Port Eynon to Rhossili Walk - 20th May '06

We all did something today that we've never done before. 'Look at a map?' I hear you ask.
No, we took the bus. More specifically we took the bus from Port Eynon to Rhossili, then set off from Rhossili to walk the nine or so miles back to Port Eynon.
There was something quite unique about a crowd of us clambering on board with our walking equipment, the wry looks we won from the sparse fellow passengers, and the atmosphere of subtle camaraderie which ensued as we rumbled along the quiet Gower roads.
I realised this is what we've been missing on our journeys to walk destinations; the shared sense of anticipation as we approach the adventure ahead of us. By the time we were off the bus we had all 'warmed up' in the sociability sense, and we were all laughing and messing around in Tawe Trekkers style before the walk had even started.
This was, I must add, helped by the fact that the driver was a very jolly fellow and entertained us with educational quips about Newton and Einstein on the way. Oh yes he was quite a find; the kind of character you'd expect to meet in some twee whimsical drama about Swansea, rather than the real Swansea, in which a bus driver is more likely to be some disgruntled codger with a stale poly-cup of coffee in one fag-stained hand and the dog eared sports pages of the Evening Post in the other.
The walk itself was marvellous, all thanks to Martin; our leader for the day, and he took us on a coast hugging route back to Port Eynon which treated us all to the classic Gower scenery.
It wasn't what you would call a 'nice' day as such though. At times the wind was high, and powerful foamy waves barked at the rocks like rabid dogs. The cliffs loomed larger and more imposing due to the ominous weather and the rawness of nature felt closer than usual. I personally prefer these type of conditions on Gower to the sort ot lazy, submissive summer weather that would generally be thought of as ideal. It lends a whole different atmosphere to the place which is somehow more exhilirating.
Anyhow, things did calm down and the sun shone more brightly through the clouds as we neared Port Eynon, and the picture above shows us looking back towards Rhossili from Port Eynon Head.
Notice the artistic sepia tones that I developed the photo with in my darkroom? It took me ages to do that and my hands are still stinking of chemicals.
Do excuse me, people; I have to go now to order some more photographic supplies, but I hope this will encourage people to come out with us to the wonderful, romantic peninsula that is the Gower.

Doug