I've remembered to do my weekly summary!
Day 92 Weston super Mare to St Briavels 55 miles
Day 93 St Briavels to Cardiff 48 miles
Day 94 Cardiff to Porthcawl 52 miles
Day 95 Porthcawl to Penmaen 46 miles
Day 96 Penmaen to Carmarthen 56 miles
Day 97 Carmarthen to Pembroke 50 miles
Day 98 Pembroke to St David 46 miles
I make that to be 353 miles covered this week and that brings the total 4,069 miles covered. Wow he has broken then 4,000 mile mark! Next week he'll reach another milestone having been out on the bike for over 100 days!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
St Davids
Just had a quick phone call with Dad. There was no mobile phone signal on the campsite so he was phoning from a payphone and you don't get many minutes for your money in a phone box! He's made it to St Davids http://www.stdavids.co.uk/ . Weather has just taken a turn for the worse and it was "lashing" down when I spoke to him. He did say if he had known it was going to rain he'd have gone and stayed in the youth hostel!
Today's route took him back through Pembroke. Dad had a quick look around the Castle. It was then onto Pembroke Docks. He then headed for Milford Haven http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Haven. He was having trouble finding a cafe for his morning bacon bap but two bikers came to Dad's rescue and took him to a cafe! It was then on to Tiers Cross, Broad Haven and Nolton Haven. From there he headed to Newgale which had a lovely long beach. From there he headed to Solva where he stopped for coffee and cake. It was then onto St Davids.
He is planning on having two days on the campsite so he can get his washing done tomorrow.
Tonight on the menu is cup-a-soup, beef curry and green beans followed by bananas and custard. He is cooking up in the tent (is that wise!) as it's raining too much to cook outside.
Today's route took him back through Pembroke. Dad had a quick look around the Castle. It was then onto Pembroke Docks. He then headed for Milford Haven http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Haven. He was having trouble finding a cafe for his morning bacon bap but two bikers came to Dad's rescue and took him to a cafe! It was then on to Tiers Cross, Broad Haven and Nolton Haven. From there he headed to Newgale which had a lovely long beach. From there he headed to Solva where he stopped for coffee and cake. It was then onto St Davids.
He is planning on having two days on the campsite so he can get his washing done tomorrow.
Tonight on the menu is cup-a-soup, beef curry and green beans followed by bananas and custard. He is cooking up in the tent (is that wise!) as it's raining too much to cook outside.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Pembroke
Dad is camping just outside Pembroke http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke,_Pembrokeshire. It's been another windy day. In fact it's been quite a hard day on the bike with the hills and the wind! However he has got a sheltered spot on the campsite behind a hedge so hopefully that will give some protection from the wind. He's even got himself a table and chair so it's a proper sit down meal tonight! The site only cost £3.50 for the night - bargain.
Today's route took him from Carmarthen to Llansteffan where he got chatting to an American named Curtis who is over here for two months cycling around west Wales. From Llansteffan there were some "serious" hills to St Clears (I can see the arrows on the map!). From there Dad followed lanes to Laugharne where he stopped for a bacon bap. Laugharne had a Castle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugharne_Castle and Grist common land. Dad then picked up cycle route 4 to Pendine which is famous for the World Speed Record on the beach http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendine_Sands ... if Dad would have had more time he would have had a crack at it on his bike! Dad continued on cycle route 4 to Amroth and Wiseman Bridge and Saundersfoot http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saundersfoot - which was made famous by me in the 60's for parading round in nothing more than a strawhat!! From Saundersfoot Dad followed cycle route 4 into Tenby which instead of going over the hills went through them in the form of three tunnels. Dad then got lost in Tenby! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenby He stopped to ask directions and eventually found cycle route 4 again to Penally. It was then back on the roads to Lydstep, Manorbier and into Pembroke on the B4139. Even though it's been a hard day Dad has enjoyed it as the roads hugged the coast and he had brilliant views.
Tonight on the menu is cup-a-soup and pilchards baps followed by rice pudding.
Tomorrow he is heading for St David's where he will have a couple of nights.
Today's route took him from Carmarthen to Llansteffan where he got chatting to an American named Curtis who is over here for two months cycling around west Wales. From Llansteffan there were some "serious" hills to St Clears (I can see the arrows on the map!). From there Dad followed lanes to Laugharne where he stopped for a bacon bap. Laugharne had a Castle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laugharne_Castle and Grist common land. Dad then picked up cycle route 4 to Pendine which is famous for the World Speed Record on the beach http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pendine_Sands ... if Dad would have had more time he would have had a crack at it on his bike! Dad continued on cycle route 4 to Amroth and Wiseman Bridge and Saundersfoot http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saundersfoot - which was made famous by me in the 60's for parading round in nothing more than a strawhat!! From Saundersfoot Dad followed cycle route 4 into Tenby which instead of going over the hills went through them in the form of three tunnels. Dad then got lost in Tenby! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenby He stopped to ask directions and eventually found cycle route 4 again to Penally. It was then back on the roads to Lydstep, Manorbier and into Pembroke on the B4139. Even though it's been a hard day Dad has enjoyed it as the roads hugged the coast and he had brilliant views.
Tonight on the menu is cup-a-soup and pilchards baps followed by rice pudding.
Tomorrow he is heading for St David's where he will have a couple of nights.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Carmarthen
Dad is camping just outside Carmarthen http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmarthen. Been blowing a gale again today (headwind!) but at least it's been sunny. Dad has done his shopping in Tesco in Carmarthen and also managed to pick up a gas bottle from Millets ... so he's all set for cooking tea tonight!
Today's route took him from Penmaen through Reynoldston and over the common ground. It was quite a climb up but once at the top Dad had brilliant views over the Gower Peninsula. It was then through Llanrhidian and Loughor http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loughor. He crossed the Loughor River over an old Brunel Bridge built in the 1850's. He then picked up the Millennium Cycle track where he followed the coast on re-claimed land for 10 miles. Nice off road cycling but it was very windy. He stopped for a bacon buttie in the National Trust Wetland Centre http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/120/national_wetland_centre_wales.html. It was then onto Llanelli and Barryport. Dad then left the cycle track at Kidwelly and followed the A484 into Carmarthen.
Dad had finished cycling about 4.00 ish and picked up a paper. He now believes me that it's the 4th September today. Yesterday we had some discussion about the date. He thought it was the 4th yesterday and "doubted" my word .... even though I had a calendar and the Radio Times. He had forgot that August had 31 days!
Tonight on the menu he has the usual cup a soup, tin of Tesco chicken curry and a tin of mushrooms followed by banana and custard.
Tomorrow he is moving on to Pembroke.
Today's route took him from Penmaen through Reynoldston and over the common ground. It was quite a climb up but once at the top Dad had brilliant views over the Gower Peninsula. It was then through Llanrhidian and Loughor http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loughor. He crossed the Loughor River over an old Brunel Bridge built in the 1850's. He then picked up the Millennium Cycle track where he followed the coast on re-claimed land for 10 miles. Nice off road cycling but it was very windy. He stopped for a bacon buttie in the National Trust Wetland Centre http://www.wwt.org.uk/centre/120/national_wetland_centre_wales.html. It was then onto Llanelli and Barryport. Dad then left the cycle track at Kidwelly and followed the A484 into Carmarthen.
Dad had finished cycling about 4.00 ish and picked up a paper. He now believes me that it's the 4th September today. Yesterday we had some discussion about the date. He thought it was the 4th yesterday and "doubted" my word .... even though I had a calendar and the Radio Times. He had forgot that August had 31 days!
Tonight on the menu he has the usual cup a soup, tin of Tesco chicken curry and a tin of mushrooms followed by banana and custard.
Tomorrow he is moving on to Pembroke.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Penmaen (Gower)
Dad is camping in Penmaen http://www.enjoygower.com/communities/penmaencom.cfm on the Gower Peninsula. Its been a very windy day out on the bike today .... blustery and gales. So when given the choice of a pitch with a sea view or one in shelter Dad opted for the sheltered one! Wise choice.
Last night it did stop raining so Dad ventured out of the B&B and found a fish & chip restaurant and had fish, chips and mushy peas followed by a pint!
He left Porthcawl this morning after a hearty fry-up in the B&B (that's three mornings on the trot!) and headed for the sea-front. The wind was really fierce and it was a battle to ride the bike. Dad headed for Kenfig and then Pyle and headed towards Port Talbot. The A48 ran alongside the M4 and at one point motorway traffic was crossing over the A48. Dad decided to push his bike across the road instead of trying to ride it - sounds a bit dicey if you ask me! Dad was just sorting out his maps when a Welshman asked him where he was heading for. Dad explained Swansea so the Welshman gave him directions on cycle routes to keep him off the roads. Dad picked up a canal and cycled along sheltered out of the wind for about 4 miles. He then stopped and asked an Irishman (there is no Scotsman in this story!!) how to get off the canal and into Swansea. Dad had only gone the wrong way down the canal and was now 8 miles out of Swansea in a place called Neath! So Dad headed back into Swansea on roads this time. He cycled passed Amazon Distribution Centre which was huge! He then saw signs for cycle route 4 and headed off along that. A few miles down the road he passed Amazon Distribution Centre again ... yes he gone off in the wrong direction again! He sorted it out and managed to get into the outskirts of Swansea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swansea. He then asked a cyclist for directions to the Mumbles. The cyclists said I'm heading that way is it ok if I cycle with you! So Dad had company for about 7 miles. It turned out he lived locally and pointed out to Dad where Tammy Wynette lived and where Katherine Zeta Jones' mum lived! From Mumbles Head Dad headed to Parkmill and onto Penmaen.
Tonight on the menu is beans and sausage followed by rice pudding.
Tomorrow Dad is heading for Carmarthen
Last night it did stop raining so Dad ventured out of the B&B and found a fish & chip restaurant and had fish, chips and mushy peas followed by a pint!
He left Porthcawl this morning after a hearty fry-up in the B&B (that's three mornings on the trot!) and headed for the sea-front. The wind was really fierce and it was a battle to ride the bike. Dad headed for Kenfig and then Pyle and headed towards Port Talbot. The A48 ran alongside the M4 and at one point motorway traffic was crossing over the A48. Dad decided to push his bike across the road instead of trying to ride it - sounds a bit dicey if you ask me! Dad was just sorting out his maps when a Welshman asked him where he was heading for. Dad explained Swansea so the Welshman gave him directions on cycle routes to keep him off the roads. Dad picked up a canal and cycled along sheltered out of the wind for about 4 miles. He then stopped and asked an Irishman (there is no Scotsman in this story!!) how to get off the canal and into Swansea. Dad had only gone the wrong way down the canal and was now 8 miles out of Swansea in a place called Neath! So Dad headed back into Swansea on roads this time. He cycled passed Amazon Distribution Centre which was huge! He then saw signs for cycle route 4 and headed off along that. A few miles down the road he passed Amazon Distribution Centre again ... yes he gone off in the wrong direction again! He sorted it out and managed to get into the outskirts of Swansea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swansea. He then asked a cyclist for directions to the Mumbles. The cyclists said I'm heading that way is it ok if I cycle with you! So Dad had company for about 7 miles. It turned out he lived locally and pointed out to Dad where Tammy Wynette lived and where Katherine Zeta Jones' mum lived! From Mumbles Head Dad headed to Parkmill and onto Penmaen.
Tonight on the menu is beans and sausage followed by rice pudding.
Tomorrow Dad is heading for Carmarthen
A few photos
German family (Ines, Helge, Kathatina and Joshua)
Ramsgate and a replica Viking ship called Hugin.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Cardiff and onto Porthcawl
Two updates today. So lets wind the clock back to Tuesday 1st September ....
Dad had a good night in St Briavels YHA. He spent the evening chatting to John Marsh the Canadian he was sharing a room with. They had a lot in common and a lot to chat about. They had an evening meal in the hostel but it was not a medieval banquet as Dad has lasagna! He also found a pub and had a couple of pints. He must have been back in before they closed the portcullis!
Next morning he had a good breakfast in the hostel and then headed back down the hill and into the Severn Valley and onto Tintern Abbey http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tintern_Abbey. He then picked up the A466 towards Chepstow. He didn't got back into the town centre but continued on to Caldicut. He then picked up B roads through to Newport http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport and the dock area. There was one of the transporter bridges http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Transporter_Bridge but it was undergoing repairs so Dad took a normal bridge across the River Usk. He then followed the B4329 along the coast and into Cardiff http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff. He cycled along a road and decided the first place he saw he would stop and ask directions to where he was staying as he'd only got the address and had no idea where in the city it was. He cycled for ages and the first place he came across was A&E but decided against asking there! He then found All Nations Church and nipped in to ask - I don't who he thought was going to find in a Church to give him directions. I'm sure He doesn't use Google maps! Anyway there was a very helpful lady working in the Church who did a print out of a map for Dad and Dad set off on his way. He got there about 4.00 and his friend had left him a key to let himself in. She arrived back at 6.00 and they sat down for a meal from the slow cooker. Now that's just what you need after a day on the bike!
Today Dad set off this morning with a full English breakfast (he is being spoilt!). He headed off to Cardiff Bay http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_Bay and the freshwater marina. He then cycled across the barriers and headed onto Penarth where he stopped for coffee. He then followed B roads Lavernock and into Barry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry,_Vale_of_Glamorgan. First big hills Dad has come across since Devon and Cornwall! He then continued on past Cardiff Airport to Llantwit Major. By now it was bucketing down! Dad continued on through Bridgend and into Porthcawl http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porthcawl. Dad cycled past a campsite (it must have been raining heavy!!!) and found himself a B&B. He was made most welcome even though he was standing on the doorstep dripping wet! Dad has a TV in his room and they made him a pot of tea. Once the rain stops he will venture out to find something to eat.
So that's three nights on the trot he has had a bed!
Tomorrow he is heading for the Mumbles .... that sounds like something you would catch!
Dad had a good night in St Briavels YHA. He spent the evening chatting to John Marsh the Canadian he was sharing a room with. They had a lot in common and a lot to chat about. They had an evening meal in the hostel but it was not a medieval banquet as Dad has lasagna! He also found a pub and had a couple of pints. He must have been back in before they closed the portcullis!
Next morning he had a good breakfast in the hostel and then headed back down the hill and into the Severn Valley and onto Tintern Abbey http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tintern_Abbey. He then picked up the A466 towards Chepstow. He didn't got back into the town centre but continued on to Caldicut. He then picked up B roads through to Newport http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport and the dock area. There was one of the transporter bridges http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_Transporter_Bridge but it was undergoing repairs so Dad took a normal bridge across the River Usk. He then followed the B4329 along the coast and into Cardiff http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff. He cycled along a road and decided the first place he saw he would stop and ask directions to where he was staying as he'd only got the address and had no idea where in the city it was. He cycled for ages and the first place he came across was A&E but decided against asking there! He then found All Nations Church and nipped in to ask - I don't who he thought was going to find in a Church to give him directions. I'm sure He doesn't use Google maps! Anyway there was a very helpful lady working in the Church who did a print out of a map for Dad and Dad set off on his way. He got there about 4.00 and his friend had left him a key to let himself in. She arrived back at 6.00 and they sat down for a meal from the slow cooker. Now that's just what you need after a day on the bike!
Today Dad set off this morning with a full English breakfast (he is being spoilt!). He headed off to Cardiff Bay http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_Bay and the freshwater marina. He then cycled across the barriers and headed onto Penarth where he stopped for coffee. He then followed B roads Lavernock and into Barry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry,_Vale_of_Glamorgan. First big hills Dad has come across since Devon and Cornwall! He then continued on past Cardiff Airport to Llantwit Major. By now it was bucketing down! Dad continued on through Bridgend and into Porthcawl http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porthcawl. Dad cycled past a campsite (it must have been raining heavy!!!) and found himself a B&B. He was made most welcome even though he was standing on the doorstep dripping wet! Dad has a TV in his room and they made him a pot of tea. Once the rain stops he will venture out to find something to eat.
So that's three nights on the trot he has had a bed!
Tomorrow he is heading for the Mumbles .... that sounds like something you would catch!
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