Easter 2023

Easter coincided with my long weekend off this year, so naturally we headed west until we found the seaside where we were blessed with sunshine and good weather for most of the weekend before the rain arrived on Monday to aid our departure home. 

We had a great time catching up with friends, some of whom we’d not seen for months both during the daytime and over a beer in the evening.

Friday was the best day weather wise so we headed for the beach at Barmouth. This choice had the advantage of being able to drive to Fairbourne, then catching the train and ferry to our destination  great fun for all of us children large and small.

There was also the first honey ice cream of the year to sample too. 

Saturday saw me volunteering on the Talyllyn where I got one last driving turn on my favourite loco, No 4 ahead of the end of its current ten year boiler ticket. The loco looking great in the recently applied Corris Indian Red livery from the recent photo charters. On the first trip, the family came for a ride where I was kept a keen eye on from the carriage behind with Annabel at the first window most of the way up.

The daffodils at Rhydyronen have lasted well too and we’re still a fine sight in the sunshine.

Sunday was a family day, but we did have a walk up to Hendy in the morning where some small tired legs were able to catch the steam taxi home. 

In the afternoon, I was able to give my Skylark its first run of the season on the Llechfan Garden Railway before again catching the steam taxi back across town.

Our journey home was relieved by the reintroduction of the Llanfair cake stop, the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway having been able to finally reopen their tea rooms which were shut at the start of the pandemic. In addition to cake, their second hand book selection is also always very enticing…

Back home, our kitchen refurbishment is nearing completion and I’ve unearthed my modelling desk again. With the mind clear from kitchen decisions, I’m hopeful of some more visible progress on the layout appearing soon.