Llanfendigaid, Day 2

The trail was surprisingly dry as we pedalled away from the cars into the head wind. The youngsters - children and grand children - had set off to walk up Cadair Idris while we wrinklies opted to ride along the Mawddach Trail from Penmaenpool near Dolgellau along the Mawddach estuary to Barmouth  crossing over the railway viaduct at the end. The views of the estuary as we rode along in the sun were magnificent; the tide was in and the mountains were enticing. Arriving at the viaduct we were soon onto the loose, uneven, planked path making pedalling challenging. The views across the head of the estuary to Barmouth were fascinating: jade sea with myriad boats anchored in the sheltered waters and ferries buzzing back and forth. Barmouth was busy so we locked up our bikes as we arrived and explored on foot enjoying lunch in the 'hippy cafe' which we love. The ride back was faster going; with the wind behind us we made good time and significantly improved our overall average speed. Having racked the bikes on the cars we settled down outside the excellent George III in the sun for some welcome Robinson rehydration. Returning to the house the final two members of our party had arrived and we settled down for tea and conversation before bustling about to prepare supper, it being our turn. The meal was a convivial affair and followed by monoply, film watching and, for me, and early night.