Thursday, 2 May 2013

Postcards from Wales


I have just had the most fabulous long weekend with some wonderful women friends. What an absolute tonic it was - I never stopped laughing from beginning to end.


We stayed at Kite Hill Yurts - which are located on top of a hill on the edge of Wales - truly stunning.


The Yurts themselves are comfortable and delightful. Kate and Dominic, the owners, really made us feel at home.


The setting is just perfect; the views, the walks, the trees - and even a Welsh rainbow - wonderful.


And there were Alpacas too - and a top bar bee hive! Everything was sustainable - compost loos, solar powered hot shower, drinking water piped from a spring - oooh - I  loved it a lot!! Can you tell I liked it?


One of the reasons we went there was to visit Wonderwool Wales - a festival of all things fibre. I didn't really take many photos here, as I was so busy nosing around, but I did have a long chat with the owner of the little Shetland ewe lamb there...I think they would do well on our island too!


After a lovely day of leisurely browsing, a tired but happy band of ladies headed back up the mountain with their new stash,


And very soon hands were busy casting on new projects, or learning to knit for the first time!


We had a day out in nearby Hay-on-Wye,  the most amazing town -  full of bookshops! Booths was my favourite - exactly what a bookshop should be  - with a fantastic cafe, too. These were without doubt, the best chips I have ever had - dipped in their homemade äioli - a dreamy combination.



But time stops for no one - and all too soon I was sitting in the airport, waiting,  with my new knitting, of course.

Lots of love to all the Yurt ladies, Denise, Dawn, Theresa, Gill, Lou, Kim and Lucy - and to Katie, Dominic and their sweet, sweet baby - thank you all - for an unforgettable weekend.

21 comments:

  1. Anonymous2/5/13 21:19

    Sounds wonderful! I'm glad you had such a great time! :) (what are you knitting?) xx

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    Replies
    1. its a wee pinafore - I am hoping to feature it on the next Yarn along.
      xx

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  2. Oh, that looks so wonderful!! Very much like our annual trip to the NC Mountains for SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival). A whole group of us ladies in a cabin in the mountains...close to perfection. So glad you had a wonderful time!

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  3. So pleased that you all had a great time, lovely pics and looking forward to seeing the finished knitting x

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  4. Now this looks like an amazing wee bit of time out, lovely, Jo xx

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  5. That looks like the best weekend ever!!! I love the yurt. And the chips... I am so hungry right now.

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  6. This post is so intriguing. I've seen photos of yurts, in various parts of the world, yet have never had the opportunity to contact anyone who'd ever stayed in one. I would so appreciate hearing more from you about this housing.

    The yarn looks wonderful, and I know that I would have so enjoyed much of the weekend. Potatoes and aioli...got to be delicious.

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a traditional Mongolian form of housing - very cosy and stable. Kate has put some information on her website. There is also a book called Living in the Round which has some lovely information - may be in your library. xx

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  7. That does look like fun!
    Rainbows and bookstores, animals and crafts! Hurrah!
    Have a wonderful day!
    Lea
    Lea's Menagerie

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  8. Lovely pictures, have Dominic and Kate been featured on TV as it looks and sounds familiar? Love the blue Adirondack chairs! one of those is on my wish list :-) Rowen@Coastal Colours x

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    Replies
    1. I'm not sure, Rowen - they have only started up this year. Yes I love those chairs too xx

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    2. Hi Rowen

      We haven't been on TV yet, but you never know! I love Adirondack chairs too - we brought these back with us when we moved from Canada and then painted them blue this year.

      The Adirondack chairs for the other yurt where made by the Institute for the Blind in Merthyr Tydfil. They are made from locally sourced sustainable wood and fold away for easy storage. They are quite reasonably priced: http://www.mtib.co.uk/foldable-adirondack-muskoka-chair-personalised/product

      Best wishes
      Kate

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  9. I'm not surprised you laughed non-stop, what with Denise R there. So glad you had a lovely time!

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    Replies
    1. Haha - yes, if I'd known about your booklaunch in time, we would have started from there!
      x

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  10. It was such a lot of fun and I was so happy to meet you at last, we must get together again some time xx

    Love your pictures. Have just finished a blog post too. I will be in touch about the group photo we took so I can send it to you.

    love Dawn xxx

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  11. That seems like it would be a lot of fun! Looks like you had nice weather and great fellowship!!

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  12. Everything about this is so cool. I especially love the blue door!

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  13. Brilliant post, thank you. So interesting to see Kite Hill Yurts from your perspective.

    It was lovely to meet you.

    xx

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  14. i don't know how i missed this post jacqui, but it is fantastic!! oh my goodness, there is so much to love here, i would be untruthful if i didn't say how envious i was while reading.

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  15. i love the yurts! so fun .. i didn't know the UK had them. I've seen them in parks in the US. yours looked very cosy inside. what a fun time away with friends ... laughter, bookshops, wool and chips! sounds lovely.

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  16. Just saw this post-looks MAGIC!

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