Stormy skies

 Of course it’s going to rain, it’s a Bank Holiday. Despite this knowledge, we take an foolishly optimistic view of today’s forecast, persuading ourselves that it will remain dry for our planned exploration into G’s family history. We’re heading for the ruins of an old family farmhouse, deep in the Vale of Clwyd. 

It’s soon abundantly clear that the weather is not on our side, but G’s determined to plough on - even if it’s only to locate the nearest point for our walk to start in better times. We really aren’t equipped for wet weather walking today - and to be honest, I hate walking in the rain. 

Eventually, we end up at the end of a very rough single track road, and have to turn back. There are some interesting ruins of lead mining to be seen, so I’m keen to pop out for a few shots despite the rain.  The welcome here is far from warm though, with multiple signs making this more than clear. Even our brief stay brings out a local who approaches us, taking out his phone to record our number plate. His land-rover has clearly seen better days, and this, the chimney ruins behind, and the plethora of warning signs can be seen in extras. Needless to say, we don’t hang around. 

So that could have been my blip for Derelict Sunday, but by the time we return to Colwyn Bay and take our postponed walk around the area, the sun decides to show its face. Sunlit scenes against an inky sky - just irresistible. And so instead of Pwll Helyg, the old home, you have the sunlit playing fields of the local independent school. And as a further extra, more sunlit buildings and blossom against the ominously black clouds.