Penmaenmawr to Bangor – High Spirited Stage 2

I left Llanfairfechan on the inland road, rather than down along the coast, and cut down later across the low lying land to Aber Falls distillery. I was interested why Wales thought it could rival Scotland, and more interested to see if it actually did. The visitor centre was impressive.

I had a pot of tea and a slice of Victoria Sponge, together with a taster of single malt.

The tea and cake were great. Cake!! I don’t think Scotland should be quaking in its boots at the threat of competition.

Down by the coast Puffin Island was quite distant now.

Looking westwards the shaded areas were frozen solid, but Anglesey was still languishing in the sun.

I’m just going to post a few shots of the coast, with its wonderful steely blue grey light.

The tide was still out a fair way and I’d had a good slog along tracks and exposed sand, but that came to an end at a small river estuary. The track cut inland and meandered through a forest towards Bangor. It was quiet and still, as the sun began to fall behind the western end of Snowdonia.

I didn’t see anybody in the forest for nearly an hour, apart from my friend Robin.

Then a few dog walkers began to emerge up the path and I knew I was near the town. As I left the forest there was a clearing by the sea to my right, for a last look up towards Puffin Island and Great Orme. I’ve given them a lot of coverage, mostly because they are good indicators of how far I’ve travelled. And they look good too.

I was starving and found a chipper serving fish, chips, curry and mushy peas. Kismet Hardy!

Full, as a fat boy should be, I climbed up to Bangor centre. For a seaside town it’s ridiculously high above the sea! I found a bus stop that serviced the 5c to Caernarfon where I was staying at the Travelodge. I’m becoming a bus number collector, train spotter and Travelodge frequenter. It’s that time of life. I ache in the places where I used to play. Thanks Len.

I don’t mind getting old. It’s ok and it’s normal. I’m different to who I was even three years ago. I’m not afraid of death. I wouldn’t court it but I don’t shit myself at the thought of it. However, I would like to die a young man’s death. Thanks Roger. With gangsters bursting in to the barber’s with Tommy guns, where I’m in the chair, and giving me a short back and insides. Bang, bang, bang. But I’m not likely to be in a barber’s chair.

Falling off Snowdonia would be a good one. But not this trip as I’m expecting to see a new and pre-existing grandson shortly. And I’m being careful.

Let’s have another lovely ten years with my darling Maggie and then think seriously about letting that bright red sports car mow me down on my way home after an all night party!

These boots have been perfect.

Right expensive Meindl Bhutans and the family bought them me for Christmas a few years ago, before we sensibly slipped into the Secret Santa scenario. The cost may have been a factor in drifting us towards the SS. Meindl Bhutans are handmade in Germany.

I phoned Maggie, watched the Blades lose and fell asleep.

Night night.