Some say that ‘getting there’is part of the trip. Well, in our case, it seems to be most of the trip. We left Swansea in a freezing cold South-Westerly wind, so it was a relief to get away. Forty eight hours later we finally arrived at the airport in San Juan! The plan was to stay overnight in Heathrow at the Park Inn Hotel, which was functional, but not in any way inspiring. Our flight was due to take off on the following day at 12:05. The first hurdle came while trying to check in. America has decided to introduce a new system called ESTA, which involves completing personal details on-line before you fly. Fortunately we were early, very early, having got up at the crack of dawn, so we were one of the first to get to a computer in order to on complete the necesary work on-line. However, we were not informed until we hit the confirmation button that there was a cost of fifty pounds. Hey ho. Apparently if we had been advised about this new system (which only came into action on the morning we left) we could have found the site from home which allows you to do this for free.

OK, then came the good news that our plane, en route from Philadelphia, had been turned back to the States because of engine problems. Possibilities of missing our connection loomed large!

While waiting for the plane to arrive Carol decided to put on a nicotine patch. Normally a straight forward process, only a scissors or knife is not something that one has readily available at an airport…. OK, this is Britain, what do you do? Ask a Policeman of course! Approached two heavily armed coppers for a knife – reasonable prospect, yes? I didn’t get the response I expected. “We are not allowed to carry a knife!” Sub- machine guns yes, but no knife, Hmm? They sorted it eventually by walking about the Terminal until they found a member of staff with a scissors. Tops marks to the Met for being helpful.

The flight eventually takes off four and a half hours late, after a further worrying delay on the tarmac where the US Airways pilot was giving us too much information about the further engine problems they were encountering. Full marks to US Airways for frankness, even if it was rather alarming. Needless to say, our connection is missed at Philadelphia, and we were put up for the night at the Sheraton, hugely better than the hotel experience in London. With less than four hours sleep we were on the move again, with even further delays while the aircraft’s wings were de-iced!

Watch this space for more. I need a drink

Though that I’d just pop this one in…

I’ve been asked to produce a panoramic view of the Worms Head when the tide is out. This is to assist fellow NCI (National Coastwatch Institution) members when approached by members of the public reporting an incident. “Over there” is not a great deal of help to a rescue team or helicopter crew. Once I have completed the exercise, and produced a large print to be hung up in the lookout station, I will put something on this site also, with the named sections of the worms Head identified on the photograph.

As a post script, I think that I’m going to start collecting “silly questions” that NCI staff are asked. This first one I was asked – maybe I shouldn’t identify the nationality of the questioners, but I think that it is fair to say that this first person lived in virtual desert surroundings, so they might be forgiven…

“Where does the sea go when the tide goes out?” .
From a British adult, pointing to the Worm, “Is that the Isle of Man”.
From a child, also pointing to the Worm, Is that Spain?.

For alternative views checkout
http://www.enjoygower.com/panos/wormwalk.cfm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/nature/sites/places/pages/weatherman_wormshead.shtml

I like this one – lots of nice honest photographs
http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/beach,llangennith

Well, it seems that the thaw begins, so the Brits now prepare themselves for floods. We have been fortunate in Clydach, not having caught the worst of the storms. It has passed virtually incident free. OK, we had to lend a hand to our immediate neighbours, who had difficulties getting to their homes on our “private” road. Of course one of the difficulties of having such a “private” facility is that the Council will not spare you any of their grit! Thank goodness for ‘contacts’.

Carol and her new job did suffer. The top of the valleys road is a very different story, with six to ten foot drifts in places. She has had to stay at home on several days with main A465 being dangerous, and most side roads being impassible. This morning was the most dangerous, with freezing fog and visibility down to fifteen feet or less. At one point she nearly drove into the back of a lorry, even though he had his fog lights on, he was not visible until the last moment. Needless to say, she took the first opportunity to beat a hasty retreat to the safety of home.

On the positive side, the house is spick & span, and we are nearing a state of readiness for our exit to Heathrow on Tuesday. House and dog-minders on stand-by. It’s just a matter of throwing things into the cases. God! – it can’t come soon enough. It will be good to get away from this…

Just a little thing I came across today when searching for e-bay. I just love it ! What a plonker!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1241840/Bogus-policeman-fooled-wife-Conman-bought-kit-eBay-gets-away-deception-years.html

Carol has disappeared out to Mass. I’m left under orders to “start on my wardrobe”. This is part of the preparation for our Caribbean holiday starting on the 19th. Earlier this year Carol sussed out that I was the proud owner of only two pairs of shorts, one of which she immediately condemned to the bin – not sure why. Something about “too small”? Anyway, being the e-bay devotee that she is, I now have 14! pairs of shorts !!!! Now I am confused by this sudden threat of exposing my knobblies to the world. I hope that the natives of Jamaica et al are suitably prepared for the onslaught of white skinny legs. Unfortunately she also bought numerous loose fitting holiday type shirts. Now, I maintain that these are all Indian cotton, and have shrunk considerably in the wash. However, the opposing opinion is that I have expanded. Hmm

While I cannot wait to escape these Arctic conditions, I am unsure how we make the transition from multi-layered Winter thermals, to thin Summer “Brit-Tourist” garb? Apparently lockers are not provided at Heathrow, and if they were, at what point would you choose to change? Wait for you departure to be announced, dive into the loos, and then an Olympian sprint to the plane? Option two, change on the plane? 300+ passengers changing in the aisle ? I need advice from Chris and Irina on this, they are the one’s with the experience of moving from one climate to another. Anyone else got any ideas??

Carol has returned. Bribe in hand (a G&T) which she refuses to give to me – but has taken upstairs. oh dear, lots of bumping in the bedroom. I’d better find out what is being condemned from my family heirlooms…..

I had the sad task today of saying goodbye to a wonderful friend of my late Mother’s. Doreen and her husband Jack featured largely in my childhood, and will always be remembered for the happy times they spent with my family. They brought laughter and happiness with them always, and even in their toughest times there was always a smile. They will both be sadly missed, not just by their family, but also by so many people of Aberkenfig. We will not see the likes of them again.

My sympathies and condolences to Kay and Alan, and all of the family.