Pictures by Ros and Mark S. Click on one to see a full size version
As in previous years, we met up at Asda car park in Dowlais Top, near Merthyr Tydfil. This year a total of 12 cars turned up. Several of the very regulars were missing and in view of the iffy weather, this was a great turnout.
Once everyone had shopped and/or peed, and Mark had checked that Michelle and I had enough fuel to do the run this time (!),we set off.
This is a fantastic drive, the route for which is posted elsewhere on this website. If you ever get a free day, print it off and see some of the most wonderful scenery you could ever wish for.
If you do attend a club drive, ask Mark if you can be last car at least once. It's the best place to be to see people's reactions to such a long line of cars driving through the countryside (as opposed to first car which is the worst place to be!). One particular group was near Pontsticill reservoir, a group of climbers complete with ropes and all the right gear doing a "double-take" as we all went through the lane. Being last car also provides you with the opportunity to be the one who thanks all the patient people who pull over to the side to let all the others pass; I usually pop up the headlights and the smiles that generates are worth their weight in gold.
We were luck enough to have the honour of being tail this time, and were treated to Bob's reading of the dyslexic highway code, the section that says "squirrel, signal, manoeuvre". In fact, there seemed to be a lot of squirrels "resting" in the middle of the road.
The squirrels weren't the only wildlife we passed along the way. We were luck enough to see three Red Kites circling above a hillside, and later on some Buzzards patrolling the sky.
As in the past couple of years, we stopped at
the Vulcan Arms for a robust roast lunch where Ark had booked the whole family
in, and
we were shown into the library which we had all to ourselves. Michelle and I
were lucky enough to sit near Maureen and Bram who delighted us with their tales
of their colourful life together. Bram raced motorcycles in his youth and said
that he'd "been through every hedge on the Isle of Man"
Maureen also took the opportunity of lunch to hold a car boot sale to sell of a few bits they had left over from the "old car". Yes, they've bought ANOTHER new one in Silver this time.
After following the beautiful route, we
eventually arrived at Devil's Bridge for another bio-break, and yet again, the
Devil's Bridge gent's has won an award!! Ros was oddly unwilling to go in and
get the evidence, so Mark S risked the embarrassing court appearance to take his
digital camera in to get the shot (so to speak).
As an added bonus, the lads (and some lasses) were treated to the sight of the little steam train leaving the station. The train-spotters amongst us weren't too taxed when trying to remember the engine number, which was "9".
Near the end of our journey, we met up at Llyne Briane for a final chat. In fact, I jumped from our still moving car in a desperate attempt to get into the gents before there was a nasty puddle in the car. This stop is becoming such a regular spot that we've decided to name the public convenience there, the MX-5 South Wales Club House.
In spite of an overcast start, the day was wonderful, with all roofs down after the first stop. Mark and Chris are to be congratulated on their choice of roads and stopping places.
I think we can now definitely call it an annual event, so roll on 2004!!
Hi Ho Silver