Sunday, September 17, 2017

HIKING PEMBROKESHIRE, DOLPHINS AND GANNETS

Day 4 Fishguard 

The skies have been overcast with occasional bits of rain, and  the seas have been a bit rolly ( 6-10 ft).  We soon dock at Fishguard, a small town on the north coast of the Welsh County  of Pembrokeshire, taking its name for the old Norse meaning safe fishing. While fishing was an important part of the development of Fishguard in the 20th century, today tourism is very important to the economy of this area. Here one can enjoy the scenery and wildlife as they hike along the coastal Pembrokeshire Coastal Trail. (side note, this is a 180 mile trail system following the coast) 

As we disembarked here in Fishguard, the local tourism board were there to greet us with tote bags of information about the area. This was a rather nice and warm greeting. 

For our activity today, we chose a more strenuous hike starting at Whitesands Bay, with a local guide who is a retired school teacher. Whitesands Bay is noted as the location of St Patrick’s Chapel and from where St Patrick sailed to Ireland. Thus St Patrick was really a Welshman. However,  St David is the the patron Saint of Wales, and we are hiking towards St Davids Head (a head is an rocky peninsula). The trail climbed gently from a beach area known for its local surfing. There were an number of surfers out riding about 2-3 foot waves.  The mist and rain greeted us as we wound our way to the top of the cliffs. The rather stiff  breeze curtailed any birding, but the misty, cloudy scenery was perfect to give one a feel for the rugged coast. We arrived at St Davids Head and explored amongst the ancient protective walls of fortification this area provided. A short walk away we viewed a  burial chamber made of a flat rock resting on upright rocks. 

I would be remiss if I forgot to mention this are is where the Blue Stone for Stonehenge was  was quarried. 























We continued our walk through the heather covered fields as Carn Lidi rose in the distance. So we arrived at the base and began the climb to some structures on the short summit. These are marred structures from WWI and WWII. It was here that there were gun emplacements and Radar and Hydrophone listing posts. As one looks back to Whitesands Bay, it is easily identified as a potential landing beach. The Radar and hydrophone were, of course, looking for low-lying aircraft and submarine activity as down the coast was a major port where the transatlantic convoys would arrive. From here the trail descended to our starting location and soon we were on our bus back to the ship. When we arrived, there were again local folks wishing us a safe further journey as they offered us Welsh Cakes. 


Back onboard, we set sail, with planned activities of lectures on photography and history. These were interrupted by a visit to an island where Gannets nest. where the worlds largest colony of Gannets (second largest seabird next to the Albatros)  can be found. The captain and his crew provided us a close in visit to this area. 














We then sailed to Skomer Island where we boarded the zodiacs for a coastal cruise, which was diverted by the sighting of common dolphin and Harbor Porpoise. We spend a bit of time following as the Gannets flew above and occasionally diving for mackerel. 

As we were returning to the ship, our engine developed problems and we were soon adrift. No worries as help was soon on the way, then another two zodiacs developed engine problems. No worries as the crew arrived and got us up and running. It was actually fun to be adrift. 

Back on board, the evening briefing started with short lectures on Chocolate and one on Crows, as well as one on how to tell a story with your photographs. Then we were briefed on the next days activities which may be changed due to sea conditions.  We will see what maybe in store for us tomorrow, either plan A or the unannounced Plan B.


Another great dinner of venison and wonderful conversation was enjoyed and soon we were off to be as the sea rocked us to sleep. 


Oh, I forgot to mention we did have afternoon  tea which was interrupted by our visit to the island where gannets nest . 

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