Today we returned from a fantastic weekend with Derek and Elaine in Cardiff. The main purpose of the visit was to pick up the Muckle Clock that Derek so generously offered up on here but we also managed to squeeze in a wonderful day out in South Wales near Merthyr Tydfil followed by a mini musical extravaganza in their beautiful new kitchen.

My mate Doublewood Dave drove over from his Place in Yorkshire to my place in Lancashire on the Friday night and we set off from my house at a bit after 5:30am. It's about 3hrs 45mins from me to Derek on a good day but owing to numerous roadworks and a loo stop that turned into full breakfast we got to Cardiff about 09:45. Just in time for the 10:15 bus to town.


Dave (Isle of Skye), Derek (Brithwe Dewi Sant, Welsh tartan) , Me (Bruce Hunting) and my son Tom (err... trousers), waiting at the bus-stop.

We were on our way for a pub lunch and a wander about in some of the gorgeous Welsh countryside Near Merthyr Tidfil and the southern Brecons.


Cardiff to Merthyr. About 40 minutes and three different buses to where we were going in the hills.


Brief waterstop in Merthyr Tidfil.


Outside the Red Cow where we stopped for lunch.


My wife, my daughter and my Son Dave.


Dave mee mate and Elaine... We're all contemplating the menu. Apparently they serve the best chips in South Wales.


Some smashin' real ales on tap.


After lunch. About to go walkabout.