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Llandudno

Llandudno                  October

We decided that our daughter Jo was long overdue a holiday, so asked if she would like to go to Llandudno for a few days in place of Dad. The holiday was booked and paid for so she was more than welcome to accompany mum in Dad's place.

27/10/19 – Our first day.

I arrived at the Richard Herod Centre to pick up our bus. Stupidly I had forgotten to put my labels on my cases, soon remedied by Sandra, always prepared, having spare ones.    We had a nice journey, lovely bus driver, and stopped for lunch in a service station.   Arrived at our seafront hotel called the Somerset Hotel and after a delay at reception arrived at our room to unpack, having arranged with reception our seating for our meals over the next few days.   We went for a stroll along the pier and had a coffee at the end of the pier looking out to sea. It helped blow the cobwebs off and we both appreciated the fresh air. Met up with Helena & Brian with who we will be sharing the table for meals.

Jo & Pam settled in at the hotel ready for a well earned rest.

Monday 28/10/19

Today were going on a bus trip to Caernarvon and Anglesey.  We had a cooked breakfast and set off with my scooter in the bus luggage hold.    We had a brilliant day out despite my accident. Sadly, I spoilt Jo’s day when my scooter tipped me over onto the road, although badly shaken I was reasonably ok. We went into Wetherspoons in Caernarvon for a reviving coffee. Jo was really upset and phoned her dad to tell him. Bless my lovely Johnny offered to come and fetch me back home. I did not, but bruised and sore, I persevered until the end of the break. As well as visiting Caernarvon our trip into Anglesey inevitable saw us deposited in the coach park of James Pringle Weavers shop in the strangely named village of “The church of Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the fierce whirlpool and the church of Tysilio by the red cave” otherwise much better known and as much unpronounceable as it is to remember the translation to English– Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

Pictures in Caernarvon which, despite the incident, we both enjoyed exploring. A first for Joanne in visiting the site of Prince Charles inauguration as Prince of Wales. For Pam a return journey as we were here back in 2018 on holiday staying that time in Anglesey. Then a stolen picture, from the Internet, of the much visited shop (especially by coach loads of visiting tourists) at that place with the long and unpronouncable name.

Tuesday 29/10/19

After yet another delicious breakfast we were back on the bus to go to Betws-y Coed.  On our arrival Jo went off to see the waterfall located at the edge of town. The pathway being narrow and uneven made it easy for me to decide not to go but to await her return. That's twice I have missed seeing the falls. The first was when we were here with Jacob & Ben, back in 2011, when they walked from the campsite that we were staying on to visit the falls. Hopefully it will be third time lucky for me as we have always said that we would like to return to this area and to the same site again. On Jo's return we wandered around the shops giving me the opportunityto show where we stayed back in 2011. Back to the bus for our next stop at llanberis. On our arrival and finding out that the Snowdon railway was closed for the season we walked down the road to visit the Lakeside Railway, just a short distance from the Snowdon Railway station. Where prior to boarding the train we had a light lunch. The journey on the train was very picturesque as it skirts the lake to one side and the rolling hills on the other. With a reverse view for the return journey if you sat on the same side of the carraige. had the Snowdon railway been operating we still wouldn't have had time to go on it due to the time taken for the journey up to the summit and back. At least I could relate the experience to Jo as John, Ben and I experienced the journey, back in 2018, thankfully on a day when the weather was good.

A reminder for Jo and a glimpse for me of what Jo saw and what I missed. The boys at the falls back in 2011 with no fear Ben close to the edge. John apparently taking the photo and calling him, most vigorously, to come back at the same time.

An internet picture of the Llanberis Lakeside Railway. My originals included parts of my finger and could not be editted sufficiently to be used.

Wednesday 30/0/19

Jo is now very concerned when I’m on my scooter, and as it was a free day, she insisted we get a taxi up the station from where we caught the Tram up to the Orme. We had a delightful day enjoying lunch on the Orme taking in the breathtaking views. On our return to the tram station in Llandudno we decided to walk back to the hotel (as it was downhill), via the centre where we visited a number of the charity shops, Jo got some real bargains.  In the evening we watched fireworks on the promenade, which I must say were absolutely brilliant.

On board the tram enjoying the views as they climb to the top of the Orme and equally as they descend. The descent giving wonderful views of the bay and seafront promenade.

The amazing evenings firework display watched along with the rest of the WI contingent from the steps of the hotel.

Thursday 31/10/19

This was also a free day, so we decided to go along the pier again and played on the slot machines, as usual we put back all we won on them.  We then went into the town centre and I paid my customary visit, whenever I am in Llandudno, to the most brilliant craft shop, I have ever encountered. It covers the area of three shops. Naturally I could stay there all day but of course I did not and, on this occasion purchased little – shock, horror. John will never believe me.  We had lunch in M&S and a couple of drinks with our free vouchers. Again, we raided the charity shops, and had a wonderful last day of our holiday. Tomorrow we’re going back home.

Friday 1/11/19

We set off home on yet another lovely day, everyone looked happy and the better for it for spending a few days by the sea.

Synopsis of our holiday.

Jo extremely good company, thank you sweetheart.

Meals were all excellent there was a choice and always hot and of good quality. The hotel room was excellent but sadly no sea view.

We enjoyed the company of Helena and Brian; we had a friendly waiter and also had a photo taken at the table.

We had the most wonderful weather considering the time of year, no rain, not too blustery, mostly sunshine perhaps with a few clouds.

The holiday was made extra special thanks to our ever cheerful, nothing too much trouble driver.

Here’s looking forward to the next WI holiday with Jo to Bournemouth.