• [slideshow]
    I took the high mountain road to Treherbert at the top of the Rhondda Valley this morning and fouind myself drivbing alongside a paraglider, so I had to stop and take a picture. What a beautiful morning. A clear blue sky, a tang in the air but not too cold and this person just floating around, having a great time. High above, the airlines were grinding their way back into business after the Volcanic ash scare that has closed the airports for days.

    I arrived at Penyrenglyn Primary at the same time as one of the teachers who had not had such a wonderful journey to work. She’d come over another mountain road. A rock had rolled down the mountain and bounced onto her car bonnet – see the picture – it punched a hole right through the metal! A slit second earlier and it would have come through the windscreen and caused heaven knows what damage. I think she had a very lucky escape!

    I’d been to the School before, two or three years ago. Years five and six were incredibly shy or quiet or something – apparently they are like that!

    I had a lovely day there and thought I had a brilliant idea for getting years five and six to use social networking software to make them write, but I can’t remember how I though it would work now! maybe it will come back to me.

  • Pontygwaith Primary clings to the side of the mountainside, high above the Rhondda Valley at the very top of the very top street. I had a great day, yesterday, telling stories, drawing and plotting new stories for my characters for the children to write after I’ve gone.

    Year five had a hamster, which they said was a bit boring because it sleeps all day long, but year six had week old chicks! Very cute but apt to pooh all over your hands if you pick them up!

  • I pulled in to Garn Eiddel car park way up high above Maerdy in South Wales this afternoon. I reckoned that If I walked up to the crest there would be a great view down the valley.

    I was totally surprised to find an impromptu graveyard or memorial garden – I’m not quite sure what to call it. group of home made crosses, most with the name of Ken or Kenneth on them and ages that make them human and not pets. Click the pictures for a bigger view.

    I’ve no idea what it’s about. I’ll ask.

    The skies are bright blue and peaceful as the Volcanic ash keeps the airports closed, but I did see one vapour trail at lunchtime. a brave or foolhardy pilot?

    Click the pictures to make them bigger.