It's been another incredible Royal Welsh Show adventure for me this year and once again I find myself in the privileged position of having access to some of the great competitors that make the show a world class event.
Arriving at the Royal Welsh in the morning
Monday was the hottest and by far the most exhausting day to film the show this year. Although a light dusting of cloud helped to ease the full glare of the sun, a light rain the night before had raised the humidity level to unbearable.
The horticultural show was an especially challenging area to film in but the heat and humidity was soon all forgotten when I meet up with competitor and Judge Delyth Price. She had created an amazing pink, ivory and purple floral dress themed exhibit with a Welsh twist. It was an incredible spectacle to witness up close and great to hear how much Delyth enjoys the Royal Welsh atmosphere and competing at the show.
As the sun climbed the temperature got incredibly hot and many of the contributors were feeling the strain. While filming in the pig section I had to run in with a bottle of water to aid a female competitor who was on the verge of collapse, I really felt for her.
I was in a T-shirt standing in the shade and she had been in direct sunlight dressed in a white coat shirt and tie. I'm glad to report that after a sit down and a long drink she made a complete recovery but it's fair to say you had to be made of stern stuff to compete on Monday!
While in the pig section I interviewed Stevie Wake and Brian Evans competing with their Welsh breed of pig. Brian, Stevie's uncle, had encouraged her to work with the pigs on his farm and eventually to follow in his footsteps and show at the Royal Welsh.
I asked them why they had both chosen to show the Welsh breed. Brian replied: "Because they're a good mother, have a cool, calm behaviour and are everything you would want in a pig, its important I keep the tradition going." Now you can't argue with that!
Judging the Welsh breed of pig
From the pig section to a place I'd not ventured before, the horse lines. I love horses and used to ride quite often, although I should add that at my ability I don't think any of the competitors at the Royal Welsh should be worrying too much yet!
I met up with John James from Llandovery to find out how to prepare a horse before entering the main ring at the showground. Again, although the temperatures were soaring the horse lines where a hive of activity with people busily preparing equestrian works of art for the public's pleasure and the chance of winning that coveted red card.
John explained that the preparation didn't start here at the horse lines but months before the competition through correct feeding and riding to gain the correct muscular tone. Today really was all about the finishing touches.
He further explained that the judging of his Welsh cob would be undertaken by not one but two judges, one looking at conformation and the other riding the animal. To quote John: "It's no good having a Ferrari if you don't have an engine."
John's daughter Philippa was showing the gelding in the main ring so it was an anxious time for dad. It was a particularly easy interview to undertake for not only was the content interesting but John was very well spoken and a genuinely nice person. I was therefore very happy to see him collect a very well deserved card in reward for all his and Philippa's hard work.
Meeting the Welsh Harlequin duck
My day at the show ended at the Fur and Feathers pavilion by filming a special article with Rhys Llewellyn on Welsh Harlequin ducks, the only true Welsh breed of duck, for the highlights programme.
On my return to the hotel that night I think I must have singlehandedly cleared their stock of fruit juice and water, and wondered if I would ever rehydrate again! The night brought no respite. I've had cooler nights sleeping on the Kenyan coastline.