It hadn't been a good week. T was worried about his dad and K had had confirmation that her job was to be made redundant - we decided to give ourselves Friday off. The Rosabella had sprung a couple of leaks where T had fixed the roof in France so after gaffer-taping over the bolts we set off at around 4pm, heading west and south for St Davids. We took a stunning route through the Cambrian Mountains, listening to Chris Evan's Beatles request show and feeling smug as we heard Sally Traffic announcing chaos on the nation's roads - we tried to send a gloating text but there was no signal in the hills. We promised ourselves a return to this gorgeous area as soon as possible.At the first bit of civilisation after the wilds we found a chip van, which we patronised before heading on for the site that T knew at Abercastle. It was, however, non-existant so we drove around for a while before esconcing ourselves on a site (which had a Rolf Harris CD playing in the spotless loos!).
Saturday 29th
A good night's sleep, a brief use of the facilities and we exited. Back to Abercastle and a parking spot at the water's edge where we had a lazy morning being entertained by canoeists, walkers, kids and dogs (T was very taken with the idea of getting a canoe!) One highlight was an 'old man of the sea' who arrived in a tractor, hitched a boat on to the back and then drove across the foreshore to the water unaware of the fact that his boat had untied itself and stayed put. He looked very puzzled as he walked to the rear of his tractor, scratching his head, and then falling over laughing!
We decided we ought to do something and went for a walk along the headland for a mile or so. The coastline was spectacular and it was a warm, but breezy, day. Back at the harbour we talked with a family who had been canoeing. Smooth talking dad, polite but pretentious daughter and mum who said she could 'see blue gingham' working in The Rosabella's windows! T was still keen on canoeing though!
We reluctantly left Abercastle and headed for St Davids, on the way taking in Porthgain, another quiet little harbour. The Shed seafood bistro had been recommended to us but unfortunately plans for an evening out had to be shelved as they were fully booked. We reserved a table for Sunday lunch instead. St Davids was wet and busy. We went in to the cathedral where the choir were practicing for Evensong, and spent twenty minutes in reverie, listening to the voices reverberating around the space. Back to the real world and after a cuppa and a cake in a cafe that seemed to be run by twelve year olds we set off to find an overnight site We had toyed with the idea of staying at Abercastle but weren't sure. After a lot of to-ing and fro-ing we took one last turn into a lane which led us to Abereiddy, a small bay, bounded by rocks and with a good sized carpark. There was the usual 'Overnight Parking Prohibited' sign but noone was around apart from a small MH at the far end of the carpark so we decided to take a chance, hid ourselves in a corner and enjoyed a K special of tuna pasta with wine and soft music, the sound of the ocean in the background, and a lovely, peaceful, night.
Sunday 30th
We enjoyed the solitude of the spot before the influx of surfers, coasteerers and walkers. We lolled in The Rosabella for a while and then headed off to Porthgain for our Sunday lunch. The Shed lived up to its billing - although it was pouring with rain outside, the interior felt light and summery. The place was simple but classy and our meals were superb.
Back at base camp we took a walk on the beach in the dark, and a surprisingly warm paddle, before turning in for the night.
Monday 31st
The final day of the Bank Holiday and it was lashing down. Nevertheless the little beach was very busy with wetsuited families. We did see one couple going for a dip in their swimmies and when we went for a walk to the blue lagoon we bumped into them. They confirmed that it had been 'fresh!' and so, on our return to The Rosabella, we decided that it had to be done. We raced down the beach like ten year olds and splashed around in the cold, grey-green water. It was exhilarating to say the least and the source of some amusement to the onlookers. The couple parked next to The Rosabella said that they thought we were mad - T told them we were trying to save on soap!We spent the rest of the day watching the world go by, leaving at 6pm for home, feeling completely relaxed. We must go back some time when the sun is shining!
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