Time for home
Our few days in mid-Wales were fun but you know how it is; we were ready for home. Our route back was interesting, for journeys in this part of the world frequently involve a roundabout kind of route.
Though home would be almost a straight line southeast from Machynlleth, the road network took us on a slightly different pathway, via Ledbury.
Our first thought was, look, no caravans!! Actually, the mist and low cloud that day restricted the view anyway, but nevertheless, it felt good to have an open road in front of us rather than a white rectangle.
The first place of interest was Caersws, a place known to me as one of my Hero’s childhood homes, where he lived from age 12 until he was 17.
Slowing down as we passed the house, I took a quick photograph for the family archive: the second one from this trip! Not the prettiest house, I guess I didn’t get the best angle for my snap either. Never mind.
As often happens when we return to places from our childhood, we find that things have changed! In this case, the brand new Newport Bypass which took us around the local market town.
We timed it nicely for a spot of lunch in Ledbury, where I was glad to be able to pay a visit it Hus & Hem, a favourite source for all things Scandinavian (well, except for Scandinavia itself, of course!) From there, it took us not much more than an hour to drive home.
Aaah. Lovely.
But that’s only five drives and five days when I’m sure I said seven? Well, yes, because whilst we were away we had a request for our Grandparent services. to which of course, we eagerly agreed. So one night at home and on day six, we were off heading to Exeter, on the busiest driving day of the year - school holidays begin this weekend. Not only that, but we’d be following the busiest route down to the South West. Hmm.
No surprises that our satnav had a better idea: Drive through Bristol city centre! Yes, still quicker than the motorway, we were assured.
Actually, once through the congestion, it was a lovely drive past landmarks we don’t see often. In fact, I imagine Sue (from Melbourne, Australia) was probably in this part of the city since we were! Above is the SS Great Britain, by the way.
Thinking that we should remember this route as a viable alternative to the motorway in future, we continued along the waterfront and then out of the city and through the suburbs, including a familiar name - Failand - the scene of many school rugby matches when Edward was a teenager.
Eventually we reached the M5.
Thanks to our little satnav friend, we joined the southbound motorway in a less congested area, though those driving northwards were not so lucky. We’d timed our arrival carefully, bearing in mind Edward was working from home today. We didn’t want to interrupt the timing for someone’s afternoon nap either, so we made a brief stop five minutes away from their home.
Though it was lovely of the Exeter “corner shop” to greet us so warmly, I had no plans to linger. It was really useful to be able to pop in and buy a couple of bedsheets though!
For a couple of days, we enjoyed the best of company, as many cuddles as we could squeeze in and when his Mummy and Daddy were busy painting in their new house, we went out for a walk. It’s a bit disappointing when people park their cars so thoughtlessly though, isn’t it?
Being six months old is tiring, though, and by the time we reached the coffee van, Arthur had fallen asleep. Never mind. The babyccino will be on hold for when he’s ready.
We drove home the following afternoon and were thankful for a clear run back to Gloucestershire. Time for a few days at home, maybe getting back into our routine before the next flurry of activity and excitement.
Seven drives in seven days. Enough! (for now…)
