By the time we had reached the start point the clouds were beginning to break up and even a hint of sun was coming through,
and slowly cars started to arrive, our mood was beginning to get brighter and things were now on the up.
It was then that we noticed a dishevelled person dragging his way across the car park, could it have been an early guest for a Halloween
party or and extra who had lost his way off the set of the Night of the Living Dead. No, in fact it was Ceri who was nursing the
hangover from hell. So in the end twelve cars had assembled and off we set for a jaunt to the coast, but first we had to do a bit of
fast driving to get out to West Wales as quickly as possible, so not to much sight seeing on the way out to Haverfordwest.
We did have a quick comfort stop to allow Ceri to get some fluids into his system in a small car park near Narberth.
It was intended to have another quick stop in Little Haven but as it is quite a hard car park to get into and it would mean back tracking our route we decided to only drive to the edge of Little Haven then follow the coast road to Broad Haven.
Once we had all rejoined we set of along the coast towards St Davids, which as far as I am concerned is one of the most stunning coastal drives the UK has to offer, passing small bays and hamlets, like Dridstone Haven and Nolton Haven, then through to the huge expanse of the Atlantic facing Newgale Beach.
Just digressing off the route it was in Nolton Haven that the " Quote of the Day " was heard, as Lesley and myself stopped at a
junction a group of people were standing on the corner, a small conversation started as we waited for the cars behind to catch up to
which she asked what type of car it was and were we a club. I informed her we were the South Wales Area of the MX5 club and she then
said and I quote " What and all the cars are the same colour " this was with my blue car, Martyn’s silver car and
David’s metallic blue car all in plain view.
So, bemused at that little gem we moved on to a café on Newgale beach for a quick coffee break and a chance for Ceri and Lindsey
to let the strong Atlantic wind blow some of the night before away.
After leaving Newgale we followed the coast road and thought it might be worth a stop in Solva, only problem there is it is now so
popular that you just cannot get into the car park, in fact as we went around it and decided it would not work I saw Ray again
disappearing around the far side of the car park, just as we were leaving.
It was now time for the quick dash into St Davids, and as we were slightly early we drove down and round the Cathedral
just so no one would miss this lovely building (apart from Ros & Ray who got left again at a junction!) as it is hidden from
view if you are in the main part of the city.
Lunch was meant to be in the conservatory of the Grove Hotel in St Davids, but as we approached both Lesley and I were dismayed to see that the building work had started and we were to be put into a smaller room. I do apologise for this and hope it was not too cosy as the conservatory had seemed an ideal setting.The lunch was very enjoyable and the quality of the food was excellent.
We had left ourselves plenty of time for a nice relaxing lunch and for those who wanted there was time for a brisk walk to the Cathedral, which happens to have, on the way to it, two excellent ice cream parlours. So after lunch and allowing enough time to walk off the ice creams or puddings it was time to hit the road again.
This time it was the main road to Fishguard which is a good road to unwind on with nice hills and sweeping bends, in fact ideal MX5 roads. We passed the ferry port and then swung on through Fishguard Town heading out towards the beautiful Prescelly hills, passing through Rosebush and into Maenclochog and then onto Llys-Y-Fran reservoir.
Upon arrival at the reservoir we crossed behind the dam and up onto the viewing area for spectacular views across the water and
countryside. I would like to say that when the water is high in the reservoir and is spilling over the top of the dam it is quite a
spectacular sight.
We then crossed back to the visitors centre for a final comfort stop and to say goodbye to a couple of the members who had to press
on home.
It was then a matter of a few more miles of beautiful driving roads before getting back onto the A40 and heading back towards the
start point. We finally arrived back at Pont Abraham services at gone 5 o’clock and said our final farewells; all in all I hope a
successful trip.
Both Lesley and myself would like to say thank you to all who turned up and made our first run a success and a special thanks to
Ceri and Lindsey who in the face of all adversity (though self inflicted) made the run.
And also a special thanks to the powers to be that ensured the weather stayed dry and the roofs stayed down all day.
Thank you all
Lesley and Philip
