Sandcastles

SANDCASTLES great fun aren't they. I remember the ones I used to build when I was a kid, we'd dig a crater with thick steep sides all around making anyone standing inside feel as safe as houses. Sometimes i'd be competing with a few friends to see how long my construction could withstand the incoming tide before making an immediate retreat one the walls begin to collapse inward. Those were the days hey.

Deganwy is renound for it's Sandcastles so i'm told... sand grains will not stick together unless the sand is reasonably fine, the ideal ratio is eight parts dry sand to one part water. When the sand dries out or gets wet, the shape of a structure may change, and landslides can happen...

A few too many...

Normally I try to put some kind of illustration or piece of thought imagery with every post on here, but for this post I didn't have my camera with me as much as I wished now that I had. Sunday night I had a few too many drinks with some friends of mine, we were having such a good time that we totally forgot about time itself. It became clear when I opened the door to leave and return home, it was light outside and the time was roughly 4:30 a.m. I had the delight of walking home back along the promenade, and for the first time in my life I saw the sun rise from the North Shore... I can describe what I saw in 2 words, absolutely amazing. The sea glittered like little pieces of gold, even the wind farms had an eerie feel about them, portrayed in such a way I felt they were acceptable... which under any other circumstance would be difficult for me to say lightly. If you're not much of an early bird, try to experience this, just the once. Next time I will be taking my camera...

Doorstep Edibles in Llandudno

Wild Fennel found in sandy silty soil

Ever since I watched Channel 4's series of River Cottage hosted by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall i've constantly been on the lookout for natural ingredients in the surrounding area. I've purchased several gardening books which have aided my studies and was pleasantly surprised as to how much there actually is on our doorstep. Whilst foraging local woodland i've come across Wild Garlic which is much milder than our supermarket cousin but has a fantastic taste, more recently whilst on one of our beaches I came across some Wild Fennel, distinct for it's aniseed like aroma and taste. It would be easy for me to tell you where to locate my finds, but the enjoyment is in finding it yourself, and exploring the wonderful surrounds of our town. 

Wild Garlic found in Local Woodland

When picking, pick in moderation, and research your find well before consuming, always follow rules to make sure the any fauna isn't protected or find out permissions with the landowner first. Besides herbs there are many other things to find such as fruit and some vegetables. Let us know if you find anything exciting.