The tail end of summer has brought us a bonus.

Mini heatwaves, on dates not predicted by the met office, gave us beach days and picnic opportunities and the joy of what is now called ‘wild swimming’ (it used to be called swimming) and walks and outdoor music and reconnecting with friends.

Pen Y Fan, Wales September 2021

I’ve put together some views of the summer and I hope they might keep you a little bit warm during the cold months ahead!

Staycation was imposed on us ,partly by concern around virus and partly because we wanted to see the people we cared about more than the faraway locations we dreamed about during lockdown. And didn’t it turn out well? No airports,no queues, no delays( well only on the M4, M5, say,did you try the 303?!) and the exchange rate was pretty reliable too!

Overlooking Pembroke Dock

We spend a week in Wales, no rain, not too many crowds and great scenery. Most of the time admired ( as was the view above) through glasses darkly or otherwise with friends.

Bigbury Bay, my closest sea and the next best beach to Ireland!

Not the med or the Adriatic. This was Ipswich Quay where the boardwalk was bustling with cafes and wine bars. Wineglass not to scale!
The cover of my latest book has been described as an advert for the Irish Tourist Board. I hope I make it over to Ireland next year, I’m sure it will still be counted as a staycation and I have so many friends and relatives both north and south that it will be a grand reunion with lots of Slainte and Caed Mile Failte all round!