Teachers who swapped Aberystwyth for Patagonia speak of their adventures
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Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Tragedy as couple drown in flash floods while holidaying in Majorca with friends
Alexander Barrett, 32, died along with his partner Sarah Thompson, 26, in the Spanish island of Majorca last year as a "wall of water" cascaded down the canyon they were descending A British couple tragically died during a hiking holiday as a "wall of water" cascaded down the canyon they were descending, an inquest has heard. Alexander Barrett, 32, died along with his partner Sarah Thompson, 26, in the Spanish island of Majorca last year. Mr Barrett, a climbing instructor and lifeguard, attempted to help Ms Thompson as the wall of water hit the canyon where they were descending with a group of other hikers on September 3, Stockport Coroner's Court heard. Both were swept to their deaths. Spanish search teams recovered Ms Thompson's body the day after the flood, while Mr Barrett's body was found in the Torrent de Pareis canyon in the Tramuntana mountains on September 6. It comes after a girl, 3, was found dead on beach by a horrified passer-by. Ms Thompson's father, Peter Thompson, who lives in Berwick-upon-Tweed, said his daughter 'was never without a smile on her face'. She had represented Cumbria at fell running in national competitions, had a degree in photography from Manchester Metropolitan University, and had recently been promoted in the donations team at The Christie hospital in Manchester. Paul Rodman, Mr Barrett's father, said his son 'loved life' and relished the outdoors, from hiking to surfing, adding: 'He was genuinely a good person, a caring person, a kind person. The friends and family have developed a little saying, 'Be more like Alex' because that's what we aspire to be. He's missed so much by all his friends and family.' The couple, from Offerton, near Stockport, had gone on the informal trip with friends, all hiking and climbing enthusiasts, making their separate ways to Majorca. On the trip was Luke Weaver, who knew Mr Barrett as a friend and climbing instructor at Awesome Walls, an indoor climbing centre in Stockport.'We all had a mutual passion for climbing and hiking,' he said in a statement read at the inquest. Mr Weaver, on the trip with his partner, said the hike they planned to do, which took three to four hours to complete, was well known globally and known to be 'challenging in places'. He had completed the hike before on several occasions, but neither Ms Thompson nor Mr Barrett had, but he considered it was 'well within the capabilities' of the group, he said. Mr Weaver said he was aware the gorge flooded so he checked the weather forecast on the morning of September 3 last year, which only predicted rain from 6pm, by which time they would be 'well clear'. He added: 'Had I known what was to happen, I would never have let them into the gorge.' Mr Weaver said he dropped the group of friends off for the hike and intended to catch them up after parking his car, but was delayed in heavy traffic by around two hours, before he could begin the hike himself. It had been a hot morning, but a storm had moved in and at around 2:30pm it began to drizzle with rain but Mr Weaver said this did not cause any concern as he continued the hike to meet with his partner and friends ahead of him. But a short time later it started to rain more heavily and he could hear thunder in the distance and he began to quicken his said as there was no phone signal in the gorge he could not make contact with them. As the downpour grew Mr Weaver said he spotted his friends, who were now with a German couple and two Spanish nationals, in a 'bottleneck' between two boulders. 'At this point the heavens opened,' Mr Weaver said. 'At this time the water was flowing like a small river.' Mr Weaver said he was helping the hikers through the bottleneck and he gestured to Ms Thompson if she was 'OK' and she replied yes but with a 'nervous smile'. He then heard someone shout, 'Water!' 'Seconds later a massive wall of water came down the gorge,' Mr Weaver said. 'The water appeared to come from nowhere. The sound was incredibly loud, people were screaming.' Mr Weaver said he could see one of the group had managed to grab onto a rock while one of the Spanish nationals had been swept into the torrent and was being carried away. His own partner managed to get out of the water and after a few minutes others emerged from the deluge, but Mr Weaver said the noise of the water was too loud to communicate with each other. Sadly, both Sarah and Alex were unable to climb to safety and were swept away by the floodwaters. 'I was shouting and screaming for the others. I could see no-one,' Mr Weaver said. Ms Thompson had been seen being swept away along with her partner, who had tried to help but the current had taken him too, the inquest heard. Later the survivors were airlifted out of the gorge by helicopter, suffering only minor injuries. Mr Weaver added: 'Everyone who survived that day is incredibly lucky, especially those who got caught in the water. I have never experienced anything like this and it is something I will never forget.' Post-mortem examinations gave the cause of death as drowning for both the deceased. Jyoti Gill, assistant coroner for Manchester South, recorded a verdict of accidental death caused by drowning for both Ms Thompson and Mr Barrett, whose legal name was Alexander Johnson, but was known by the name Alex Barrett. Ms Gill said the storm had caused flash flooding, sending a large torrent of water down the canyon. Ms Gill concluded: 'It appears water dragged Sarah, and Alex had tried to help her. Sadly, both Sarah and Alex were unable to climb to safety and were swept away by the floodwaters."
Cambrian News
6 hours ago
- Cambrian News
Teachers who swapped Aberystwyth for Patagonia speak of their adventures
Lending advice for future participants, Lleucu says: "Go with an open mind and you can really get involved in the community. Remember things aren't going to be the same and always ask for help, but the people here really pull together to help at school and at home – no one seems to panic. Also, it's great to learn some Spanish before going. It's been a real privilege to come back to Patagonia, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to part of this amazing community again.'
Metro
8 hours ago
- Metro
Inside the Mediterranean 'naked city' where nudity on the beach is mandatory
Picture this: you're relaxing on a golden sandy beach. Every so often, you peel yourself from your sunbed for a refreshing dip in the ocean. A trip to the bar for a cocktail is next, followed by a sorbet. Life is good. The only catch? Everyone is naked. This is Cap d'Agde, a naturist village in the south of France, about an hour's drive from Montpellier. The resort is dedicated to the naturist community — a USP that's helped it become the leading nude destination in the Mediterranean Basin, not to mention the largest naturist village in the world. Every year, over 12 million people strip off and stay for the night. During peak season, Cap d'Agde can welcome around 45,000 visitors per day. Many of the guests return again and again. But what's so special about the place often referred to as the 'naked city'? Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Unlike naked cruises or hotels, Cap d'Agde is marketed as an entire nudist village. That means you can go to the shops or even get cash out at the bank in the buff. There are no rules other than the obvious: be respectful. The self-sufficient area is located within the larger Cap d'Agde resort, and boasts a 1.25-mile private beach. On TripAdvisor, visitors have called it 'heaven for open-minded couples.' Others say it should be on the 'bucket list for all naturists,' because it's the 'only place in the world you can spend all day naked' while still going about your daily business. The naturist village charter also states that nudity must be practised in the company of other naturist residents and holidaymakers. Of course, should you wish to explore the nearby towns of Agde and Pézenas, clothing is required. Cap d'Agde is home to 180 businesses. There's a marina, a shopping centre, a post office, and a transport system. There is a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional French to Mediterranean cuisine, plus Asian, vegetarian, and vegan options. Sun Beach, for example, is a beachfront bistro with panoramic views of the ocean. Enjoy cocktails at a reasonable price — a classic Mojito is €10 (£8.69) — alongside a tapas-style lunch. A mixed board of classic Spanish dishes costs €25 (£21.75). Main courses are also available, including seafood and meat dishes. There are many nightclubs, one famous for its foam parties, where being nude is mandatory. Would you try a nudist holiday? They take place each day from 2pm until 7pm, and are for mixed couples only. A jacuzzi-style pool can accommodate 30 people. For swingers staying at the resort, the foam parties – also called 'mousse events' – are a great chance to meet other couples. Entry is €35 (£30.41). Elsewhere, 2et2 Couples Sauna is exactly what it says on the tin. It's attached to Histoires d'O Sauna, and is popular with both singles and couples. To be allowed entry, you must be wearing a towel or be, you guessed it, naked. Facilities in the sauna include a wet sauna, a steam sauna, a jacuzzi, and various playrooms and play areas. A single entry for couples in the 2et2 Couples Sauna costs €35 (£30.41). Another USP of Cap d'Agde naturist village is that the accommodation caters to all types of travellers. From hotels and guest houses to holiday rentals and campsites, prices vary depending on where you stay. Le Jardin de Babylone is one of the resort's couples-only holiday residences and is a five-minute walk from the beach. Prices range from €250 (£217.29) to €450 (£391.12) per night. The contemporary Oz'inn Hotel is located 200 metres from the sea and features an indoor pool, spa, and nearby gym. A premium room costs €659 (£572.73) per night. For those on a budget, the naturist campsite is significantly cheaper and has been running since 1956. Pitches, mobile homes and chalets are for hire. For two adults, one car, one pitch and an electrical connection, prices range from €20.20 (£17.56) to €58.20 (£50.59). According to the website, access to the naturist village is regulated. Upon arrival, travellers will need to fill in an access form. You'll then get a card for the duration of your stay, which grants you access to the village. The charter also requires visitors to comply with hygiene rules. Cleanliness of both public and private areas must be respected at all times. Access rules must be respected, too. Finally, filming or taking photographs of others is prohibited. Loud behaviour, pornographic activity or publicity is also a strict no-no. Anyone engaging in voyeurism could be slapped with a €15,000 (£13,043) fine. TripAdvisor is full of testimonials (over 800, to be specific) from people who have previously stayed at the Cap d'Agde naturist village. One traveller from Norway revealed they'd been coming yearly since 2001, and called it the 'best, biggest, and most fun place for adult free-spirited people.' A UK visitor called it 'Disney, for adults,' but did note that the clubs and bars were expensive. Another said they had 'lots of fun with open-minded people,' and recalled 'many sensual couples, lots of sex and a respectful atmosphere.' More Trending A Florida native said it's great for first-timers, because everyone is there for the same reasons: 'It's not awkward at all.' However, not everyone had a positive experience. One person suggested that 'true naturists' should 'bypass this very overpriced, overrated, exaggerated venue and find somewhere else.' And, a London-based traveller warned naturist families to stay elsewhere. They said they saw 'far too many swingers and sexually motivated sorts,' and added that it wasn't the 'traditional naturist holiday' they expected. MORE: UK and France's migrant deal comes into force – here's what it means MORE: Truth revealed about why farmers sprayed manure on 'illegal campers' MORE: I found a lively European city break that cost me £61 a day – hotel included
