Bridge exhibition

Menai Suspension Bridge, aka Telford Bridge, aka the old bridge, is 200 years old. The University decided to dedicate a small exhibition to it. In one of the glamorous corridors of the main building, there are some cabinets, which host changing mini-exhibitions. 

When it was announced that there was an exhibition about the bridge there, I decided I wanted to go and see it. When I had a chat with Jenny, my Welsh tutor, she also recommended it; she had already been. Unfortunately, when I am in the building, I often have stuff to do and places to get to immediately afterwards, so for months I didn't go. But then I was on main campus for the second and last round of catch up dissertation presentations, and so many students didn't show up I had time to go and have a look before I needed to be somewhere else.

This also means this post is out of sequence! I have already blogged about what happened in the weekend. I forgot this draft was there.

The exhibition is not big, but I thought it was amazing! It started with the old route between London and Dublin, which relies on several ferries, including one over the Menai Strait.  I had no idea the original ferry went from the sand flats. That doesn’t sound ideal! But later it moved to a mainland landing site that’s dry at both high and low water. 

In the 18th century already, there were goals for a bridge. There were all sorts of people who were either very much in favour very much opposed. Several different designs.

Did you get the decision to go with the particular design Ford came up with. And then the construction. And then it was done.

Bite of the process, obviously, without photographic evidence. But that came in somewhere along the way. I really like seeing the whole process develop in written, drawn or photographically documented evidence. I might just come back to admire it another time!

Welcome sign

Map with possible crossings indicated

Various proposed designs 

The design that was chosen 

Construction 

Close-up: cranes om the pillars of the bridge 

Phone charging drama

I have an iPhone. They are infamous for vulnerable charging ports. I already once bought a new one for reasons of port issues. And the new phone also had problems. But when that happened, I moved to wireless pads. That sorted me out for a bit. 

After a while, my Halfords pad started to get connection issues. Unless the cable was in just right, the pad didn’t get power and wouldn’t charge. And even if it did get power, it would complain increasingly often that the phone wasn’t positioned correctly on it. I figured I might need a new one. 

One day, I was in a shop for other reasons, and I saw they sold pads as well. Great! I bought one. But did that solve things? No! I thought a pad would be a pad, but this thing proved they are not created equal. It barely charged anything. 

Before I dragged myself past a suitable shop, I ended up with an almost empty phone, and two pads that wouldn’t charge it. What a faff! So now things became urgent. I wanted to phone people. I wanted to write my blog. I wanted to take pictures. I wanted to do all sorts of things for which I use my phone.

On Monday morning, I made sure to bike past Argos and pick up a new pad. When I got to the office, I got it out of the packaging, hoping to use it straight away. Unfortunately, I hadn't checked whether it was actually compatible with the plug I normally use for that. It wasn't! I am used to charging on USBA but this was USBC. Bummer.

With my phone out of business and my computer still not having dictation software, I could barely get any work done in the office. I had been writing text so far by dictating to my phone, and then transferring the text to my computer. That was not going to work today. So I hadn't been in the office very long, but my best bet was to leave it again. On the way back I biked past Halfords to pick up a plug that can do both USBA and USBC. 

In the shop they handed me the box, with the receipt taped to it. That obscured the front of it. It was only when I got home that I realised they hadn't given me a normal plug, but a car plug. That was not what I wanted! That made me quite grumpy. I considered my options. And I decided to drive to Halfords to get the proper plug. Why am I burning fuel for that? But I didn't want to make the ~1.5 hr round trip on bike. I had more things to do.

The lady at the counter was properly apologetic. And I took the opportunity to pop by a big supermarket for groceries. Soon I was home, finally able to effortlessly charge my phone. I've chucked the first pad away. I might do the same thing with the second one. It only managed to get my phone up to 10% after a full night charging! That's no use. The third pad is just doing what it should do. It might be a while before I start taking that for granted...

The full set of pads

Furry suit makes it back

Mines and caves can be quite cold; they can be wet and even windy. I really like that I have a rather thick furry suit for underneath my oversuit. It keeps me warm on all sorts of trips. And then I was so stupid as to leave it in the Yorkshire Dales.

The other ladies on the trip immediately jumped in to help. One lived locally, with her husband; he was going to be in the hut where I had left it soon. And it seems that he was working with North Wales cavers. So he could handily hand it over to them. One of these then met Sharon. 

The Snowdonia half marathon is set in Llanrwst; that is only 15 minutes away from where Sharon lives. So after the race I didn't go straight home; I popped over to her place. She wasn't in, but she had pulled it by the front door. I could go and pick it up.

I admired her amazing view! I had suspected she lived somewhere very beautiful. Now I know for sure.

The suit is back now! And I think there is a rather cold mine trip on the cards in the not too distant future. I will be ready for it my lovely snug suit! Thanks to Caver Mail! 

Snowdonia Half Marathon 2026

I like this race! The route is beautiful, and with all its ups and downs it never feels like you’re doing the same thing for a long time. 

I had first done it pre-Covid, and loved it. Then I did it two years ago, and ended up with clanging IT band problems. I still snaffled a category win, though. Last year my IT bands held, and I had another category win. I wanted another one this year. And the weather would be a lot better for it! Not as hot as last year. 

I rocked up and bumped into the organiser. He greeted me by my name. We had a little chat, and he said "see you at the presentation". I like it that I have the reputation of almost standard being presented a medal!

I got my number, had a last sandwich, drank my energy drink, took off all the layers I wouldn't be running with, and then handed in my bag at the bag drop. Time to do a warmup! And have a last convenience break.

When I trundled up the hill I saw that the marshal at the first junction was already in position. That was a bit early! We had a nice chat. His name was Wayne. Then I sneaked off for a leak, and headed back. I then tried to organise a club picture with the other Harriers. I found four! There were more but we didn’t spot them.

Phil, me, Evan, Sion, Robin

I also found Ann, who had been my rival last year. We battled it out over the entire race, but on the famous hill 11 miles in I got ahead of her, and she didn't manage to catch up on the way down or the last flat bit. I beat her by 11 seconds. She is 18 years older than me. And a toughie! 

It was time to line up at the start line, and soon we were off. I knew to take it easy on the first ascent. It’s long, and there are more to follow! I waved at Wayne and trundled on. I also passed Ann. I expected her to overtake me multiple times on the downhill. And after some 3.5 km, I passed a marshalling station, where a lady said I was currently second female. What? This is a sizeable race! And I didn’t think I was going very fast. But I liked it! 

I trundled on. Soon Llyn Geirionydd came into view. The route is flat there. I just thought of my breathing and kept a decent speed. More people along the course confirmed that I was in silver position. Lovely!

Quite unlike last year, I ignored all the water stations. I had a little bottle myself, and it wasn’t very hot. And I trundled up the hill between the lakes. All went well! Even coming to the top and heading down. The gradient is mild, so I can go quite fast and not be scared. And there had been quite some logging there, so views were wide. And the path is bendy, so you can see a bit before and behind you. No women to be seen! Not even Ann.

Running around Llyn Crafnant I went back to thinking about my breathing. All went well! I was feeling relaxed. And then I came to the sort bit of road where you meet the runners coming the other way. I saw one of the Harriers, Sion, and could shout him on. A lot of people shouted encouragements at me. Especially the women. But then the route went somewhere else and I was pretty much alone again. 

I knew I now had a flat few kilometres before the big hill. I kept my speed up! And was a bit worried that like two years ago, I was feeling my IT bands. I had intended to have paracetamol before the race, and bring straps that might help the symptoms, as I had done at the Conwy race, but had completely forgotten. Oh dear. 

I made it up the hill without stopping, and while trying to convince my body all was well. And once on top, I tried to run with big strides, as that fights symptoms too. And the downhill is always difficult. 

On the big downhill, past a cheering Wayne, I was overtaken by several people, but luckily all men. Some furtive looks behind me didn’t reveal any menacing females. The last man overtaking me said he was aiming for a time of 1:45. Ambitious! But well, if it was doable for him, right beside me, then I was clearly on course for a faster time than last year. That had felt fast!

On the flat bit I I tried long strides again. And I was trying to go fast enough to not let any unseen women get past. In spite of my knee. And then I finished, in 1:44:37. 

Finish

I saw a lady standing there already. She must have won! I congratulated her. And then another lady appeared. She must have been right behind me. Oh dear! I escaped a late disappointment. Even though bronze in a race like this is still amazing. 

I went to get my medal and T-shirt, and my bag. Then I went back to the course. I had my recovery drink, and more liquids. And I cheered on the runners. Robin, one of the Harriers in the race, and Sion’s brother, came past like Usain Bolt. Amazing! 

After a while I went back to find the Harriers that had finished. Along the way, I bumped into Paul, of NWRAC, who has assembled the North Wales team for the 10 mile inter-county championships. He was impressed with my time. Maybe he’ll invite me into his team again! And soon after, the presentation started. I was chuffed to get a silver medal! And in this race, they even give you a category win if you have already won an all-out podium position, so I came back for the 50+ medal. The bloke handing it out asked how many of their medals I had by now. Many! 

Proud as punch with my second place

I in turn cheered on the other runners. Winning woman had been some 10 minutes faster than me! And Ann had a category win. Of course. 

After the presentation we all went our separate ways. I walked back to my car over a field, and found Sion and Robin there. We had a little debrief! And then I really left. 

I still can’t quite believe I came second! In a popular commercial race! Although I have managed that before, Twice. And once in a slightly less popular commercial race. And without feeling too wrung out about it! But it was a bit of a bummer my IT band problem had returned. Later this year I want to run a half marathon PB. That is hard if your IT bands are not collaborating! 

Marshalling Moel Eilio

I think it's important to marshal once in a while. Without marshals, no races. And I would really be sad if there were no races. If I'm happy to accept the services of other people marshalling, I should be willing to do it myself as well! And Ras Moel Eilio was coming up. I had quite enjoyed marshalling that the previous year. And I volunteered again.

The previous year I had been on the ridge. It takes a while to get there, but then you get great views. This year would be different; they stationed me at a gate on the Maesgwm path. By coincidence, it was the same gate where I had marshalled the Pedol Peris two years ago. Not a spectacular location, but still beautiful. And that low down, the weather tends to be good.

Walking in

Initially, I would walk up with Steve, the marshal who would be one gate further up. He was not quite sure which gate was his, but when I got to headquarters, they had explained it to him, and he had set off. So I walked up alone. But I was quite early; I just walked the extra kilometre to his gate, and had a chat with him. That was nice!

We had radios, so you could hear where the runners were. So I had a bit of an idea when I would have to make my way back to my own gate. That worked out. And I wasn't very useful there; that gate is generally open anyway, and it is absolutely obvious where the runners have to go. But at least I could shout encouragements, and tell them how much further it was. 

With Eryri Harriers high viz vest. The stripy band is for radio; the blue one for cow bell. All kitted out! 

The first runner was Owain, an Eryri Harrier. He was quite a distance ahead! He would indeed win. Our own TNH Dyfed was, as expected, very fast as well. And a fair while after the first man I saw the first woman appear. It was Elliw, who has just won the Rhostryfan 10k three days before.

At some point, the trickle of runners became a bit less. And over the radio I could hear several marshalling stations pack up. Once the sweep has come through, you can leave! At some point I saw him approach myself. It was Marcus, a TNH veteran. When I saw him appear I threw my stuff in my bag. He invited me to run with him. I said I wasn't dressed for it. He said it didn't matter. I was mainly thinking about my running bra which I wasn't wearing. He said he wouldn't look. I said running bras are not for looks. The civilian bra I was wearing was not too bad though, so I just ran. The backpack wasn't ideal either, but doable.

Running to the finish together 

With the three of us we trundled on, with some 2 km to cover. We came past three more marshalling stations by gates. And then we reached the finish. I had a little chat with those who were there. Then Arwel asked if I would walk down with him. Of course I would. He was walking with a bit of asymmetry; he said he had done his legs in at the Rhostryfan race. Oh dear!

When we got to race HQ, the presentation wasn't far. I stayed for it. And I thought I'd have a bit more water while doing so. So I rummaged in my bag. No flask! Oh dear. I must have forgotten it at my marshalling station. That sucked! I would have to go back. I briefly entertained the thought of driving part of the way. But it was only 3 km (be it with 160 m ascent), so I dismissed that thought. And just walked up! With some jogging.

It was still there. I emptied it while making my way back down. And I was back at my car a few minutes after my parking ticket had expired, but nobody had noticed. So I could go home.

I prefer to be a little bit more useful when I am marshalling, but in spite of that, it had been a good day. And the next day, I could race again myself!

Squirrel

When I moved here, I didn’t see many squirrels in the garden. In recent months, this has increased a lot. I see a squirrel in the garden really often. And I see what they leave behind; I don't grow any peanuts, walnuts or hazelnuts, but I find lots of empty shells thereof in my garden. I suspect that is just a squirrel not tidying up after their lunch. And I find lots of little holes. They are too shallow to be mouse or rat burrows, so I figured they were probably places where the squirrel had hidden a hazelnut or something, and dug it up again.

Not my food waste! 

Little holes in the lawn

Most of these holes are in the lawn. But some of them are in flower pots. One of the flowers I had bought for the front of the house is looking miserable. The soil it was in had been very disturbed. The pepper plant had also had a treatment. That is a bit more unfortunate.

Ravished plant

One day I was outside, and I heard a strange noise. I wondered what it was, and my surprise, it was a squirrel running around on the wall of Neuadd Ogwen, shouting at a cat (not mine!) in my garden. It looked like the squirrel wanted to chase it away. It even worked.

That looked very territorial, so that made me believe that it is not that I just see lots of squirrels in my garden; it is probably just one squirrel I see very often.

Notice the squirrel on the gate keep an eye on the cat

 

I have later also spotted a squirrel (the squirrel?) shouting at my cat who was just lounging in the garden. I really think the squirrel is territorial! In the end, the cat got tired of the noise, and indeed went inside, mewing plaintively. 1-0 for the squirrel. 

I think someone is feeding this squirrel somewhere. Where else would you get so many unshelled hazelnuts, walnuts and peanuts from? I struggle to imagine that people are just trying to enjoy these outside, only to have them stolen by an adventurous squirrel. And then this squirrel takes them to my garden, hides some, and eats others. Well, they are welcome! But don't expect me to accept your territorial claim over that of the cat. And I have put protection around some of my plants. Let's see if we can establish an equilibrium here…

Squirrel protection 

Written dissertations ready for marking

In the middle of all the hassle about the dissertation presentations, I also had to look after the dissertations themselves. This is again a case of making sure 45 members of staff know what to do and how to do it. Ideally, they not only know it, but also do it. It is a bit of a case of cat herding. 

I made sure I assigned a second marker to every dissertation, and that the online forms were ready where the first and second markers upload their marks and feedback. And I sent all the instructions on how to go about it to all academic staff.

It wasn’t even that much work! That was great. But there might be a bit more work involved in checking everyone is indeed doing what they should do. If they are not, not only might we get in trouble with the students, but also, the external examiners might moan at us again. They really want all the students receiving feedback in the same way. It's not so easy to make 45 stubborn strong-willed people do the same thing. But all the external examiners look at this module. It is heavily scrutinised! The students only get to see their own marks and feedback, so they might not realise if they get their feedback in a different format from their mates, but the externals certainly will. 

But with that all sorted, the big thing now is actually doing the marking. I won't get to it right away! First I want to do the first year essays. The second year essays were also submitted before the dissertations, so I might do these first too. Before I even get to the dissertations, the exams may well have come in. That's life at the end of the semester! Marking-tastic. Wish me some well-written texts!