Today in Swansea - chilly @10, felt like 5, completely overcast, wind blowing the rain sideways.
We altered our plans slightly. Originally we had thought to return to the small fishing villages of my 3rd great grandparents. Given that the hamlets are minuscule with little preserved history and that the weather was less than cheery we decided, instead to visit the quaint seaside village of Mumbles at the headland of the famed renowned Gower Peninsula and just 3 miles to the west. Had the weather been "bonnie" it would have been a terrific walk. We opted to drive our little black Vauxhall and soon became curious. For as we drove west along the seaside route, a 4 lane divided thoroughfare called Oystermouth Road was dotted with pylons for about 4 miles.
Other than one large START banner on the beach there was no indication of what was about to happen. We found a parking space in the village and had a wander about. The wind was howling, the rain was pelting, the umbrella blew inside out and we were chilled to the bone. On the ocean the wind kite surfers and ski-doers were having a blast.
Folks at home on the west-coast enjoy the glorious weather you are basking in and think of us in terms of the windiest, rainiest day in November. We found a coffee shop savouring the java as it warmed the blood. Not long after the blood was boiling. On return to the car we had been zapped for parking on a zig zag. In typical UK fashion, there are NO signs of warning. Uh Duh! dumb tourists should assume nothing. It was Sunday, we had parked between other cars on the zig zag and the village was pretty much closed for winter. I guess none of that matters to the evil traffic police. By noon our entertainment had cost us 35 pounds if we pay a.s.a.p., otherwise it will be 70quid.
The adventure does not end there. We decide to leave the charming hamlet, which harbours parking meanies lurking in every doorway, only to find the road is closed because 4000 WACKY WELSH have decided to run 10K in the bone chilling weather. No wonder there were countless ambulances and St. John's Ambulance blokes hanging around. Don't get me wrong, the Welsh are lovely people from whom I descend but anyone running even 2K in today's weather has to be wacky. Never mind, they are hardy souls who were actually smiling at the end of the race.
We know they were smiling because we had to wait until the end of the race to escape. What could we do but smile ourselves, chuckle that is was a good thing we didn't have much in the way of plans. Somewhat tussled and rain spattered, we headed back to the car, now safely parked as the only car in a pay lot, and waited out the storm of runners and nature. I guess 35pounds isn't too steep a price for one day's entertainment.
I'm sure there was an alternate route out of the village. We thought maybe we would drive the Gower Peninsula but the only map we could get was for cyclists and walkers. Certainly there was a shop which had better maps but remember everything is closed for winter. We tried a couple of roads and ended up on dead-ends and residential cul de sacs. Again no viewpoints to admire the rugged coastline but I managed to take one photo from a stop sign.
We made it through the post race traffic jam. Now warm and cozy back in our room we are watching the runners and their families walk long distances along Swansea Bay to where they had to park before the race started 5 hours ago.
We have a sea-view room at the Beachcomber. Although roadside, it is quiet and comfortable. Shabbier than any of the places we have stayed in on this trip, it is adequate and the view from our double window is lovely. The rain has stopped, the wind is calmer and the clouds are lifting. Maybe tomorrow the sun will shine on us as we seek out where to pay our penalty for being dopey tourists.
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2 comments:
Corol,my whole body is tingling after reading your post about family today. I can't explain it but it must be a connection too kin. Your writings do that somehow. Greg
Having fun on you log, Time Travel and Facebook . Greg
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