Home Time

London to Wales
Early start as we had to be at Euston Station by 08. 30 to catch our train to Llandudno Junction were we picked up our rental and drove to Caernarfon. Found our hotel and then it was off walking the town. We actually decided to go and see Caernarfon Castle as the weather was okay - no rain.  This was the real thing built in 1283 and is now a heritage sight.  Edward 1 certainly did well with all the Castle building he did.
Wednesday the weather took a turn for the worst with howling wind & rain. We did try to go up Snowden but it was closed because of the wind so it was a sight seeing day via the car 🚗. Our visit to Portmeirion was great this was the setting for the TV series “ The Prisoner “ with Patrick McGoohan No 6. 1968 takes some of us back. Thursday we attempted Snowden again this time success but the views were pretty limited because of mist and rain. Took us 1hr up in the train 1/2 hour at the top and another 1hr down did see lots of sheep not has healthy looking as NZ lambs. We then did Conway Castle then Llandudno Pier but too wet to walk to the end. My rain jacket was great even though my son in law called me “Baby Smurf” they could always spot me in the crowd. Friday it was back to London. Overall Wales was not as warm and friendly as what we had experienced in both Cornwall & Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 eg the young girl serving in the cafe at the train station at Llandudno Junction spoke on her cellphone for 25 minutes as she served her customers- unbelievable. We are staying at Jess & Matt’s as they are now in Melbourne for Matt’s brothers wedding. This morning we met up for brunch with my niece Olivia then down to do a last minute shop in Putney in the rain I might add. The bags are pretty much ready to go as we are. 5 weeks is certainly gone fast but we are ready for home. Living out of suitcases gets a bit much. Only a couple of months and Adam & Louisa will be Home then Jess & Matt arrive Boxing Day. Reality and work next week and believe it or not looking forward to it.
From London farewell
Laur

Weather in Nth Wales

The British weather finally caught up with us in Wales and we had Storm Ali Wednesday and Storm Bronagh Thursday. Ended up doing a bit of sightseeing in the car and not getting out Thursday. Summer is over in Wales at least for 2018. 

Conway Castle 

Llandudno Pier

Wet

Cog Wheel of mountain railway. 

Train build date. 

Snowdon

Finally got up Mt Snowdon Thursday but unfortunately by the time we go to the top the weather had closed in and you couldn’t see more than a 100 meters or so. 

Can you see the blue smurf?

The Summit 

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Unfortunately 100mph winds at the top of Mt Snowdon shut down the mountain railway today, we will try again tomorrow. 

Portmeirion

Who’s old enough to remember “The Prisoner”

If not this place won’t mean a lot to you. Has been on my bucket list for some time. 

It was a bit wet and breezy.




I remember “Rover@ the big white balloon chasing No 6 across these sands. 

Beaumaris Castle

Outer Walls

Inner Keep 

Harlech Castle

Caernarfon Castle

Very impressive & famous Edward I castle in the middle of town. See map on previous post. 

Sights around Caernarfon walled town.

Some nice boats in the harbour 

Caernarfon

We arrived in Caernarfon yesterday. Took train from London to Llandudno Junction and picked up rental car. Ordered a VW Golf but received this below, as someone had damaged the Golf. Rides a bit better than the Ford Focus we had in Cornwall. 

Bonus is that it is in Sutherland Grey. 👍

Carnaby Street

This years latest fashion, you saw it here first. 😱😱

Another nice pub

Johnnie Keech’s local in Putney

We sent him a picture for nostalgia. 

Weekend in London

From Padstow we drove back to London and unfortunately missed the All Black game against Sth Africa which by all accounts was great although we did not win. Back to our hotel in Putney then to Jess & Matt’s. Sunday domestic chores called plenty of washing to do having had another week on the road. Sunday we spent the morning sorting our bags as we only wanted to take 2 bags to Wales. Sunday evening we were invited to Louisa’s parents for a BBQ. We had a delightful evening and were very spoiled with meal that was presented. Monday it was a day in the heart of London. Did a light shop in Marks & Sparks and got a real bargain at the Sheridan shop

Views around Padstow

This place is heaving with tourists, can’t imagine what it would be like in the height of summer. And every second one has a dog. To be fair to them I haven’t seen a dog bark, snarl or cause a problem, they are all very well socialised but they are allowed everywhere. Pubs, Restaurants and public transport. Was in a restaurant the other day which had 8 tables and 7 of them had at least one dog under them. Some had 2. Ours was the only one that didn’t 🙄. 

It’s been a full on Rick Stein’s day

Fish & Chips & Oysters for lunch. 

Rick Stein’s Patisserie 

I think he must own half the town. 

Rick Stein’s Dinner

Birthday Girl (belated)

Entrees , Prawns & Scallops 

Mains Lobster Salad & Dover Sole

Desert

Restaurant 

Rick Stein’s Restaurant & Hotel - Padstow

Staying here for one night as Laureen’s birthday treat. 

Includes 3 course meal tonight and breakfast. Also complimentary gift basket in room.