On your marks, get set, go!

Today's the day. London 2012 kicks off later with the long-awaited opening ceremony.

OK, so technically it's already started, but I really struggle to count football as an Olympic sport.

I guess we're all wondering who's going to light the Olympic flame tonight - and just how spectacular it can be. There are so many sports I'm excited to see and, thanks to being on maternity leave, I'm hoping to make the most of the coverage - from canoeing, three-day eventing and diving to cycling, rowing and the marathon.

There's been a 10-week marathon of a different kind, travelling around the country, hyping up the Olympic fever, with 8,000 torch bearers carrying the Torch. It's estimated 3million people will have seen the Torch on its journey, and there were around 20,000 who turned out in Haverfordwest a few weeks ago.

It was my first outing with baby and camera so it took a bit of planning to find a spot where we wouldn't get squashed and where I'd be able to get some pics.

There was a great atmosphere with genuine excitement and anticipation among the families waving their flags. Even the dogs wanted to be a part of it...

The reason for my excuses

So, it's been a while. You could say I've had my hands full these past few months.

Here she is, the reason for my dearth of blogs. Hopefully you'll agree, she really is a very good excuse.

 

9 weeks

16 weeks

16 weeks

With daddy on our first holiday 

Wet and wild...

As if you needed it, here's another reason to love Pembrokeshire and all it has to offer.

Even to my untrained eyes, these waves looked pretty impressive - and judging by the number of surfers, bobbing around like seals in the winter swell, they were a challenge for these brave* (*maybe a little crazy) souls.

These pics were taken at Broadhaven (South) on a chilly, blustery day. I'd taken the camera, and the dogs, for a walk - and at seven months' pregnant decided on the 'easy' option of parking at the car park above the beach rather than the usual walk around the lily pools. It didn't feel so easy walking back up the steps on the way back, when the bump and a lack of oxygen forced me to stop twice, but then again it's always nice to take in the stunning Pembrokeshire views.

I don't know how surfers know where the best waves are going to be, but they must have a good communications set-up because we arrived in the car park to find lots of vehicles. Fairly unusual for a weekday in the middle of the winter, when I'd expected us to have the beach to ourselves - another perk of Pembrokeshire at this time of year.

Anyway, the beach itself was empty - much to the satisfaction of the two collies who needed to use up some of that boundless energy - but it was a little more congested in the waves...

I liked this one and tweaked it in Aperture. It must be my newspaper background, but I don't tend to like over-processed shots so I'm hoping I haven't overdone it. Let me know what you think…

And a final word of warning to all you surfers, dog walkers and beach fans out there - we found this washed up on the sand which could do some serious damage to feet and paws, so keep a lookout…

So that's a wrap...

Well, that's it then. All over for another year. 

Here's to a happy, healthy and successful 2012.

Festive greetings...

Just a little festive picture to wish you all a very merry Christmas! 

My favourite yuletide bird (after turkey).

Farewell to Shane - a Welsh rugby legend

It was a fitting end to an illustrious sporting career as Shane Williams pulled on the red jersey for the final time yesterday in the Wales v Australia match at the Millennium Stadium.

The clash hadn't been a classic, not even close, but in the last move of the game Shane crossed the line for his 58th Test try - and everyone's wish came true - he'd scored his last try in his last game before retirement.

At 34 he will now hang up those daffodil-coloured boots and Welsh rugby fans will be left to reflect on the ingenuity of their twinkletoes wing. 

There were tears before the game and after the final whistle - and not just Shane's - as the man who always inspired a nation's collective hope said: "I've had the time of my life."

In August I got the chance to photograph Shane as he signed autographs in a brief appearance at the Pembrokeshire County Show, along with former Scarlets and Wales player Dafydd Jones.

Shane was running late, caught up in show traffic, as the crowds gathered at the Oil 4 Wales stand. Young and old were all waiting expectantly for a glimpse of their hero. I was getting twitchy as there were other things on my pic list which were now going to clash, but there was no way I was going to miss him.

When he arrived I had to wait a while for the clamour to die down before I grabbed no more than two minutes to take the shot before heading off to the other far-flung corners of the showground.

Thanks for the memories Shane, we'll miss you.

Snapping the lights fantastic

Last month saw the second Secret Light Garden weekend held at Picton Castle. It's a great family night out and this year's effort was even better than 2010 - and there were definitely a lot more people there.
It also makes an entertaining night for photographers and there were quite a few of us to be seen wandering around with cameras armed on tripods.
Here are a few of my images taken on the night. I was relieved when they printed really well on our newsprint - cause you just never know sometimes. Some are also featured in the latest edition of our magazine. I'll post a link when it's out.