May 19: Weekend in Wales

Friday 10 May

Bridget, Jeanette, Sally, Sue, Wendy 

Sue and I arrived separately at our airbnb in Colwyn Bay and offloaded luggage then repacked Sue's car with craft stuff ready for the agricultural fair in Bridget's village the next day.

We had time for a short walk in the sunshine before going to see Bridget.

We had been given instructions on how to reach her house which was only a few miles away - but we gave up after several attempts and decided to go back to the field where the show was to be held which we had passed previously - as we had seen three people in there and thought that they would be able to give us directions.  

We were able to do better than that as one of the three people happened to be Bridget's husband so we were able to follow him back home.  Good job - we'd never have found it on our own!

We had a good catch up over a cup of tea and then Bridget showed us round her beautiful farmhouse and its grounds.

We met the dogs Bob and Pip.

And Wendy the cat.

Such a glorious setting!

We managed to find our way back to Colwyn Bay and Jeanette arrived - so more food, drink and chatting!

Saturday 11 May

We were up and off early to set out our stall at the fair.  Sally came to join us for the day.

We had a nice view out over the showground and totally lost track of time, eating our lunch ridiculously early.

Loads going on - beautiful horses with plaited tails, green man wood carving...

... some great vintage cars...

... great motor bikes...

... welly wanging and scarecrow dressing...

... and the tractors!  Ohhh the tractors!! Just fabulous! We never knew we could get so excited about old tractors!

A great day!  So Sally went home and we left Bridget to her clearing up.

Sue, Jeanette and I went for a walk along the prom back at Colwyn Bay and managed to blag our way into Bryn Williams' restaurant with no reservation.

What a great meal!  And a lovely way to finish our day.

We walked a bit further after our meal.

Then we headed back for an early night - full of delicious food and happily exhausted with all the fresh air.

Sunday 12 May

Glorious blue skies so we went for a walk up the Great Orme in the morning.  Only a short one as we had a boat to catch later!

We may only have done a short walk but there was a lot of UP.  But we finally made it to the trig point.

Bridget's husband Jon was moving his boat Kika from the mooring into the marina in readiness for a trip around the British Isles in aid of charity.  He had asked the previous day if we wanted to take the short journey on board with him.  Jeanette and I looked at each other and in unison said 'OHHHH YES PLEEEASE!!', nearly jumping up and down with excitement. Seasick Sue politely said 'No. No way. Thank you but no. No. Nope. Definitely not.'

So we left Sue to walk round to the marina to meet up with Bridget and Jeanette and I took a water taxi with Jon out to his boat.

We had a light snack of delicious local prawns before we left.

We had a tour round inside and then settled down with a cup of tea to wait for the tide to rise a little before we could set off.  We were both giddy with excitement.

Such a great mooring in the shadow of Conwy castle.

Jeanette looked quite the part checking her charts.

Jon did what he had to do to ready the boat.  Jeanette and I just moved from one side to the other to keep out of his way.

And we were off, sailing sedately down the river.  Such fun!

So I steered a little bit with Jon telling me port and starboard.  After explaining that I get left and right mixed up, never mind adding something else to the mix he pointed and said - just head for that green buoy in the distance.  Easy!

We stopped off for petrol (or whatever you fill boats up with) and Jeanette stepped neatly  over the side to moor the boat.  All that training on the barge was paying off! Sue braved the last bit of the journey, jumping on board with Bridget and their friend Kevin who was fixing his prototype gadget to the boat so that they could track it.

Off we went round the corner into the marina.

Time for another chat and cuppa before we left them all to continue their preparations whilst we adjourned to the pub for fish and chips.

Then a short walk back round to the car and home.  We were shattered!

Monday 13 May

Time to pack up and head for home.  A fabulous weekend with the chance to visit Bridget and see some of the wonderful countryside around her - and the unexpected treat of a boat trip!

We'll be back!..

Edit:  We were back sooner than expected!

Wednesday 5 June

Mike and I were on our way home from Anglesey and  Rosemary was over at Bridget's for the day so we had a serendipitous meet up in Bodnant Gardens at the beautiful laburnum arch.  

We had time for a walk through the gardens and a quick lunch before all going our separate ways.

Lovely to see Bridget (and Rosemary after Glastonbudget!) again so soon.

Until next time!..