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Tuesday 9 July 2013

Shear Water, from where I'm sitting.

It was such a lovely day we decided to take our lunch and folding chairs down to Shear Water, in Longleat Forest.

Here's what I could see from my chair

the lake


cool clear water


my drink


GM's drink


my lunch


his lunch


the occasional dog walker


now and again a car


my foot

the bench in front of us


some ducks


others enjoying the peace and quiet


a sign (which says "no swimming")


sparkly water


a couple of ladies enjoying the view.


A lovely way to spend a lunch hour. Bet you wish you'd been there?

Sunday 7 July 2013

The Ffestiniog Railway and Portmeirion

Please be warned, this is likely to be a long post, and fairly photo heavy!

Wednesday dawned grey and misty, but the forecast was for improvement during the day, so we set off for Blaenau Ffestiniog. The town itself was surrounded on all sides by steep cliff faces with misty tops, and didn't, I have to say, seem particularly pleasant. Its history is firmly linked to the slate industry, as you can read here.




But we had come here for a ride on a steam train on the Ffestiniog Railway.


We journeyed through some quite magnificent scenery down the valley towards the coast, but were sat on the wrong side of the train for many photographs on the outbound journey. We had bought our lunch with us, so as it was around midday we ate sandwiches on the train.





By the time we alighted at Minfford, the weather had improved and we walked the mile or so to Portmeirion in bright sunshine.


We spent a good couple of hours just wandering around, had a beer or two and some icecream, and generally just marvelled at the whole place. I took upwards of 50 photos, but I've just selected a few to give you a general idea.










Then it was back to Minfford for the return train ride. As the track was mostly single line, the trains were obliged to pass at the station - our up train was delayed at Portmadog so we, and the down train, had to wait a while.





We managed to sit on the other side of the train for the up journey, so I was able to take a few pics of the views.






Thankyou drivers.

This was our last day in North Wales, and the most enjoyable. So it was back to the digs to pack ready for our return journey, and to enjoy a nice bottle of the red stuff with tea.



Friday 5 July 2013

Anglesey . . .

. . . where I came on holiday with my parents when I was about 9 years old.

I can remember standing on this railway platform, with my sister and my Nan, my Mum has a photo somewhere, I'll try to look it out. Llanfair P.G., the town with the longest railway station name in the UK.


We spent a week in Rhosneigr. I cant be absolutely sure, but I think this is where we stayed, I know it was right next to the beach.


Even on a bright and sunny day, Snowdon still has her head in the clouds.


The Old Menai bridge


A nice little trip down memory lane. Come back tomorrow to see the delightful Ffestiniog Railway and Portmeirion