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.

Backpackering 4 - Day 5

Train to Aberystwyth, passing Harlech Castle on the way.

Crossing the Barmouth viaduct,

for more Cambrian Railway scenes.

Backpackering 4 - Day 4

The starting point for our next train ride 

Up in to the hills towards Ffestiniog, 

stopping at Tanybwlch station for the engine to let off steam and refill

before preparing for the return to the coast.

But not before Gek did a pose.

The return did offer a better opportunity for photos.

Even if the trees fight back.

Almost there.

After an evening stroll, 

we were treated to this rainbow. A lovely end to a great day out 

Backpackering 4 - Day 3

10 am saw us boarding a Welsh Highlands Train to Beddgelert.

Spoilt ourselves,  travelling 1st Class  in the Observation Pullman Carriage, 'Glaslyn'. 

A bit dull and damp, with chuff chuff steam 

and threatening on our arrival. 

Topping up the engine for the return

with our fellow passengers. 

Now, that's more like it!

You cannot beat sun and clouds in harmony. 

Backpackering 4 - Day 2

 

It is 64 years since I last stood on this platform. Back then it was a day visit to 'spot' Great Western engines.

So off to Porthmadog on a gloomy start to the day,

to be treated to its stunning scenery at Borth-y-Gest.

Can you spot the steam train?

Not much has changed since our last visit 8 years ago. 

Backpackering 4 - Day 1

 

Brunch at Coffi Co

before catching a train

to Shrewsbury and the River Severn whose water will, eventually, flow past our pier in Penarth. 

Walking the Severn river side path

to The Dingle.

A little different from our Dingle, don't you think.