Blooming June

Summer came early to Cardigan Bay last month, thank you Justin Bell for acknowledging that, and your kind Blog comments. Sadly it was short lived then mostly cool and rainy, perfect for trees and hedgerows which burgeoned with growth. Walking along the old railway track to Llanerchaeron the lush canopy overhead and the sweet musk scent of hawthorn, the light wind carried seed and blossom petals as summer snow. The bluebells are fading now but made a grand show under the beech trees earlier, and to see wild orchids dotted around the picnic area was a rare sight, food for the soul. Edible treats can be found along the riverside, wild garlic beloved by celebrity chefs grows in abundance, you can eat the flowers, shoots and leaves!

Ceredigion is a farming area and in fields bordering the track sheep have enjoyed the plentiful grass, ewes and lambs. It is common to see a black and a white lamb suckling together and I heard from a knowledgeable local that is is a 'throw back' to the original darker Welsh breed, and not a promiscuous ewe after all. Every day's a school day! The fields in front of Llanerchaeron Mansion are yellow with buttercups and in a smaller meadow calves, sheep and pigs were grazing and rooting around in harmony. A country idyll and on a warm afternoon under a cloudless blue sky it's as good as it gets!

After the success of the Spring Plant and Estate Fair at Llanerchaeron last month a Shearing Day is planned for 4th June. There will be demonstrations throughout the day and a chance to see the Ceredigion Guild of spinners, dyers and weavers at work. The National Woollen Museum near Newcastle Emlyn at Dre-fach Felindre is a very interesting visit, with free entrance and helpful staff who are happy to demonstrate and explain the weaving processes.

Father's Day (don't forget the Dads) can be celebrated at the Brewing Festival, 17th and 18th June. Local experts deomonstrate cider and wine making and the Welsh Cider Association will provide more than 40 tastings, that should be a happy outing! If a meal out is more his style the local pubs and restaurants provide tasty and reasonably priced meals. More treats can be had at the Harbourmaster Hotel, still keeping up their excellent standards. Enjoying an evening glass or two on the harbour wall outside and watching the sunset is a delight. The five star Ty Mawr Mansion a few miles north of Aberaeron has recently opened and is worth the journey, they have a good reputation for food and service. A bonus for animal fans, there are llamas wandering the grounds.

Just back from a trip on the coast road lined with flowering Laburnhams for miles, the verges full of cow parsley and pink campions, over the hill into Aberaeron with the full blue sweep of Cardigan Bay ahead, dotted with sailing boats and the promise of a beautiful sunset later. Well yn hwyr nag yn hwyrach, better late than later!