A Camera-Free Holiday in Hay

Well, not completely camera-free. I packed my camera bag, but with a baby plus luggage, my chances to use the full kit would be limited. My mobile telephone has a good camera, and I decided to use this where possible.

This was our first family holiday and we chose to spend a long weekend in Hay-on-Wye. We found a wonderful bed and breakfast to accommodate the three of us. The Rosedale Retreat is within walking distance of Hay, either by road or across the meadows. Our hosts were warm and welcoming, and went out of their way to make us all feel at home. Nothing was too much trouble, including a large vegan breakfast which always set me up for the day.

Preparing for our initial trip into town, it was quickly apparent that the camera would not be accompanying us. We were both loaded with bags and if past experience was any predictor, we’d be carrying a lot of books on our return journey.

Hay-on-Wye rests on the English/Welsh border. Known around the world for its books, and home to over 20 bookshops, there is something here for every book lover. From antiquarian volumes to new publications, poetry to biography … I spend many hours in the shops every time that I visit.

Interspersed among the bookshops are a selection of cafes, craft shops, food shops and clothing stores. The fudge shop is a must for those who enjoy fudge, and anybody else with a sweet tooth. They offer a range of vegan sweet options, and plans are being made to extend the range.

I returned on our second day to treat myself to the sweet-filled camera tin, and a Guardians of the Galaxy style ‘Awesome Mix Vol. 1’ cassette tin.

The Eighteen Rabbit fair trade shop is another favourite. Full of fair trade, ethically sourced goods, ranging from food to books to clothes to toys.

Naturally, we bought books here, and also a jigsaw puzzle for the boy.

So far, so good for using the mobile telephone camera. We knew that our time would be spent in the shops around Hay, and capturing the essence of our visit was easy without the DSLR. I was nevertheless reassured to know that my main camera was available, should I choose to spend time watching wildlife along the river bank.

Exploring book shops is hungry work, and The Old Electric Shop offers a selection of home made vegetarian and vegan meals and snacks to keep visitors fuelled. We made the most of this during our long weekend, tucking ourselves away so we could all feed peacefully.

I don’t think I’d holiday without taking my camera and a couple of lenses. Travelling with a baby and related luggage though, it was easier not to have the camera with me every day. My mobile telephone was well equipped to record our weekend, and an external battery charger took little space in our daily backpack.

With or without the DSLR, we hope to return to Hay again soon. I didn’t miss out by not having my main camera with me, and in some ways it was more relaxing not worrying about taking the kit everywhere. We returned home bearing many books, and a selection of holiday photographs.