Steve The Wandering Aussie

We left Conwy early with only a 34 mile trip planned but included two Neolithic sites and three castles hidden in the Welsh mountains. The plan didn’t include a four hour ride in a 160 year old train line with an impeccably maintained engine and carriages but what can ya do?
Our first stop, a Neolithic ledge chamber tomb, took an hour to reach down tight single lane roads and ended in a farmers field in the rain. Lots of rain getting there, a mysterious calm as we walked the 900 metres each way, then much more rain as we drove away. Lyn’ed it perfectly. Lyn did manage to slide on her bum down the tomb side but seems ok at the time of writing. (NB. 7 hours later and her foot is a mess. Might be a quiet few days coming up. S. ) I’m sure tomorrow will be another story.
The road we followed took us through the picturesque mountains of central northern Wales. The strikingly vivid countryside with endless vistas slid slowly past windscreen due to winding roads in remarkably good condition.
While searching for our next destination there appeared the ubiquitous brown tourist sign, this time depicting a loco railway engine. Since we had some time to spare we thought going the this museum might be a pleasant diversion as rail was a significant part of Wales development. Turns out there was a half hour till the 160 year old loco was to depart and there were spare tickets available. Lyn grabbed two for us and we boarded. Such a pretty engine and the carriages have been scrupulously cared for – no gum on the seats, no graffiti, no slashed cloth – and off we went. An hours train ride to a town on the sea south of Carnarfon (yesterday’s fest castle). The town is called Portmadoc. And in this town there is a pub named ‘The Australia’. Unfortunately we had no access as it was bursting with folk wanting beer. Not even standing room. Not a surprise really as an hours walk about the town failed to produce another pub. Not one. Sad.
We returned to the rail station to await our return trip and were rewarded with a comfortable restaurant selling (wait for it ……) BEER!! Woo Hoo.
We’re leaving Porthmadog on our little train and it’s Still raining with frozen winds and purple sky’s and this is mid summer. Not convinced I’ll enjoy another winter here. And the wind gusts! The little lakes adjacent the rail line are growing whitecap surfable waves as we watch wild winds pushing the water about.
Our little train that could… nearly couldn’t !! Twice we stopped while they dealt with coal and steam issues.
Back at the original station, forty five minutes late, we absconded for the final 19 miles to our BNB. More rain.
Arrived safely. The room is half the size of a single garage but it’s clean and the bed appears comfortable.
Lyn is in bed early with her mangled foot and I’m at the bar finishing this.
I wish you all well.Steve
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