My bank holiday weekend...

Friday...

Left work early, packed car, picked up our nieces leaving the dogs with their parents and drove towards Machynlleth. As always we got stuck in traffic around Shrewsbury on the A5 as every one else thought it would be a good idea to head for North-ish Wales too.

We stopped at Newtown, and went to Marigolds for Fish and Chips (with the hope the children would enjoy the food, and save us from cooking tea). Unfortunately the previously competent staff had been replaced by useless teenagers since we had last been there - and we spent ages waiting with abysmal service. So we won't be calling at Marigolds again.

Around 10 miles from Machynlleth, Emily threw up in the car. I don't know whether to blame the Welsh roads, or the previously mentioned 'restaurant'. Blaming the restaurant seems easier.

Saturday

Firstly, we visited Corris Railway and spotted Andrew and Richard doing their train-nerd thing. It was interesting, but there wasn't all that much for children to do there outside the relatively small shop. Richard mentioned they hoped to eventually lay some extra track in a figure of eight for children to ride on while the adults were educated about the history of the line etc.

After having our fill of steam and Sheep Poo Paper (yes, there really is paper made from Sheep Poo!), we headed into Machynlleth, allowing me to sign in for the Dyfi Enduro. After picking up my race number (457) we almost immediately lost it in a cafe while having 'lunch'. Thankfully some kind person handed it in, and I picked it up on Sunday morning!.

We then went to the Halo Foods Ice Cream factory at Tywyn. I bought some fudge and randomly cheap chocolate covered bar like things. The ice cream was quite nice, and went down a treat as it was fairly warm at the time.

Next, we headed back to our campsite, calling at Corris Craft Centre on the way back. I was really impressed with the selection and quality of the shops here - they covered a good range of 'things', and had something for most ages. Definitely one of the better touristy things in the area.

Eventually David and Jenny joined us at our camp site, and saved me from having to dig around in the river sand making a pier with Rachel.

Sunday

For me, this was 'race' day. I had originally intended to leave the campsite and join the race at the start point a few miles away - instead of going into Machynlleth and riding in convoy back out. Unfortunately, as I'd lost my number I had to go into Machynlleth anyway... I also screwed up my times, so had an hour to wait before the race. Nevertheless, the event itself eventually started, and everything went really well.

Afterwards, we all went to the Taj Mahal in Machynlleth for an evening meal, where Emily proceeded to devour Mango chutney (and cover the table cloth in quite a bit of it too.).

By the afternoon, the weather had turned from sunny/warm to rain/dreary, so we were glad to be indoors eating.

Monday

Packed up, called in at the Craft Centre to pick up the pottery the children (and Kat) had painted and had fired/cooked overnight.

We then had the long drive back home, being stuck behind inconsiderate caravan draggers doing 30-40 miles per hour. Effectively until we reached Shrewsbury, I was stuck behind a caravan of some sort or another. And then, of course, the A5 was jammed up as everyone else headed back towards the Midlands.

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