We leave late especially as we are heading North and today is the day of the longest drive. This was a mistake especially after having to stop for cows in the road and road works. The group must have been studying their timetables as a wave of excitement reverberates up and down the bus.
‘What is our mystery surprise?’
We park up in a supermarket car park and I head off to get the surprise fish and chips with Tomoko while the rest of the group sit by the seaside. I walk the long way to the Dolphin Fish and Chip shop to throw the group off the scent. Not a wise move as time ticks away but seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of the Cerbyd group as we approach with bags of fish and chips makes it all worth it. The group gorge themselves on this Great British tradition then Ben and Megan go for a swim in the sea. I would like to state that Cerbyd does not advocate swimming on a full stomach.
Brian and I start to hurry the group as we need to set off. Otherwise we will be pitching our tents in the dark. Much to our paternal disgust within twenty minutes of leaving Aberystwyth where there are adequate toilets, the group demand to stop to relieve themselves. We refuse for as long as possible but when it looks like we maybe having to clean wet seats, we cave in.
Luckily we are near Ben’s cousin’s house so we pop in to say hi and so every Cerbyd member can use the lavatory – quite an honour!
Ben’s cousin doesn’t seem to be in and we’re able to walk straight in to her house. I can’t stop the Cerbyd group snooping around the house like guests from episode of Come Dine with me. Louise takes a particular liking to a pair of shoes and Kathryn seems very fond of an old Victorian photograph but there is no time for this! We round them up and put them on the bus again.
‘There will be no more toilet stops!’
It is getting dark and late. We arrive at the Cwm Cadnant campsite at 9.30pm. It is dark and reminiscent of the Ewok village on Endor. Despite the many tents there are no inhabitants at large so we blindly pitch our tents.
Ben, Louise, Brian, Femke and I head to the pub to stretch our legs, unwind and most importantly catch last orders. We nestle in gripping our restorative pints of ale and play cards backed with curious Welsh landmarks. We get gooey eyed. We sleep sound.
