Just a little Hello really...

Feels like I haven't been in touch for a little while now, in truth the Easter break bookings had my undivided attention and so I'm afraid that you lot got shifted to the back seat. I do like being a busy little bee though, it makes you feel like you have achieved something with your day you know, served a purpose type of thing.

Gosh I am sleeping lately though, I think it may have something to do with my intense training for the Pembrokeshire Dawn Walk in May. Every Saturday and Sunday, no time for a lie in as I jump with joy out of my warm, cosy bed at 7 on the dot...wash, change, breakfast out of the door with my pooch by half past! I am up to walking around 18 miles twice a week at the moment with the odd 6 thrown in during the middle of the week, though I am thinking that I need to start increasing that slightly now by an extra few miles. I am walking 26 miles on Sunday 17th May and so I don't think I am doing to badly really, though I am getting a little bit worried about mum though. My mum is the reason I am doing it in a way, thought I would keep her company whilst out walking and things you know, however she is having a little trouble with her back recently which is preventing her from training. Hopefully all should be better by the weekend perhaps, so next week we can get cracking. I do highly recommend walking as a cheap, enjoyable and strangely relaxing activity, that to me would beat slogging in the gym any day!

Well what terrific weather shone on the UK over Easter, wasn't it glorious?! My freckles burst with energy as the rays beamed down and finally I have collected a little colour on my cheeks! First time for us in the water this year too over the weekend just passed. The trouble is though, because the boat goes into hibernation out of the way of the winter chill, you try to jam pack as much Wake boarding into the summer months as you can to get you looking as though you know what you are doing. But by the time you trudge through the winter and the spring knocks on the door again you have forgotten how to stand up! Ok, so that may be a slight exaggeration, but not by much!

To me personally, I think that getting on your cossie and plunging into the depths is a fantastic feeling, I do appreciate that wonderful water doesn't appeal to everyone though, but for those that are keen on getting to grips with water sports, I pledge that you should really get your adrenalin juices flowing this season. Coasteering has got to be on the top of your list, action packed and suitable for all ages and abilities, exploring the crooks and crannies of the limestone cliffs and taking the leap into the blue waters below. Kite surfing is another top class sport combining the thrill of the wash and determined control of the kite, this is a popular sport gradually sweeping our beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast.

I really do hope that this marvellous weather continues well into the summer, I was informed actually by Gemma who works with Activity Wales in our South County office in Tenby, that if the birds nests are high in the branches then we are heading for some rather warm weather - so I find myself now studying each tree to see whats occurring! Not so good if the cows are lying down though...

Pembrokeshire's Getting Fishy...

Calling all fish heads to Pembrokeshire between June 27th and July 5th as roll in the waves for the fishing frolic sweeping our County for lots of fishing fun as part of Pembrokeshire Fish Week! Celebrating their 10th birthday this year we are assured that this bonanza will be as much, if not more of a success than the previous year where by 20,000 fish-lovers were attracted in 2008. It is by far the plaice (see what I did there!) to be this summer...!

Pembrokeshire Fish Week aims to get your tackle in a twist and worship our truly terrific beaches, bright blue seas, superb seafood and appreciate our stunning, unspoilt coastline all combined in one big fat brimming package. The week will be bundled with a load of fishy fun and games for all the food loving family, from gourmet seafood evenings to fresh mackerel barbecues...you will not want to miss this tempting catch!

Activity Wales have joined forces this year with TYF Adventure to offer one marvellously marine Eco Fishing Adventure where you will be under the superb guidance of your TYF qualified instructor to learn the necessary skills to Kayak and Fish all in one structured afternoon session. All your needed equipment will be provided, though please don't forget to pack your speedo's, towel and one big healthy appetite to polish off your fresh barbecued catch at the end of your delightful day.

For further information in regards to our Fish Week - Eco-Fishing Adventure then please click here or speak to a human with a large orange fish head on 01437 765 777...

Big Well Done Black Mountain Activities...Read On

We love it when our clients enjoy their activities, it makes us feel so proud of the job we are doing and even happier that people have a riot and fantastic memories to treasure from their experience too. I am delighted to have recently received the following fantastic comments from two ladies that recently visited Black Mountain Activities in the Brecon Beacons and wanted to share them with the world wide web:

''Hi Guys, Becca and myself were with you this weekend. Canyoning and Climbing. We had an absolutely fantastic time. The areas we visited were beautiful but most of all your guides Bonny and Dewie, both were very knowledgeable and a total credit to the company. So thank you. I was just wondering - photo's mmmmm now I know some of these are going to be rather 'awful' but Becca and I would love to have them. Would it be possible to forward to the above email address shortly so we have some fab memories. Again guys - we had a great time, we have told the hotel about you, and upon our next trip to Wales will definitely be giving you a call. Thank you''. Vikki and Becca

Black Mountain Activities offer such a wide range of activities to suit all ages, abilities and budgets. If you would like to have a chat and discuss your activity options, availability and pricing then please give us a call on 01437 766 888 and we would be more than happy to help...

Marvellous Mother and Giant Easter Bunnies...

Oh my golly gosh have you heard that The Michael (slightly weird) Jackson is back in town?! ''Hee-Hee, Ooo! Go on girl, Aaow, Hee! Hey pretty baby with the high heels on...'' Come on you know the words! Jacko here I come...

I think it is about time that some clever toffee nose invented a 'Darling Daughter Day' where by the many around shower her with gifts of Frankincense and Mere. Either that or Jordan's, (oops sorry that is meant to be the innocent Katie Price) latest fragrance, 'I'm Terrific' with an overpowering scent of more money. I know let me pull my claws in, I'm only jealous.

I suppose us daughter's shouldn't complain, last night being a prime example. My dinner of fat free Super Noodles (Sweet Thai Chili) just didn't make my mouth water so much so that I dribbled a little or filled the dark empty hole I like to call a stomach, and so the food police start ringing. At the moment I am loving the odd Fajita, packed with crispy, fresh salad, grated cheese and hot, spicy salsa and so being in the dilemma I was in yesterday this would be the perfect fix.

'Mum?'

'Yes Natalie' mum replied.

'Have we yummy food at home to make Fajitas?'

'Hmm, no I don't think so. Why?

'Well I quite fancy them for tea tonight.' (I hinted).

'Oh do you now?! I'll pop to Tesco and pick up some things up then shall I?'

'Well, only if you don't mind...'

What a darl hey?! And that is the reason (not the only one mind) why my mum deserves a day off from ironing my work shirts, washing my socks, polishing my room, hoovering my carpets, cooking my tea, picking me up from the pub...

Fear not friends I am ONLY JOKING! I 'll give mum at least 2 days rest...

I bet some of you reading this have not really a clue of when Mothering Sunday is have you? What a disgrace. We all know it is Saturday 21st March, pull yourself together people and get organized! You can even let us help you.

Click HELP! for all our marvellous Mother's Day Gift ideas from seeing your mummy play soldier for the day Tank Driving or to take a leap with a Tandem Sky Dive. Come on, let us make her smile (or tremble in her boots!)...

Moving on...I have always wondered why as it approaches Easter I always seem to dream of bunnies. Apparently, as I divulge into my fountain of knowledge, it can be down to a number of different things...here is just the one. I have chosen all the positive explanations so I don't look stupid. But if you do have a problem seek medical advice, Rabbits can be scary little furries!:

''Rabbits are known for their speed and agility. They are quick thinkers who allow intuition to guide their feet as to the best route possible to escape danger.''

Anyway, 'Happy Easter All' avoid the bunnies and enjoy your mountains of chocolate eggs and get fat!

Snowing in Switzerland...

Unfortunately no, I am not tucked away in the snowy mountains wearing nothing but my goggles, thermals and my bright blue woolly hat...but I know some lucky b..person who is. Oli 'Everest' Tuggey who is a pirate with Big Blue Kite surfing, is taking a break from the wild waters of Newgale to instruct a number of dare devils Snow Kiting on the snowy white pistes of Switzerland.

I headed off to Andorra last February but were a tad unfortunate with the snow fall, by the end of our stay the majority of the snow had turned to nasty icy ice. Typically, pretty much as soon as we left you can imagine what happened. Nothing but consistent snow fall covering the mountains in one big cuddly blanket of snow. From reading the 'Big Blue Experience Blog' it seems that the drifts on the side of the road with them are reaching clumps of 15ft, so I think that is kind of satisfactory don't you think?

Aside from enjoying the snow during the winter, Oli and the big Blue Team are busy bees teaching a number of people to Kite Surf, Kite Board, Wake Board, Paddle Board, Power Kite and charge along the shores on a bright yellow Zap Cat. Fancy your chances?!

As I mentioned the Wake Board in the middle of that sentence, I suddenly turned my thoughts to when Mart and I are going to get our boat out of the shed, give it a sprinkle of clean, shiny stuff and hit the Cleddau waters. I cannot wait, it is officially the season...soon! How so very exciting, early morning boarding, late night boarding, all day boarding, it is such a blast. Actually, I set you all a challenge there...get your wetsuit out of the cupboard, dust off the cob webs and let's get boarding! You seriously will regret nothing...

So back to the Everest, I sure you all are anyway, but keep enjoying your time in Switzerland and we shall welcome you back with typical Pembrokeshire weather of grey skies, heavy raindrops but bright blue seas and plentiful jellyfish...See you in April!

Big Hearts and Massive Kisses

After having scrambled through the long winded month we like to call January, full of empty pockets, dark mornings and the thought of having to wait ages for the next Christmas get together with friends and family, the thought of February makes me smile.

Nope, it's not my birthday, my wedding, neither am I having a baby or packing my bags to go to a warm, sunny country on holiday. It is a lot more simple than that guys, I love the loving feeling of Valentine's Day and the 'full' feeling after eating a mountain of pancakes sprinkled in lemon juice, raisins and sugar. I know that has probably sparked a thought in your head to when Pancake Day is upon this year, Shrove Tuesday. Only joking, Tuesday 24th February 2009.

Just to mention quickly, I haven't done a step of training to gear me up for my marathon walk as yet, as far as I can walk is from the car to the chippie. Large chips, buttered roll and a cheese and onion pasty. I have bought a brand new pair of walking trainers though, they just haven't yet made it out of the box! They look so clean...

Anyway, what are you and your loved one doing this Valentine's? Same old 'traditional' evening meal on the menu? Actually, in thinking about this I can imagine that the whole of Wales will be glued to their TV screens next Saturday won't they? I for one will be with Martin sat right next to me, beer in hand! It's Wales beating England in the Six Nations silly. I don't know you just can't help some people can you!

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi, Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri...

Okay, so maybe a lot of us aren't reverting to the old tradition of a meal and few drinks and opting for an afternoon of rugby instead, but if you are up for exciting ideas of how to spend your 'special' day or weekend, then look no further. As a free booking agent for a number of activities, attractions and accommodation throughout Wales I have so many inspirational ideas to give you!

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  Tackle the racing rapids with a chilly session of White Water Rafting


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  Plunge from the clouds like a bird and show your partner how your bones are made of steel with an exhilarating Sky Dive


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  Experience the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast together with only your Pleasure Flight pilot to catch you smooching or


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  Tackle the rough countryside terrain, riding the bumps in the saddle of your Quad bike.

Those are simply the four activities that I could think of catchy descriptions for this afternoon. But as you can imagine we have so much more to tempt you! From Horse Riding to Kite Surfing, Paint balling to Tank Driving we have everything you could think of in between,. So give us a call and let our Activity Wales Team do all the hard work for you and make your 2009 Valentine's something to remember into 2010 and beyond!

Dawn Walk

A few days ago I set a challenge to myself to join my mum and dad in partaking in the Dawn Walk, Pembrokeshire to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Research. A couple of days on and I am beginning to wonder whether training for a 26 mile walk is a little too adventurous!

I used (and I stress that word greatly) to be a relatively fit kind of person, riding two horses pretty much everyday of the week, with the riding came the mucking out, carrying the hay bales, the large water buckets, walking to the field to round them up and now I do absolutely nothing, diddly squat. So there you have my problem, I cannot begin to imagine where I start to be honest!

Martin (my partner), is being very reluctant in joining us at the moment, I think the damage it would do to his regular drinking schedule is more than my life is worth. So, I am zipping my trap and hoping that when he sees my figure taking shape and my glowing skin (I will hide the rather disgusting foot sores), that he will not think twice about jumping on the wagon and making our team complete.

At this point I would just like to add that if anybody out there has any advice whatsoever about how I begin devising my training session, your knowledge and fine wisdom would be greatly received! In other words don't hold back...!

I was debating whether to let my mum and dad be the brave candidates and take a back seat by joining them half way at the 13 mile point, but I did think that would just be a little bit lazy. If I am going to do this then I might as well go the whole hog, right? You can though take that option if you don't fancy the 26 mile slog, I think either goal is fair play.

The date is set for Sunday 17th May 2009 and will begin at 06.00am sharp. I can't understand why on earth such a time has been invented, but I suppose that is the whole point of the title, 'Dawn Walk' really isn't it, so if you began at say 09.00am you may have to revert to the 'Mid Morning Walk' instead. But let's not get into all that jazz and concentrate on the cause behind sores. See what I did there?!

Macmillan Cancer Support is an outstanding charity that doesn't need any other explanation than what it says on the surface. They provide great support for those who live affected by cancer, along with their families, friends and carers. I would also like just to mention that they have set themselves one mighty impressive mission, in that their primary goal for 2010 is to reach and and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer. Good luck!

When I hear that goal and then turn the attention to my own goal in being able to somehow walk 26 miles in a few months from now, I have to say that my goal does sound a lot more possible than I once thought.

That is why I am going to train hard, drink water and only have a bag of chips once a week and complete that Dawn Walk of 2009! I will most definitely keep you posted during my progression to fit bird!