Our weekend was to be packed so full of happiness and adventure that a day off work was required to accommodate it!
Cold wind and driving rain were to be our company for much of the drive to Bristol, but the journey was cheered by 2-4-1 with a Manchester pensioners committee, good music in the car and a nice hot flask on the back seat.
We were lucky to enjoy the hospitality of Richard and Emma on the first evening, sampling Emma's wonderful cooking and Richard's fine repartee! Saturday monring and it was farewell to Yate as we journeyed on to Cheltenham and the British Astronomical Association Deep Sky Section meeting. The talks were varied, interesting and informative, the company excellent and lunch unexpected and delicious.
Following dinner in a nearby pub, we spent the latter part of the evening with John Fletcher, enjoying the privilege of a guide to his observing facilities. We hit the open road shortly before midnight and headed in the direction of Wales.
Sunday morning put an intriguing brown road sign between us and Wales, luring us towards 'Ironbridge'. After being led through rather dubious surroundings, we were stunned to arrive at an UNESCO World Heritage Site; Ironbridge Gorge.
We stopped for brunch at Truffles, a cafe overlooking the water, before resuming our meandering around the little village.
Giving chase to the afternoon sun, we drove along the A5 from Chirk, passing through Llangollen and relishing our journey through the Welsh valleys. We came to a stop at Llynbrenig Reservoir and closed our eyes, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun against our faces. Following an inevitable catnap, we drove a short way to nearby Alwen Reservoir and cooked up one of our magic feasts on the trusty Trangia.
Darkness brought with it cold wind and rain, telling us it was time to return home and prepare for our next outing.
