CAT
On Tuesday afternoon I left with the gang from the Farm to visit the Center for Alternative Energy (CAT) which is located in mid-ish Wales somewhere just south of Snowdonia. It's about a 4 hour trip up there and I barely knew any of the people I was going with, but it turned out nice and rather fun. It was sort of a culture shock experience all over again because all the people on the trip besides myself and one other person were British and having no British house mates I've never really had such an intimate with-them-all-the-time type experience. But it was good. I think I made some friends. But I sure am glad I don't have to eat authentic British cooking often. There's a lot to be desired where that's concerned.
Anyhow, we drove up and just had time to make some dinner and go on an evening walk. The cabin we were staying in is an eco-cabin, basically meaning that the whole thing is run on solar and wind energy. I was really surprised at how effecient it was. When we walked in the cabin was really pleasantly warm (it was cloudy and rainy pretty much the whole trip) and even the water heated up really fast, two things I definitely cannot credit my flat in Swansea with. So after dinner and our walk we had a few drinks, sat around talking and playing a few games and then hit the bed.
Next day we went up to the center and spent the day there. Basically the whole thing is made up of various exhibits that teach how alternative energy sources can not only be as effective as regular energy sources, but are a great deal better for the environment. There's a few experimentational exhibits thrown in there as well and the whole thing is pretty amazing. Everything is run on solar, wind, or water based energy which is just so amazing. The phones are run on solar power, the toilets are set up to be low flush using 80% less water than regular ones...just everything is low environmental impact and the whole thing is set in this incredibly beautiful, pristine woodland. It's probably one of the least-polluted, most pristine places I ever have or ever will lay eyes on. I'd love to volunteer there but I can't see how it would work as I'm leaving and there is a 2 year waiting list. A bit far in the future to be planning volunteer work. Ah, well. Anyhow, here's a teaser picture and there are more in my galleries for anyone who cares to have a look..
Anyhow, we drove up and just had time to make some dinner and go on an evening walk. The cabin we were staying in is an eco-cabin, basically meaning that the whole thing is run on solar and wind energy. I was really surprised at how effecient it was. When we walked in the cabin was really pleasantly warm (it was cloudy and rainy pretty much the whole trip) and even the water heated up really fast, two things I definitely cannot credit my flat in Swansea with. So after dinner and our walk we had a few drinks, sat around talking and playing a few games and then hit the bed.
Next day we went up to the center and spent the day there. Basically the whole thing is made up of various exhibits that teach how alternative energy sources can not only be as effective as regular energy sources, but are a great deal better for the environment. There's a few experimentational exhibits thrown in there as well and the whole thing is pretty amazing. Everything is run on solar, wind, or water based energy which is just so amazing. The phones are run on solar power, the toilets are set up to be low flush using 80% less water than regular ones...just everything is low environmental impact and the whole thing is set in this incredibly beautiful, pristine woodland. It's probably one of the least-polluted, most pristine places I ever have or ever will lay eyes on. I'd love to volunteer there but I can't see how it would work as I'm leaving and there is a 2 year waiting list. A bit far in the future to be planning volunteer work. Ah, well. Anyhow, here's a teaser picture and there are more in my galleries for anyone who cares to have a look..