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Happiness & Joy

Blackpool Part 1: Sealife Centre

By Happiness & Joy, Love & Relationships, NatureNo Comments
sealife-centre-2014-blackpool

Bob – The Fish

 At the weekend Boyfriend-A and I went to Blackpool. We had pre-booked tickets to the Sealife Centre and Madame Tussauds. In this post I’ll write about the Sealife Centre.

The Sealife Centre was alive with all sorts of marine life in its well-stocked tanks. Boyfriend-A and I wondered around leisurely, starting with seeing shark eggs and recently born baby sharks (click any image for full size photo):

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Breeding: Shark Eggs
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Breeding: Shark Eggs
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Breeding: Newly Born Sharks

The many tanks often included rays as well as starfish:

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One of the Tanks
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Rays-A-Plenty: There were many rays
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Camouflage Fish
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A starfish
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Mr Ray showing off his sharp teeth
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Mr Ray 2

We saw ‘The Big Daddy,’ a giant crab that is so big he has an entry in the Guinness World Records Book.

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‘The Big Daddy’ – A Giant Crab

We watched delicate small seahorses:

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A Seahorse

And these jellyfish under neon colour-changing light:

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Neon Jellyfish 1
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Neon Jellyfish 2
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Neon Jellyfish 3

Many of the fish I tried to photograph moved too quickly for the camera. This included dory (from Finding Nemo) look-a-likes.

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Trying to snap Dory, they are too quick.

We saw mean-looking paranha fish. I’m sure they were eyeing me up as a meal:

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Mean-looking Piranhas 1
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Mean-looking Piranhas 2

Then we moved on to the sharks:

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Shark Nursery: Breeding sign
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Shark Nursery: A baby shark
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Sharks: An adult having a lie down
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Sharks: A vegetarian shark
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Sharks: Another shark (side on)

We had a great time. Then we head to Madame Tussaunds, which I will write about and share pictures in my next blog post.

Write soon,

Antony



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Sunday 22 June 2014

Happy Belated Litha & More Rivington Photos

By Adventures, Happiness & Joy, Inspiration, Life, Love & Relationships, Nature, PaganismNo Comments

Happy Belated Litha (see Pagan Festivals)!

Boyfriend-A and I took a spontaneous outing to Rivington on Friday. It happened to be Litha, which is the longest day of the year. It was bright, warm and the perfect evening to explore Rivington. We spent quality time together and I also took the opportunity to appreciate nature.

I have previously blogged about Rivington and included plenty of photos. But I felt compelled to take some more photos of this beautiful place on Friday. So here are some of those photos (click on any image for full size):

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Boyfriend-A Looking at the view
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Rivington Ruins 1
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Rivington Ruins 2
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The Pond 1
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The Pond 2
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Rivington: A Gorgeous View
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Rivington: Another View
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Pigeon Tower Information Board
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Pigeon Tower

I hope you all had a equally fantastic Litha.

Blog soon,

Antony



I aim for posts on this blog to be informative, educational and entertaining. If you have found this post useful or enjoyable, please consider making a contribution by Paypal:


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Sunday 22 June 2014

Mid-Wales Part 2: Aberdovey Beach & King Arthur’s Labyrinth

By Adventures, Friends & Family, Gay, Happiness & Joy, ShoppingNo Comments

While Simon and I were away (see Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage), on the Saturday morning the sun shone gloriously and the temperature was set to soar. So we went to Aberdovey Beach for the day. It felt like being abroad. The sand was golden and reflected the sun. The sea was calm with the faint scent of salt in the air. The smell of coconut sun lotion drifted by from the people that had come to the beach to make the most of the weather. I imagine that this is what heaven is like. Here are some photos (click on any image for full size photo):

Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach: Felt like being abroad.
Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach 2.
Aberdovey Beach

Aberdovey Beach: Sailing boats and glorious sandy beaches. It got busier as the day went on.
Aberdovey Beach

People watching.

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Simon and I spent the time people watching and sitting in a small gardens with coffee. We walked along the sea front and I had an ice cream. I think I spent too long in the sun, as my arms were a lobster red colour by the end of the day. More photos:

Aberdovey Beach compass

The compass of the circled bench seating area.
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Walk along the sea front.
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Ice cream: Just want I needed.
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Lobster Red: Think I spent a bit too much time in the sun?

On the way back to the Cottage (see Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage) Simon and I had seen King Arthur’s Labyrinth on Google Maps, so decided to check it out. It turned out that King Arthur’s Labyrinth was a children’s attraction. But on the site was a collection of artists workshops in little huts. In a gorgeous little candle shop, I bought the most fabulous gay mirror:

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My Fabulous Gay Mirror.

Our whole time in Wales was brilliant. Throughout the trip we ate out often. We drove home through Betws-y-Coed and Conway. On the way to Wales we had bought lotto tickets. While at the cottage Simon and I had talked about what we’d do if we won. Simon had said: “I’d be happy with just £50.” and guess what? We actually won £46 which was a pleasant ending to our awesome trip.

Write soon,

Antony



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Thursday 22 May 2014

Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage

By Adventures, Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, NatureNo Comments
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Penrhos Cottage Sign

 Simon and I spent the weekend at Penrhos Cottage. This homely cottage, set in the beautiful Welsh Valley of Corris was the perfect escape from busy life. We dubbed Penrhos ‘The Lovely Cottage.’ Here are some photos (click any photo for full size image):
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Simon popping his head out of The Lovely Cottage
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Cosy & Homely.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The fireplace – we didn’t use it, as it was such good weather.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Practical Kitchen.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Bathroom 1
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Bathroom 2. A shower big enough for two.
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My bedroom.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Simon’s Bedroom.

It was wonderfully peaceful, especially with the whooshing from the stream set in the centre of the valley. The view was great:

Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The View 1.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The View 2.

We met the chickens, roosters and pigs that were in the field in front of the cottage:

Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The Chickens & Rooster.
Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

The pigs.

The Lovely Penrhos Cottage is the the perfect place to holiday; whether you’re looking for quietness or activity. For those looking for quietness and contemplation you can chill out in the cottage or take long walks in picturesque countryside. If you’re looking for activity there’s plenty of tourist attractions just a short drive away. The cottage features include Wifi, a fully functioning kitchen and a washing machine. Children and dogs are welcome.

It struck me that Penrhos Cottage would make a superb cottage for writers taking a writing holiday. Simon and I left The Lovely Cottage feeling rested, relaxed and recharged.

In Mid-Wales, Part 2 I’ll tell you about Aberdovey Beach, King Arthur’s Labyrinth and my fabulous gay mirror.

Blog soon,

Antony



I aim for posts on this blog to be informative, educational and entertaining. If you have found this post useful or enjoyable, please consider making a contribution by Paypal:


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Tuesday 20 May 2014
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