Reflection Through The Seasons

OUT FOR THE DAY.......

On Saturday, John and I decided to take ourselves away from all the usual chores that are normally dealt with on this weekend day and do something a little different.

We took a trip on a train..... on the Cambrian Coast train, you can see the reflection of the carriage lights in the window. All the following pictures were taken through the window, so, they are not as clear as they could be.

The Cambrian Coast train line must be listed amongst the most scenic in Great Britain. It tightly hugs the coast affording the traveller magnificent views along the way, which ever side of the train you choose to sit....... We chose the sea side, but views from the other side are just as spectacular...... enjoying mountains, coastal villages, busy seaside resorts and farmland.

You're not camera shy are you John!

Farms nestle comfortably on the hill side. I love to see the fields separated by the dry stone walls.

The train crosses the wide expanse of the Mawddach Estuary by means of a wooden viaduct here...... the views are quite spectacular and I always admire the house that sits at the water’s edge..... what magnificent sunsets it enjoys.

The Mawddach Estuary has treacherous tidal waters......

Here the train pulls into Barmouth with its harbour and wide sandy beach that stretches for almost two miles. Its a popular sea side resort that offers it's visitors many attractions during the summer months...... it is backed by magnificent scenery too, as the lower slopes of the Snowdonia mountain range roll down to meet the sea.

This is Harlech Castle, built in 1283 upon a rocky crag, it took six years to construct. This lofty position with its commanding views over land and sea was a great aid in its defence from attack. It was built for King Edward I to prevent the Welsh challenging the sovereignty of England, but later fell into the hands of the Welsh Prince, Owain Glyndwr in 1404. It has been the scene of many bloody battles between the English and Welsh.

Today, Harlech Castle stands as stedfast as ever and, on this sunny afternoon in January 2009, we can only look in wonder as we recall its impressive history.

Here we are nearing our destination, the popular little harbour town of Porthmadog, its a thriving Welsh community with a busy harbour..... now used mainly as a mooring place for yachts..........

But now, we have no time for sightseeing, we are off too.......

TESCO! One of my favourite supermarkets.
It has taken well over an hour by train to get here.... and it is out nearest Tesco store! Only a medium sized supermarket, nevertheless, it is well worth the journey..... and the journey, well, that was a delight in itself too.

So, equipped with my shopping trolly and John his rucksack, it was Tesco, here we come! And us happy shoppers, returned well and truly loaded!

Oh! and I forgot to mentioned another bonus...... for us over 60s, we have the privilege of free travel on the Cambrian Coast train from November until May.... isn’t that just brilliant!