EASTER WEEKEND - PORTMADOG.
A goodly crowd attended this event, staying at the independent hostel,
Snowdon Lodge, the birthpalce of Lawrence of Arabia, in the hamlet of
Tremadog. It offered comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities.
Some
of us enjoyed a meal at the somewhat quirky Golden Fleece on the
Thursday evening. On Friday most of us took the train to Criccieth -a
charming town with a picturesque castle, and walked back along Black Rock Sands and the coastal path via Borth y gest.
Saturday's walk from the hostel took us into the hills behind Tremadog.
A steep climb brought us to our coffee stop by the attractive farm of
Pant
yfan which linguistic Denise imaginatively translated as
"gusset"! This route afforded fine upland farm and mountain scenery and
wonderful views over the Afon Glaslyn estuary and the coastal areas of
Cardigan Bay and the Llyn Peninsula.
On Sunday most of us explored more western parts of the Llyn with short walks around Abersoch and Morfa Nefyn.
On
these three days the weather was fine and dry if not very sunny. With
the cooperation of many members we enjoyed two communal meals followed
by jolly evenings in the large, comfortable lounge around its cosy log
fire.
On Friday Jack and Chris H ably led a session of lusty
folk singing from ancient YHA songbooks. The following night we were
entertained by the Portmadog Symphony Orchestra which, under the
direction of their esteemed guest conductor, Sir John Gregorolli,
enthralled us with a programme of music by Verdi. It was rather
embarassing though that several members of the audience exhibitted
disrespectful chatter and laughter throughout the concert. We were then
treated to the gyrocopic talents of Agile Angie of Strictly Come Dancing
fame who then had us dancing the night away.
An excellent meal
at the Union Inn made for a relaxing final night for a now
near-knackered group. The rain finally arrived with a vengance on the
Monday morning, but we were happy to make an early homeward journey
after a weekend of much laughter, lively conversation and the shared
companionship of a most congenial and convivial group.
More Photos HERE
