Monday, 18 July 2016

Big Pit, big fish, big everything

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Big sunflower but Bear is more interested in the big mess he's making

Big Pit, big fish, big everything this week. The summer may be another washout but it hasn't stopped the sunflowers, that Bear and Grandad sowed so many weeks ago, growing big and tall. Bear was complaining that the rose petals on the grass looked messy but that didn't stop him having fun scattering a few of his own.


Our local park has a big metal goal that Bear thought was great fun, he preferred to climb through the holes rather than kick the ball but at least he chose a big number!


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Are you ready?

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Saved!

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I'd rather climb through the holes

The weather was a bit unpredictable but we still got out. Roath Park has so much to see from rose gardens to specimen trees, playgrounds to a rowing lake. It also has a greenhouse (small entrance charge) that holds tropical plants, some really big fish, a few Whistling ducks (they don't quack, they whistle) and some terrapins. The terrapins, it is said, are unwanted pets that were abandoned. When the cartoon Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles was at it's height in the 1990's many people bought terrapins unaware they grew from the delightful little creatures the size of a 50p coin into big terrapins, 18cms or more. They were then abandoned and many found their way into Roath Park.


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Big fish at Roath Park

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Feeding the fish

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A terrapin, a Whistling duck and a big fish

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Bear was fascinated at the terrapin, when he touched it, it disappeared inside it's shell.


As soon as the weather forecast said we were in for a dry day we jumped into the car and drove the 25 miles to Blaenavon. Blaenavon is a heritage town and has many attractions including a museum, Big Pit and the Ironworks.

Our first stop was the Ironworks, after getting a little bit lost and getting out at the wrong carpark, we eventually found the free car park across the road. Our luck was not in, we approached the gate and a man came to meet us to say that they had a break in during the night and would be closed while the police investigated. Bear was not happy. Back into the car for another 5 min ride to Big Pit National Coal Museum. Big Pit is free to visit but the carpark costs £3 for the day. There is a lot to see and was full of schoolchildren whilst we were there.

Big Pit is a real coal mine with guided walks and a chance to go underground (height restrictions are in place). Many of the guides are ex miners who are more than willing to stop and chat and answer any questions. 


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Tantalisingly close to Blaenavon Ironworks

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Lets go!

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Right that's it, back to the car

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Big Pit National Coal Museum

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Bear driving the train, lots of levers to move


We will go back to Blaenavon this week as I really want to see the ironworks and Bear wants to explore and let you know what a toddler thinks, so look out for our review to come.



Whats new this week?


Bear wasn't himself this week, not sure if it was his cold or his teeth playing up but it did make him a little contrary. He was playing in the dining room with Grandad when I walk in and stopped the play.

"Nanny, Nanny, Nanny" he said as he pushed me backwards towards the kitchen
"No!No! Kitchen, kitchen"
That told me!

He hates having his nappy changed and fights against it. Once he's lying down he's OK so bribes (you can watch Postman Pat)  is a big part of the nappy change routine at the moment.

We have a heatwave heading for Britain this week so we will revisit Blaenavon and get the paddling pool out. Lots of watery fun. Do you have any plans?


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