Backpackering 5 - Day 2

After a rather posh brekkie at the Castle, 

a bus to Builth Wells

to the Groe riverside walk

before a nostalgia visit to the Drovers Courtyard Cafe.

What remains of the towns castle, 

with the wall art still there.

Then joining the queue for the bus to Llandrindod Wells,

for lunch at the Hotel Metropolitan where we met up with the Morganeers eight years ago.

Backpackering 5 - Day 1

Brecon, after a bus-train-bus journey up the Taff's valley and across the National  Park.

Its  Castle and 

the Castle Hotel, the oldest in Wales, our

bed for the night with period furniture to match. Cosy it was.

78 Today

Well, only two more years before I  become OBE. Tie made by Polly 30 years ago, waistcoat finished by Gek this week and a day at the Bay. Lovely. 

Turner House

 

A pick of favourites exhibited.

Martin Evans - A Private Spy -oil on canvas

Lynn Stuart - Hubberston Girls - ink & oil on paper

Philip Lewis - A Walk in the Park - acrylic

Angela Rodgers - Cwtch  - lino print

Nicola Clyners - Ten Thousand - acrylic on canvas 

 

Athens Jones - Fallen Willow Tree - watercolour on paper.

Surprise Finds

A visit to the local Oxfam shop in search of books for the Courts library proved unproductive but l did leave with four pieces of furniture,  Dollhouse of course. The two chairs were made by Stuart King some 40+ years ago, and dressing table by Headley Holgate 30+ years ago. Not sourced the ornament display yet. It does have ICH engraved on the base. A good day's shopping. 

Progress

 

13 hours over 8 days spent so far.

Parc Cefn Onn

A walk on the wild side.

 

Such a Clear Day

 

Before an evening walk, a brass band to entertain us

So clear and crisp the pier view,

and over Cardiff Bay to the hills beyond. 

Neap Tide

 An evening high tide to match the low,

with waves trying their best to get up the steps.

Caught the culprit causing this huge tidal reach,  a blue moon. 

  

Backpackering 4 - Day 10

 

Back to where we started from, Coffi Co for a late lunch.

The lowest neap tide we have witnessed so far, way beyond the pier end.

Backpackering 4 - Day 9

 

Taking the T1A bus, only half awake, heading for Lampeter 

to visit Calico Kate

to pick up a panel fabric for Gek to work.

Then on to Carmarthen 

for the last night

at a posh hotel. Nice.

Backpackering 4 - Day 8

Aberaeron, full of colourful house facades.

Newquay.  Picture for the sea gull 

For the scene.

A 3 bus ride day today.

With one landscape managed.

Last treat of the day.

Backpackering 4 - Day 7

 

What a difference a day can make.

Backpackering 4 - Day 6

 

First a visit to Vale of Rheidol  Railway exhibition space, which deserves a blog on its own.

Spoiling ourselves again ☺️ 

passing locals in their fields,

to head up the Vale

with beautiful views to take in

rounding bend after bend.

Destination The Devils Bridge. The lowest bridge was built in the 12th century, the second in 1753 and the top one 1901

The engine changes end

before we return to coast.

Next up, a walk up to the National Library of Wales.

The reading room where a Singapore friend studied back in 1980's

Leaving by the main entrance.

A brilliant end to Day 6.