I‘m still recovering from a short trip to North Wales back in September. Typically, I had an accident while treating one of our goats, just three weeks before I was due to leave. My husband had been holding Boycie while I checked his horns, but he suddenly threw himself sideways and into my knee. Knees aren’t built to bend in that direction and as I fell, my initial thoughts were that my leg was broken. All feeling had been lost and I was unable to use the leg at all. I had to crawl from the field, through the garden and indoors, where I remained in bed with my leg raised, for the next few days. Eventually, I was able to hobble around with the aid of a crutch, but my trip was in doubt until a few days before I was due to leave. My main worry was the amount of walking planned. Not just the distances, but carrying a large rucksack and very heavy tripod. It was always going to be tough, but I got to the end without incident and I’m so glad I went.
As usual, the drive took a lot longer than expected. Arriving in Llandudno, I checked in to the same hotel I had used a few years earlier, dumped my belongings and set out for South Stack. I had planned for the lighthouse on Holy Island as my first sunset destination. The weather was fine and I was looking forward to wandering around the RSPB reserve, while looking for a suitable location.
Just ten minutes after leaving the hotel, I was stuck in a massive queue of traffic. The only possible route was on the A55 and yet there were miles of roadworks. There was also a worrying sign that part of the road would be closed from 8.00 that night. I had to wait until I was half way across Anglesey before diverting to a small village and asking for advice at a little garage. I was reassured that the road closure wouldn’t prevent me from getting off the island and so I carried on towards South Stack.
What I didn’t expect was to get within a mile of my destination, only to find the lane was completely closed. South Stack is situated at the far end of Holy Island and eventually there is only one way in and one way out. Assuming it too, was closed, I turned round to make my way back to the hotel. Suddenly, I spotted a diversion sign, but it wasn’t easy to follow. That took another fifteen minutes, with endless 20mph speed limits and never-ending speed bumps. I was getting frantic.
With the sun almost on the horizon, I finally pulled up at the far end of South Stack. I reckoned I didn’t have time to walk from the car park and so left my little car on a cliff edge with stunning views. I aimed for the steps leading down to the lighthouse, but spotted a likely view on the grassy slopes above. Climbing over the wall, I inched closer to the corner and set up my gear in record time.
Steve Cullum
21 Nov 2022Very well worth the effort – lovely shot.
Zooey
22 Nov 2022I love South Stack. I went there mid-afternoon on another day, thinking I could photograph some birds while I waited for sunset. It was probably the wrong time of year, but there were no birds anywhere near the car park 🙂
Ian Miller
22 Nov 2022Great shot, worth the time, frustration and effort.
Zooey
22 Nov 2022Thank you. The endless roadworks certainly provided a lot of “entertainment” while I was away 😀
Sid
1 Dec 2022Behind your shots there is always a great adventure to be told! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful photo ♥️
And the Holy Island is whimsical: ever told I do love lighthouses?!
Have a nice Thursday 🙂
Sid
Zooey
1 Dec 2022I will have to find more lighthouses for you 🙂