"Double dragon? That sounds Japanese"

Thanks Aubrey for this...feel like I was here with you!

February 17, 2009...4:12 am
“Double dragon? That sounds Japanese.”

I am rejuvenated.

I have returned from a weekend of adventure in my homeland, Wales. We went to an extreme sports camp in the Pembrokeshire area of South Western Wales, and spent the weekend revving up our adrenaline and taking in the countryside.

Welsh roads are the funniest things, because they keep you from ever knowing where you are until you stumble upon your destination; they’re hedged in, literally, by massive brambles, bushes and the occasional sheep.

I became acquainted with the National Ale of Wales: Double Dragon. I see a beautiful friendship on the horizon, if I’m able to find it anywhere but in Wales, which I highly doubt. All in all the atmosphere at the camp was one of relaxation and I think a thankfulness to get out of the city mindset. Things slowed down once we got to the rolling green hills, smelled the salt water and saw that clear sunshine.

We took a quick drive over to a little fishing village, Abercastle, and launched in their cove. We did a few quick lessons in basic kayak technique, then headed out to the open water. We hugged the coast, but not too closely because there were jagged rocks and crags along the way. We got to paddle around in the waves, launch ourselves over rock outcroppings at the right moments, and were dared to generally be “fearless” in the water. Our instructors were really fun guys, both so down to earth and into fun, so the smiling was contagious. As we got back into the cove and dragged our kayaks up onto the shore, a neighborhood dog trotted down to greet us, going to each of us, checking we were okay, pausing to be adored, and then trotted back to his spot lying in the middle of the one way road.

For our last day there, I took a seven mile hike along the coastal cliffs with a few other adventurers. My walking buddy was Keely, and we had a great time exploring, taking in the sights, and making sure we got off the beaten path occasionally. I got to frolic multiple times, which, in my book, counts as a major win. I took some incredible landscape shots, communed with the ocean, chatted with a sheep, and got to slosh through incredibly satisfyingly squishy suctiony mud.

After a quick lunch and time to clean up and get our stuff together, we headed back towards London, past Cardiff and Bristol, etc. although this trip was much quieter because we were all exhausted. I was sad leaving the rolling green hills and the sheep and the countryside smell. I let myself daydream about working on a farm for the summer, being able to fully immerse myself in the Welsh countryside and small town culture.

Maybe some day."

Read more of Aubrey's blog.