Mike's Natural Musings: Llanfendigaid, Day 4.

Wednesday 28 May 2014

Llanfendigaid, Day 4.

A much better day for weather than the forecast gave. Dry and overcast with some excellent skies and even, occasionally some sun. I began the day across the road with half an hour with the redstarts. Within five minutes I had pictures of both. After breakfast Heather, myself and Helen and John (2/3 of the wrinkly contingent) walked down the lane to the tiny Tonfanau station on the single track line that runs along the coast from Pwllhelli, eventually to Birmingham. It is a request stop, so to catch the train you have to put your hand out to attract the driver's attention. All very pre Beeching!! The plan was to catch the train to Aberdovey and walk back along the coastal path. Whle we were waiting a couple of pairs of choughs again provided entertainment. We quickly arrived at our destination and enjoyed pottering around the town resdicovering old haunts. After lunch we set off along the beach to Tywyn and what a spot; a huge expanse of golden sand and estuary backed by high dunes and, behind those, mountains. On the way, we passed the newly exposed remains of a fossilised bog with beautifully preserved tree stumps. Our route took us along Tywyn sea front, where we stopped for a cup of tea, before heading out over the salt marsh to Broad Water, part of the Dysynni Estuary. Here we had wonderful views into the mountains to Bird Rock and Cadair Idris. Once back at the railway line, we crossed the newly built pedestrian bridge, part of the Welsh Coastal Path, where I photographed the superb display of sea pink or thrift. We ended our walk by pottering along the road back to Llanfendigaid.

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