To and from Bedford

Jenny arrived home from Germany on Sunday 4th at a fairly respectable hour. There are no photos of her trip as she didn't take any, but I did see some at a "cream tea" fund-raising do for the twinning association last weekend.

A couple of days after arriving home, she was off to Sidmouth, belly-dancing "through the night". Well not quite, actually, but it was well into darkness.

Tribal belly-dancers @ Sidmouth

As night falls, the dancing goes on ... and on

We've had to change our holiday dates as the cattery couldn't take the kittens for a couple of days right in the middle of when we wanted to go. This also means that now I won't be able to go to the Severn Valley Railway on a coach with all the other lads/volunteers down at the station.

'Speed Watch' continues to occupy some of our time. Eventually, people will begin to recognise that they can't speed through the village without getting caught. They have to be doing 36 mph or more to get reported and, currently, we're picking one up every 5 minutes on average. We caught a neighbour once and a couple of other villagers twice. Not happy bunnies. Top speed so far = 48 mph! No excuse if they can't see a crowd of high-vis jackets on the pavement!

Erin, son Chris & Tom

I went to see my brother, Bev, in his sheltered accommodation in Bedford and stayed with my grandchildren in Biggleswade. I also called in on one-time trainee, Dave Short, in Aylesbury, who is currently still off work following a none too successful operation. On the way, I popped in to my old haunt at Priory Country Park; as you can see the grass is beginning to take a pounding. 

Priory CP - near Visitor Centre

Entrance to Waterloo Thorns CES

Church Street, Gamlingay

Next stop was the "Secret Airfield" where we have run a Constant Effort Ringing Survey (CES) since 1988 when I first started it. I also went back to my old village of Gamlingay to see how it has changed. Lots more houses, I'm afraid. Picked up some bird food from G&M Growers and next year's diary in town.

Visitors from Bedford

On arriving back home, we entertained three visitors from Bedfordshire who insisted on camping in our orchard. One was a veggie and the other two, vegans. Jen fed them, nevertheless. We think they were grateful. We didn't hear them come back at 12:30/1 o'clock at night after their evening "walk". They stayed three days and were excellent company. 

Today, we had surprise visitors on their way to the South Devon coast. It was Jenny's nephew and his partner, Victoria, together with her son, who had travelled down from Peterborough. Of course, all they really wanted was a wad and a wet and the bathroom but they did the honourable thing and stayed and chatted and cased the joint - for next time. Oh, yeah? No. It was lovely to see them after a year [last time at twin sister's wedding]

Vicky, Gerry & Jen

Josh & Amber

Our next visitor will be Bex, my step-daughter. She is due in Taunton as part of her work and I am looking forward to seeing her after quite a while. She leads a busy life and I'm not complaining; it's a long way from Essex.    

As you may know, the 'Badger Cull' has started in West Somerset and there are lots of anti-cull supporters in the area with others coming in from outside the county. Feelings locally are very mixed with impassioned feelings on both sides. Fortunately most people are protesting peacefully within the law as it currently stands. Perhaps the NFU syndicate won't be able to achieve their target of over 400 shot badgers each week for six weeks in the 99 square mile zone. Who knows? And what then?

The departed

It's been a German speaking fortnight. First Anne & Rolf stayed for a few days; Anne & Jenny are old school pals from Northampton days. At the same time we had a 13-year old, Paul, and a 14-year old, Lukas (Luggi) from Sankt Johann, Austria staying for two weeks while they were at the summer language school in Watchet. Their parents are all (four) professionals, which is just as well since it can't be cheap sending them over for three weeks. They were well behaved and little trouble.

They left on Sunday morning straight after an early breakfast to take the coach to London.

Jenny, Paul, Luggi - the last breakfast!

Jenny is off to Germany tomorrow for an exchange visit and leaving at 5.30 am. She is staying with Nils' mother, Kristina. He and I got on well last year during that exchange visit when he shared with two French boys. She's trying to get me to go next time - if we take the car and get the dogs passports.

Bit of a bugger

It's been a week since I had any "safe" computing power. For some inexplicable reason, Windows 7 decided it would pack up and take everything along with it overnight (during an update). 100% system failure and complete loss of backup data. We tried to recover the system and data but to no avail and have had to re-install everything from scratch (OS, updates, updates of updates, update all drivers, programs, etc) and begin to input all the lost data from CD, memory stick or paper files, or transfer from my old computer.

I will have to re-enter ca. 5,500 ringing records just to cover what I have done since moving house. The first job is to get 2013 ringing data on. I do have some 'saved' backup  for previous years but, at the moment, I can't seem to merge the data/files. This looks like a fortnight of evenings, at least, are spoken for.

While I'm trying to sort this mess out, the carpets are being shampooed, the kitchen is being painted and the gutters replaced. The lawns and the hedges need cutting but the weather forecast is not in our favour (i.e. wet and windy). I'll need to make an effort to return to "normal".

The external hard drive will stay plugged in from now on! 

May 2013 Holiday - Days 7 & 8

We didn't feel like doing much on day 7, except find somewhere to walk the dogs. We thought we'd do a bit of 'sight-seeing' instead.

After Porthmadog, we turned left, down towards the Lleyn peninsula. After 13 miles, you come to Pwllheli, home of another Butlins. This stretch of coast has numerous holiday homes (chalets and caravans) all sandwiched between the A499 and the sea.The centre of Pwllheli, I think, is a dump, and a traffic nightmare in summer.

We drove on, past the Afon Penrhos, which looks as if it would make a good ringing site, past the old fortress 'town' of Llanbedrog and on to Abersoch. We didn't fancy the expensive beach car parks there, so drove on to the other side of the bay and parked at Machroes. The beach was virtually empty at this end and the dogs got to wet their toes.

Private slipway at Morfa Gors, Machroes
(looking east)

Having stretched our legs, we drove back to Criccieth. We were looking for some Welsh silver and came across an antiques shop, run by two friendly sisters, on the main street up above the station. Didn't get what we were looking for but did make a purchase each. Would recommend the business any time. Very helpful.

Next stop - Tecos in Portmadog. Needed to buy a few bits and pieces for the body's processing plant, naturally. They also have a handy cash machine. As mentioned in yesterday's blog, we went and visited the RSPB's Glaslyn Osprey watch point where we looked at the live video stream and chatted to the staff.

From here it was but a short drive to Tan-y-Bwlch station to meet the afternoon down train and get some pictures. It's an interesting place with many buildings. A private cottage even fronts the loop line. The cafe was a bit of a let down.

0-4-0 + 0-4-0 Fairlie "Merddin Emrys"

Tan-y-Bwlch station, looking west
The building on the right is the new signal box that automatically controls the line

The line here is virtually on top of a cliff or hanger. A beautiful National Nature Reserve runs down away from the line to the B-road and a lake called Llyn Mair (Coed means wood). Pied Flycatcher country, no less! Beyond the lake there is a study centre called Plas Tan-y-Bwlch (obviously). Much of the local area is private forestry, except for the area designated as an NNR, and, despite the steep climbs, is very popular with walkers. 

CSW dual language info board for the NNR Coed Llyn Mair

The next day was our last day in North Wales. We had arranged long ago to visit one of Jen's old work colleagues from High Wycombe. She, Irmie, had arrived back from Germany the night before. However, the dogs needed a beach run, so we went to Treath Lligwy. Another beautiful beach with hardly any souls around. Those that were, the dogs shot off to investigate. It was so quiet you could easily hear the Sandwich Terns passing offshore. Merveilleuse.

At Lligwy Bay

Having taken the fresh air, we returned to Moelfre. Irmie had sent us a map with a pin-hole in it, denoting her bungalow. We ate cake and drank coffee, chatted, viewed the garden and bird feeders (as you do) before taking our leave with a present. This was ironical as Jen had left the freesias she had bought for Irmie back at the caravan in the loo!

Irmie & Jenny

Lunch was had at the busy pub, the Kinmel Arms, sitting outside in the lovely sunshine, plus an ice cream from the shack over the road. Good value at just £2.00, the ice cream that is. I took a stroll out to the lifeboat station along the cliff path. The building is up for modernisation and re-construction later this year, another project led by my good friend Howard, the RNLI 's chief engineer.

Moelfre Lifeboat station (2013)

On our way back, we filled up with diesel at Morrisons in Cearnafon before proceeding along the A4086  to Llanberis. We didn't have time for a trip on either of the railways and there was a decent queue for the Snowdon tram anyway. My last climbing experience was in the Llanberis Pass, which is where my vertigo started. Such a bugger!

The bottom of the climb over the Pass.

And so it was "Home, James" via the A 498, meeting some fast and furious bikers on the way. From Beddgelert, it was  the A4085 to Garreg and over the top on the B4410 again, more twits, this time on push bikes, and so to Gellilydan.

Day 9: We were on the road before 09.45 and arrived home safely before 15.30 after the 230+ mile journey. After unhitching and a bit of unloading of things we would need immediately, I took off to pick up the kittens and pay the bill for their stay. Finished (sigh). Wallet empty!

May 2013 Holiday - Day 6

We'd been on the Talyllyn,  the first narrow gauge railway in Britain authorized by an Act of Parliament to carry passengers using steam. We'd been on the Ffestiniog, the first steam powered narrow guage railway in Britain. Now Jen was treating me (us) to a trip on the Welsh Highland, the newest and longest narrow gauge railway (in Wales).

The train was due to leave Porthmadog at 10.50, arriving in Caernafon at 13.15. Tickets were discounted to £24.50 plus £3.00 for a dog [Full adult return fare was £34.00 and another £20.00 if you wished to travel in the 'First Class' coach]. We were early enough to see the 10.15 Ffestiniog train depart.

The Double Fairlie drawn train ready to depart Porthmadog

Our coaches were shunted out and back into the single platform by a dinky diesel. This would also draw our train down The Cob, and un-hook by the new WH boarding platform that is under construction. The Garratt locomotive, meanwhile, had come from the Boston Lodge sheds at the other end of The Cob and run around so that it could draw our coaches back out through the town.

Shunting engine, Criccieth Castle

Our Garratt steaming into position

Leaving the town, the line stays on 'the flat' through the Afon Glaslyn valley, first one side and then crossing over to the other at Pont Croesor. The line rises to pass over the A4085 just before Nantmor (request stop), and keeps rising, passing through several tunnels. It clings to the side of the Aberglaslyn Pass, before crossing the river again and then under the road before reaching Beddgelert station, where we were due to pass the 10.00 train from Caernafon.

Our train is a tourist draw - Aberglaslyn Pass

Pulling hard

... and into Beddgelert.

The line passes through forestry and moorland to reach the summit at Rhyd Ddu (650 ft aod), where there is another passing platform, before a less steep descent to Waunfawr (400 ft asl). We arrived here with 15 minutes to spare and had to wait for the signal. It was a bit parky by now as the sun had gone in. The line has all the latest electronic signalling, although the signals themselves conform to the old, round, long established, Welsh, narrow gauge set up with eight "lights", giving four (paired) positions.

Hanging about at Waunfawr

The next station was Dinas, where there was a beer festival weekend about to start. We took coal on board here, loaded by a JCB.
We reached Caernafon in good time, alighted and went towards the castle across the road. Not knowing the place, we searched around for somewhere to eat, the proviso being that the proprietors must have a water bowl for dogs outside. Hooray, we found one down a back street. A Dutch pancake and ice cream parlour. 

Caernafon Castle

The train was due to depart at 14.30 and we arrived in time to talk to the engine crew. Our engine, NG143, was the last Garrett 2-8-2 + 2-8-2 to be built by the Beyer- Peacock company in Manchester and it served South African Railways for most of its previous life. The WHR also has the first Garrett to be built, called K1, in a shed at Dinas awaiting restoration.

Time for a chat about the engine

On our return journey, the weather was a little more "Welsh", but it didn't rain. I had a chance to have a good look at the 'back side' of Snowdon, the non- touristy bit and more for serious walkers. You could just make out the new summit cafe and a diesel engine with its single carriage starting the descent to Llanberis.

Snowdon (1085m) - with its hat off for a moment.

Until fairly recently the line stopped south of the Aberglaslyn tunnels and the remains of the yard can be seen beside the current track. It was also the base for extending the line into the Harbour Station, Porthmadog.

The "old" southern temporary terminus

A new bridge had to be constructed over the river to carry both the road and the railway. This is where you will now find the RSPB Osprey watch-point, adjacent to Pont Creosor station. Parking is available.

The RSPB "collection of huts" (and video cameras)

We visited the following day, having already spotted the nest tree and watchers' caravan en route. The first chick had hatched on the Monday and the second on the Wednesday. Mother and babies doing fine. This has been a traditional site for a decade or so.
At last we came into town, with a short stop between the supermarket and the river. With much sounding of bells and whistles, we proceeded down the road, across onto The Cob and then reversed into the platform. We finished the day with fish and chips from 
Penrhynddeudraeth, where Jen was addressed in Welsh. Taken aback, or what.

Postscript. It's a small world.
Jen was sat on a bench at Porthmadog station. The couple next to her were taking about Cambridge. To cut a long story short, I mentioned a road and a house in his home village of Waterbeach and it turned out he was a Tory district councillor  and friends with two of mine, both of whom are LibDem councillors. Can't go anywhere these days without the past catching up on you!

May 2013 Holiday - Day 5

Time to take the dogs for a decent walk again. Sort ourselves out, jump in the car and head south towards Harlech via the back road. Good move.

After a drive up into the town and back down the other side, we parked by the The Royal St. David's Golf Club. There is a standard price for parking round here, with a max. of £3.50 "tourist tax"

for 4 hours or more. I personally think there should be a standard parking fee all over the country, then people would know what was what, instead of every district council charging differently per unit of time.

Harlech - golf links & castle

We walked through the dunes to the beach on a proper path and board-walk. 

Warning notice - old wartime debris, etc. still present

Much of the Morfa Harlech dunes are fenced off and dogs are only allowed on part of the beach, albeit a long and wide stretch at the southern end. Our two really enjoyed themselves while we watched the waders and beach-combed.

Small waders (Dunlin, Sanderling, Ringed Plover)

Large Waders (Curlew)

The smaller birds were fairly confiding and obviously making the most of low tide and the freshly exposed sand and seaweed. The Curlew, on the other hand, kept making for the forays to the old seaweed on the strand line as well as probing the freshly exposed beach.

Large Jelly-fish (Portugese Man-of-war?)

Shells (Crab, Urchin, Razor, Hydrobia & 

If you looked carefully at the sands, you could see that they were full of inter-tidal life ... and death. A truly magnificent beach and hardly a sole on it today.

Back to the car and heading further south to Barmouth, new to both of us. The town is known for its railway bridge across the Mawddach estuary, which has a pedestrian walkway alongside it. Normally there is a toll in operation but today we were spared paying £1 each. I believe they charge for dogs, too! (might be wrong there).

Mawddach estuary & Barmouth railway bridge
(looking inland to Cader Idris, from the town quayside)

After strolling through the market, the main street and onto the railway bridge, we insisted on having a stupendous ice-cream each (   for me). On the way back to the car, I came across some of friend Howard's handiwork - the new RNLI station that replaced the IRB one some nine (?) years ago.

Barmouth Lifeboat Station

We drove home via the A496 so as to get a view of Cader Idris from the Llyn-y-Gadair side, the most popular way to reach the summit via the Pony Path.

Cader Idris from the north

It having been a"low spending day" we ate out at the Brondanw pub in Garreg once more.

Tomorrow, Jenny's paying for the return trip to Caernafon on the train.

May 2013 Holiday - Days 3 & 4

After yesterday, the dogs needed a good walk. We decided to visit the Isle of Anglesey and get in a bit of bird-watching, too. We crossed the Britannia Bridge onto Ynis Mon, new territory for both of us. The countryside here was a stark contrast to the Snowdonia National Park. It reminded me of the other Welsh extremity, Pembrokeshire.

Our first stop was at Newborough Warren, a National Nature Reserve. As we pulled into the car park, we noticed that a foal had just that minute been born.

When we came back almost two hours later, we witnessed the new born get to its feet for the first time, after some frantic nudging from the mare. She was also pre-occupied in keeping the other two nosy horses away from her precious off-spring, threatening them with a mouth full of teeth if they attempted to come too close.

Walking along the public footpath at the back of the dunes, we were welcomed by the song of many Whitethroats coming from the Blackthorn and Willow scrub. As we entered the forested part, our attention was drawn to a low croaking noise. After some manoeuvering  we did find the Raven's nest and clocked one of the adults. We also had our first Garden Warbler of the year.

Feeling better for the walk, we headed north for some sea-birds, courtesy of the RSPB watch point at South Stack.

South Stack lighthouse, Anglesey.

Jenny was told where she could see a couple of nesting Puffins (without crossing to the lighthouse), while I enjoyed seeing a pair of Choughs feeding in a small field right by the RSPB cafe. Many visitors missed these  and had to be content with distant views  from Ellins Tower of the birds returning to their nest in a gulch at the back of one of the stacks. We also notched up Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, and another pair of Ravens that were assisting the piratical Greater Black-backs to raid incoming birds carrying food.

In the evening, we returned to the pub at Garreg (non-cooking day!), taking the narrow, twisty and hilly by-road from Tan-y-Bwlch. Care and quick reactions needed to avoid the locals!

After an early morning walk and necessary caravan duties (small space, four occupants), we set off for Blaenau Ffestiniog. After a couple of false starts (mobile 'phone, etc.), we got to the far end of this ribbon village and parked in the municipal car park, cost £3.50 for over 4 hours. I Like. 

Part of the main square, celebrating slate.

Being Caravan Club members, we collected a 20% discount on our already discounted pensioner concession return fares . The dogs were still £3.00 each and we paid £14.60 each, a 28% saving on the full fare which is currently £20.20 for a round trip.
The Rheilffordd Ffestiniog is celebrating 150 years of steam power and is still using the original diminutive locomotives dating back to 1863. We were pulled by one of the unique Double Fairlie engines.

My & Cerise's tickets
Note the humour.

"JAK" about to travel 'back to the engine'.

The 11.50 left on time. By the time we got to the cross-over point at Tan-y-Bwlch, we were early and had to wait for the 'down' train - which goes up, of course! We left on schedule at 12.20. More stunning views. We pulled into Porthmadog 13 & 1/2 miles later, just before 13.00. A completely different view of the estuary here, from The Cob, than from the new by-pass (A 487), and a chance to snatch a little bird-watching. 

The Afon Glaslyn from the Cob.
Mount Snowdon, far horizon,left,just visible behind Moel-ddu

Porthmadog - end of the line.
Welsh Highland engine on the left.

The return journey began at 13.40, leaving plenty of time for a coffee and some sandwiches and a bit of cake. Here are some of the photos taken en route back to the slate quarries. The main engineering work of recent years took place at Tanygrisiau when a reservoir was built. The line had to be diverted and, in order to gain height to avoid the maximum height of the water in the reservoir, the track was taken up the valley sides in a spiral.  All done by volunteers, this took a number of years but is now one of the major attractions of the line.

Steam up to start the spiral

Crossing over the line

Sheep on the old embankment west of the old tunnel.
The access track, used to build the new line, in the foreground

The old line was showing, with water levels low in the reservoir.
Original tunnel entrance can be seen right of centre.
Access track, now a footpath, this side of the water.

The railway is fully modernised with electronic signals and barrier lights at crossings. The only exception is the full barrier at Penrhyn, which is manned.

After Tanygrisiau, a couple of unmanned crossings.
Note the scars of the slate mining in the background.

With a 3.pm end to our "tourist" day, we mosied along to the site for a spag. bol. and a good read; my preference was to finish Tess Gerritsen's "Whistle Blower". Apt. That's what holidays are all about - see the sights, support the local economy and chill out with a good book.