Kidwelly

What a night last night. The Lionesses beating Sweden 4-0 in the Euros. We can't wait until Sunday, when we'll need to ensure we have signal to watch the final match. Apert from us shouting our support, last night passed quietly, Marge and one other van. We were more than happy this morning to take things easy washing clothes, showering, sorting out our toilet and water and chatting to David which meant it was nearly one o' clock before we left. Then a stop at a nearby Lidl, where Angela was given the full Welsh experience. Announcements in Welsh. Signage in Welsh. Welsh spoken at the checkout. Even the eggs had a Welsh label on them complete with large red dragon.

As the day was well underway by the time, we left Lidl we decided to travel along the coast to Kidwelly. Free overnight stops are few and far between in this area and campsites expensive. The campsite down by the beach where we stayed last night would have cost forty-five pounds for a night. Fifty pounds with electrical hook-up. Scandalous! Yes Marge, it is.

At Kidwelly there were two overnight spots. One at the old quay the other in the town. We parked up at the old quay first and after taking a short walk realised that noise from a nearby tip used by skip lorries would probably be more than a little annoying, so moved into the small town where we are now parked by the ruins of the nineteenth century slaughterhouse. We take you to all the best places Marge.

Kidwelly made us think of a small French town. A little tired, some shops closed, not many people around and dominated by the ruins of a large castle. The castle in fact one of the best examples of a Norman development. After walking around the outside of the castle alongside the river, we as usual visited the churchyard. Why, because we always do. There's always something interesting to see, if a little quiet. 

There is one other van here with us so far which is O.K. It makes Angela feel more comfortable if we have neighbours. One thing Kidwelly does have going for it is two Chinese take aways, so guess what tonights meal will be. Well, it'll be wrong not to, when we're parking up overnight for free. You must put money into the local economy!

Llangennith, Rhossili

The Mumbles was not the place we expected it to be, quiet with a village feel. Swansea being so close by meant it attracted noisy cars and motorbikes which drove by at speed during the night. Although we felt safe, we wished it had been a little quieter overnight. But at the end of the day, it was just a stepping stone to the Gower Peninsula where we were heading for Rhossili, an award-winning beach, voted as one of the best in the world with a vast expanse of white sand, rolling waves and dramatic panoramic views. 

But first the drive. Narrow roads with high hedgerows, lots of stop start as we met oncoming vehicles including a large lorry at a pinch point. Oh god Marge, we're in a tight spot! Unscathed we carried on only to meet a very large motorhome at another narrow spot. The driver of the large motorhome less than confident commented on how narrow the roads were. Really. Angela positioned Marge almost in a hedge whilst we held our breath as he shakily crept by. Nearly there. John had booked us onto a small camp site just outside the village. Fifteen pounds, toilet emptying and water top up which was all we needed, and most importantly signal. Tonight, England's ladies football team are playing Sweden. They needed our support. David who runs the small site of ten pitches was friendly and welcoming and really, really loved Marge. 

A walk of around half an hour took us down to the sand dunes and stunning beach. At the beach car park, we stopped to admire a Westfalia LT31 Florida, John's ideal camper. The German lady who owned it came over for a chat. She was making her way to Southern Ireland and then across to Spain and Portugal, a three-month trip. Lucky her. 

The warm sand hugged our bodies as we lay on it soaking up the sun, people watching reading and dozing. We'd escaped. Despite being busy the beach was so large we enjoyed our own space.

However, we still had to make our way back to Marge, high up on the hill opposite Rhossili Down which we walked over on our return trip. Sheep dived into the ferns at the sound of our voices. The views across to the Pembrokeshire coast were breath-taking. That is the direction we will be heading in a day or two.

Tonight, a chance to fire up our gas grill. All in all, this spot is turning out to be a real gem. Probably not in the winter though. Earlier this year the area experienced one hundred mile per hour winds!

The Mumbles

 

Last night we were one of three vans, the others arriving late between ten and midnight. This morning we were awoken by a group of dog walkers, a male voice suggested they knock on the door of the campervan. That'll be Marge then as the others were van conversions. An hour later said dog walkers returned, the only male amongst them head looking at the ground as he saw we were up. A little old to be so childish don't you think Marge? Lost his bravado whilst walking his dog. We think so. Around eleven, just before we left the park, wardens arrived just to inform us no overnight parking and sleeping were allowed. The signs didn't state this, and anyway it was a little late telling us now. Really.

Free overnight stops in this area are limited so we drove to one at Southerndown high up on a cliff. The sun showed, but the wind blew. There were three people obviously living in their vans already there. We parked up, ate lunch, took a short walk and moved on along the coast to Ogmore-by-Sea to a pleasant spot by the river with views of the river Ogmore. The land owners are aware that the vans park up here and on Park4Night they have put up a post asking you to clear up any litter. Angela did a litter pick. Rubbish is one of her pet hates, especially when there are bins nearby as there are here!

Marge tucked out of the way in the corner of the parking area we crossed the swinging bridge spanning the river and walked across the floodplain to the stepping stones that crossed to the ruins of Ogmore castle.

The afternoon sun was warm and we sat on the grass in the castle grounds watching the horses in the nearby field, their faces expressionless. What were they thinking? A flock of swallows performed Aerobatics above them. Sometimes it's nice just to sit a while and watch things that make you smile.

Time passed quickly and realising it was past five o'clock we walked back across the stepping stones to Marge deciding to walk further to the village stopping at the church to look at the ancient stones, some mediaeval. Finding overnight stops takes us to pretty places, unfortunately sometimes people spoil them which is what happened this evening. So around seven thirty we moved on. We quietly packed up Marge, smiled and waved as we left the men we felt would turn our stay into a nightmare and headed to the Mumbles, where we knew we could park right on the seafront for free until eight o' clock in the morning.

Porthkerry Country Park

Angela thinks she should perhaps write a cookbook. She'd call it 'Cooking in a Car Park!' Last night a cheeky little chicken chow mein. Another quiet night despite the car park being full until quite late on. Another walk around the town and yet more bargain drinks at the Weatherspoon's set us up for a good night's sleep after our earlier walk up to the Devil's Pulpit.

The heavy rain forecast from ten last night until ten this morning thankfully did not materialise, just a little light drizzle. John took a look out of Marge's roof window this morning only to be greeted by the sight of the lady in the nearby Citroen Berlingo micro camper appearing to pull on her pants. Good morning. Van life, anything goes. Mid morning and we departed Chepstow for the second time, happy we'd put money into the local economy during our two night stay. A short drive would take us to Caerleon to visit the National Roman Legion Museum, amphitheatre, Prysg field barracks and the fortress wall. Expecting heavy traffic this being the first weekend of the school holidays we were surprised just how few vehicles accompanied us along the M58. Where were the holidaymakers? Dover. Alright Marge, don't be clever. The M4 however was a different story, heavy with traffic all heading west.

The museum at Caerleon was fantastic. Filled with an abundance of Roman items found nearby, each displayed with information about the item close by. The weather held and we were able to enjoy walking around the Roman garden and other attractions.

The Roman Legionary Barracks, the only ones on view in Europe, were impressive.

 As was the amphitheatre where Angela was amused by an information board that pointed out women had to sit at the back so their interest and morals were not affected by the male body. We were back in AD 75, the whole experience was wonderful. A top morning out.

We are now in 'Gavin and Stacey' country. Tonight we are staying at Porthkerry Country Park, Barry Just us at the moment, but we're hoping at least one other van will join us after eight when the parking becomes free.

Chepstow (Day 2)

Once the pubs closed and the Friday night revellers left, we settled down in Marge to a quiet night. The park up was reminiscent to one we'd stayed at in France by a chateau, under the trees. An added bonus nice clean public toilets with a hand dryer that blew warm air, perfect as a hairdryer. Needs must.

Today we decided to visit Tintern just six miles down the road. The village is famous for its Abbey founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks. This roofless splendour dominates the landscape and attracts many visitors each year. Today was no exception, when we arrived around midday the area was busy. Marge parked on the site of the old wireworks we walked down to the abbey, astonished by its size. One could only imagine how impressive it must have looked in its heyday. 

Keen to explore the area more Angela walked back to Marge to make sandwiches which we took with us up to the Devils Pulpit. 

The walk up was challenging. Our feet slipped on the rocks and dry ground as we made our way up, up and up careful to avoid catching the exposed tree roots which were waiting to trip us.

Along the way John spotted a few fungi, none of them edible (one lethally poisonous) so we left them in place. The woodland was dense and stunning. However, the walk was worth it.

We were rewarded with spectacular views from the rocky outcrop down to Tintern abbey and the river Wye below.

Having puffed and panted our way to the top we now had the joy of the descent. Fortunately, Angela had remembered to bring the walking poles with her when she returned with the lunch which helped stabilise us as we returned to the village. After walking three strenuous miles there had to be a reward. Ice cream anyone? 

Tired from the day we decided to return to Chepstow. The weather forecast for tonight is not good so we'll sit it out until mid morning tomorrow when we will move a little further into Wales. There's no rush is their Marge?