoke for both - and they grew garlic in their backyard. The trick is apparently to plant once it is warm enough to sit on the ground bare-bottomed! Where I live there are only a few varieties of garlic that will work due to the warmth.
ReplyDeleteHope your IBS symptoms have subsided. As you say these things are always a worry in the back of our minds. I have a fear of strokes, as both Mum, Dad and Granny died from one. Walking and listening to rushing water is always very soothing. Take care. Hugs Xx
ReplyDeleteThe water is so powerful. I took myself for a walk this afternoon. It was nice and sunny. The dogs came too which isn't exactly stress free. I'm a fretter re health, wish I wasn't. If you learn how not to please let me know.
ReplyDeleteWorry and stress does cause a great many health issues. In my case it is strokes and cancer.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Wow indeed, and how wonderful that you are able to walk there, my balance since my stupid trip has gone and walking where there isn't flat surface isn't for me these days.
ReplyDeleteVery cool scenery, looks like the Winter ice from the mountains is melting now that you have Spring.
ReplyDelete