Day 2, New Quay to Llandudno

A very big breakfast saw us on our way at 8:45. Weather was ok, dry if a tad chilly and overcast. First stop was at the Penmaenpool toll bridge, a grade II listed wooden bridge. 

The railway used to come here, hence the railway signals in the photo. Now the line' route is a cycle track.

Had a scare on Ginny on the way. Heading up a very steep hill it felt as if the brakes were being applied. For quite a number of miles after, a warming light kept flashing on the dash. We stopped at a level crossing,  so I took the opportunity to switch Ginny off. Back on, all was well and has been since. Very strange.  

On a different note,  I saw a whale in one of the bays, as we came down into one of the seaside towns. 

After Penmaenpool,  next stop was Harlech and the castle, just to take some photos. It was a bit hairy going up a narrow and steep road, with 2 very tight hairpins but we made it without too much problem. Nervy moments though.

Another photo op stop, was across the river from Caernarfon castle. I reckon this is the best view you'll get. 

From Caernarfon, we made our way to Pwllheli and then mainly across country and down some very narrow lanes. Was a bit off-putting that at almost every corner,  there were skid marks on the road! 

Our penultimate stop was at the famous place with the longest name and another photo opportunity at the station. It's a very popular spot and I had to queue to get my photo done, as there were quite a number of bikers already there.

 Photo done, it was on to Llandudno but not without another Tomtom issue first, though that may have been my interpretation,  rather TT.

On arriving in Llandudno, I took us onto the Great Orme toll circuit. Costs £1.90 per bike, which is a lot for about a 3 mile circuit but we're only here once. By this time though, the weather was superb and views spectacular,  so definitely worth the effort and cost. I think the lady on the toll gate took a shine to me, though maybe she was just being friendly. She wanted me Grizzly!

Found the B&B easily enough. Room on the top floor is nice and spacious enough but a bugger to get 2 with pannier bags, etc in each hand. Only complaint. Had dinner and a few beers in Wetherspoons, a converted theatre. No booking required. 

Tomorrow we head into England, with a stop at my friend in Liverpool. Bless her, she's offered to make apple pastries and sandwiches for us. Grizzly won't say no, he's a 3 meals a day man!

Bye for now.

Day 1 - Pembroke to New Quay

To have this tour, any tour, finally begin, is a massive relief. Not so long in the planning this one, as it replaces the twice postponed European tour but will, hopefully, be no less interesting and entertaining. There's never a dull moment with Grizzly! Europe sounds a lot bigger deal than UK but we can still expect to cover over four thousand miles. You'll find out exactly how many on July 15th.

The two of us came together today in the non too glamorous surroundings of Pembroke Tesco fuel station.  As I rounded the corner Grizzly was already queuing. Bikes fuelled we headed for McDonalds,giving us the chance to grab a bite to eat, before hitting the road.

Weather was ok. Not raining and not too cold, just not blazing sun either.

Our first stop was supposed to be in Cardigan for a coffee. Unable to find a place to park, we decided to carry on. Problem. The next route had a slight error in it, so we ended up going back some of the way we had just travelled, before we were able to sort Tomtom out. Wouldn't be a tour without me getting us 'lost' somewhere. I had hoped we'd get through the first day though. Back in Cardigan we were able to park, only to be rejected by the coffee shop, as they were having a private party! On we went. At one point our way was blocked by a road closure but nothing Tomtom couldn't handle. We arrived at the B&B in New Quay about 17:30, got ready to head to town, and tried to get a cab. 45 minutes they said, so our landlady Hilary, kindly offered to drive us in. Very kind of her. She even offered to pick us up.

Given the booking situation for meals, we settled for takeaway fish and chips and sat out of the wind on the harbour wall. Steven Seagull, was in close attendance! Fed, we headed for the nearest pub, The Hotel  Penwig and were lucky to secure the last table outside. We had a couple of pints, by which time it was pretty chilly. With another long wait for a cab, and not wishing to drag Hilary out, we walked back. It's not that far, just awkward for those not so mobile.

Now time for bed. Tomorrow we continue north, destination Llandudno.