Cardiff with RPS Visual Arts Group

The RPS Visual Arts Group was held in Cardiff this year.  Another enjoyable weekend.  I wanted to visit the Cardiff water centre and took the boat from the castle but it only went to Mermaid Quay.  Only about an hour to walk in lovely scenery to Penarth!  Took the bus back to Mermaid Quay and walked back to the hotel - Best Western next to Cardiff Central.

On Sunday Barbara gave me a lift and we went up the coast stopping at some lovely beaches.  After lunch we found Ewenny Priory and the peacocks were posing.

Some great talks by Les Loosemore ARPS and Margaret Salisbury FRPS in the afternoons and evening and an opportunity to see other's prints.

The next weekend is in October in Stratford but unfortunately, I will be returning from Croatia.

Some images from the weekend.

Demolition

Reflection on the way to Penarth

Spotted near the water centre

A couple of hours and many images later of kayaks (mostly deleted)

Looking at water

Peacocks

Farmhouse next to the priory

Inside

Some details

Private property by the priory

Clonakilty, Ireland for a singing weekend

Flew from Bristol to Cork with Aer Lingus.  Picked up by Vic and a hour later arrived at Camus Farm in the beautiful Cork countryside.

"Camus Heritage Farm is a 30-acre organic holding centered on 3 large stone-built barns dating from 1850 and supporting rare breed cattle, native tree/hedge species and traditional grassland meadows. Camus is in a rural West Cork setting, 6km from our nearest town, Clonakilty. There are local beaches, pubs and shops within walking distance of the farm."

http://www.camusfarm.ie

I was there for a singing weekend with Yvette and Deborah.  Joined from the UK by Paddy and Nicky from the Wootton Courtney choir.  Paddy and Nicky had hired a car and gave me a lift to the beaches nearby.  We sang on Saturday, met new people and ate outside in the evening in the glorious sunshine.  On Sunday, Vic and Deborah took us to Drombeg stone circle and on to Sherkin island.  Sun was still shining although there was a cold wind.  I didn't think about sun cream - it was the 2nd April.  I was sunburnt!

We were lucky to meet the three musicians from Cua at Drombeg.  Deborah shared a song with them and they responded.  An experience not to be missed.

I took a lot of photos of Bruce, the kitten as he was so photogenic and I was able to have my cat fix with him and Milky.  Apologies to Scout the dog who does not feature here.

Sitting on Deborah's spinach helps it to grow - honest.

Guarding the broom and the wellies

I am not trying to enter the house

Milky

Blowhole at Galway Head

Fox seen when we were leaving Galway house

The view from Camus Farm

Some of the Dexters

Drombeg stone circle

Cua

Sherkin Island

Watching you.  Vic and Debs son Ffion was videoing with his drone

Yvette and that beautiful beach

Patterns in stone

Hot and cold

The weekend was too short but we packed a lot in it.  Another country to return to and explore.  I can recommend staying at Camus Farm.  Very comfortable and you are treated to great Irish food and hospitality.