Another inconsequential day but obviously with good visibility and as a result photographs were taken. I may still have those negatives, we have suitcases of them, but without a guide useless! Another rarely mentioned aspect of Charlie was his love of flowers, never previously mentioned until he gets much older, but he certainly knew his way through the world of flowers.
This was a run where Charlie was easing his conscience! A very pretty route if I may say so, but nothing of note, even their footballing was too much to maintain. I suppose repairing ladies punctures would be an acceptable diversion.
A very eloquent description of night riding in hot weather, but absolutely no comments about anything or anybody. Well yes there was another lone cyclist – riding home from work! So potter on Charlie, we’re right behind you…
Getting wet, getting lost, getting wet again, our hero is at it once more. And such a magnificent sun before breakfast! The day didn’t finish at the more usual time of 10pm though, we have no idea how much earlier his return was, undoubtedly it must have been congratulations all round. I do wish he would tell us the names of his cycling companions it is so frustrating to have just friends and no names.
The heat today seems to have verged on the oppressive. Charlie frequently refers to the sun beating down on his bare head and it is interesting to reflect that in those days men invariably wore headgear, a flat cap being considered desirable.
Actually that view persisted for years afterwards, because my parents suggested a flat cap for me to go with my first cape in the 1950’s. (A real pity as I looked so much better in a so’wester!). Apart from a woolly hand knitted cap for winter wear in the mountains, I have never worn headgear since, although my wife recently talked me into buying an umbrella – not for use on a bike of course!
Weatherwise, a perfect day. Now on his own, Charlie is well able to please himself and proceed leisurely, enjoying the terrain. He writes of ascending the Tal-y-Llyn Pass and I can confirm that the views here, dominated by the eastern flanks of Cader Idris, are views to die for. And if you have to walk up the Pass, it is a long one !
Taking a ferry today to cut out a lot of miles – but it wasn’t such a good idea, soft sand can be very frustrating. But their evening was enjoyable with lots of variety. Perhaps they were enjoying the low mileages.
My own first cycling tour took place in North Wales in 1955, covering much the same ground, but we were able to use the services of the YHA for our accommodation needs.
The easiest way to describe today would be to simply say ‘rained off’. But Charlie cannot give up and given a chance drama will follow drama. And that is just in the morning !
To make amends the evening describes a beautiful series of waterfalls, spoilt only by the process of selecting a route for the morrow !