Out to the Elan Valley

 We decided we needed some fresh air yesterday so after a something-in-a-roll type meal, we set off to Rhayader and the Elan Valley beyond.  Our plumber had been this week to repair (again) the Foul Drain from the bathroom which was once more springing out of the wall and had broken the plastic bracket used to repair it last time (whatever happened to metal ones?)  He mentioned that the two bottom reservoirs at the Elan valley had been drained for repair work and everything which had been hidden beneath the waters (sites of old buildings) were revealed.  "You could walk from one side to the other" he told me.  Unfortunately, that  might have been the case at the end of June/beginning of July, the reservoirs had water in again although pretty low.

The shores looked like the rings on an oyster shell.

No, someone's not pulled the plug again - this was water coming IN from the top reservoir.

We were amazed at the sheer number of caravans and motorhomes parked up for the show in fields along the Rhayader road.  You can't see them from here but they'd have been there all week - hundreds of them.  Then there was the Young People's Campsite further out of the town towards Newbridge-on-Wye.  I can understand why they would prefer to be separate and have a hooley out there - but still not too far to walk into town for a beer or 12!

This morning as I went out for the wheely bin (Tuesday is bin day here), I noticed a hot air balloon taking off from the showground.  I quickly went back to the house for my camera, by which time it was a good way up, and there were two other hot air balloons to the left of it.  We used to see them regularly in Carms.

I wish I could report that Keith's meds have taken off and he is firing on all cylinders, but 2 weeks in with the add-on medication, not much sign of a breakthrough.  Sometimes he walks better - mainly in the mornings - but by teatime any benefit seems to have worn off and last night his mobility was very poor - he could hardly move once he got out of the car, his balance was so poor. Such a worry.  I know yesterday he didn't drink enough so we will put it down to dehydration.  The trouble is, you don't feel thirsty with PD and he is most reluctant to drink the full amount because then he has to get up more often for bathroom visits.

        He was going to come with me to Hereford today, to look at Mobility scooters and try them out but after last night, decided he would be best staying here as he wouldn't be able to walk the other end.  At least it is MUCH cooler today and they have promised rain.  I would like to visit Hereford cathedral again too, and perhaps a church on the way home, but don't like to be away too long.