Saracen's Head at Symonds Yat ~ 22nd February 2004

The forecast was bright and sunny, but cold and Boy was it cold. A new record of 21 cars turned up at McDonald's until we overflowed it and all had to move into Asda's car park. McDonald's need a bigger car park! There were a few First Timers on the run including Jodie (with Tom who has flown solo on previous runs), John & Maureen and Peter and Anne.

Monument to our long gone mining heritage near Mae Y CwnnerBecause of the size of the event, I decided we'd split into two groups (this later proved to be a bad idea). Michelle and I led the first and Clive and Penny the second. We set off up the A470 and turned towards Caerphilly. Everything went well until past Ystrad Mynach when I realised that the road number I'd written on the directions to take us through Oakdale and Blackwood wasn't the same as the one on the road signs. I decided to make an executive decision and cut Oakdale out completely and head straight for Pontypool.

Follow the leaderUnfortunately, Clive followed my instructions and several repeat runs through Blackwood and a few dozen phone calls later, got back on the road to Pontypool.

 

Coffee

Pontypool Canal centre needs a bigger car parkOur first scheduled stop was at the Canal centre near Pontypool for a coffee, tea and pee break and for Michelle to collect lunch choices and contact the Saracen's Head. When we called then and told them the size of our party, they said something that netiquette forbids me from printing here.

When I get wind, the ears wiggleRay's hat was a treat to behold and when he drove along with the roof down, the ears flapped to add to the comic effect. Gary had followed my example on previous runs and decided to come with not enough fuel to complete the run, so did a quick dash to a filling station while we had our coffee, then it was off towards Usk.

 

Mercy Sakes, Looks Like We Got Us A Convoy

Well if feels to me like it's leaning over. On the drive to Usk, we found out how long 21 cars are and when we got a little strung out, had some difficulty in finding somewhere to pull over and wait for the catch-up. Gwent need some bigger lay-bys.

 

We're being followed.After driving through the picturesque town of Usk, it was onto the A449/A40 for a blast up to Symond's Yat for lunch. A few took the opportunity to shoot off ahead before re-grouping at the Little Chef.

 

Lunch

Where's my dinner?In spite of the size of our group, the Saracen's Head in Symond's Yat East coped magnificently as you can see form the comments below. Unfortunately, due to a problem with mathematics, Mark Spashett's meal was forgotten, but soon sorted out (it's always Mark!!). Oh, and Symond's Yat needs a bigger car park.

Don't let the sunshine fool you, it's cold! John and Maureen take the air. Friends, the new series. 

It's yellow, no it's Gold, no it's yellow, I told you it's Gold! Ferry reasonable  Some people getting a hand job across the Wye.

Only a temporary roof up while we were in the pub. It came down again before we set off.Just before leaving Symond's Yat, the sun came out again and a few were persuaded to leave their roofs down for the journey home (not me). We followed the road through the Forest of Dean along the Wye and managed to find the world's most cautious learner driver to follow for  almost the whole journey until we pulled into Tintern Abbey car park, and then he turned in too!

A load of old ruins with Tintern Abbey in the background.Everyone said their goodbyes and drank the dregs of their flasks before setting off towards Chepstow and then various splinter groups set off home.

Thanks to so many people for turning out on a cold morning. Another great day out with several lessons learnt (I hope) for the future. If the group keeps getting bigger, we'll have to take a serious look at how we organise these events; I certainly won't let Clive lead the group again, that's for sure:-)

Hi Ho Silver

Special mentions

Lindsey's foolhardiness in showing me the totally illegal emergency flare, which I have now reported to the South Wales Police, Traffic Section and Health and Safety Committee.

Pete's dedication in missing the rugby in spite of desperately wrestling with the stereo trying to tune in the game.

Maureen and Bram finding McDonald's car park in spite of my directions.

Clive and Penny for re-joining the group in spite of my directions.

Comments

"At least it was dry even if VERY cold... Lunch was superb!"

"Just to say thanks for a great run today. Perhaps next time we can do the Clive variation?"

"Just to echo the sentiments of the others, great run, flippin' cold and glad we took the Evans route :) Best of all was the company, see you all soon."

"The learner driver on the road to Tintern was a good idea so even I could keep up!"