After lunch, the crew ventured into Conwy which is a very interesting walled town. The Normans cleverly built the castle right next to the railway obviously knowing that it has regular connections to London via Crewe.
On our return to the boat we enjoyed a chat with our neighbour about our forthcoming journey to Caernarfon via the fearsome ‘Swellies’. Despite previous reassurance that we could reach Menai Straits in just a few hours, it was clear that this was not at all possible. Rather than have an easy day and an afternoon departure, the crew unanimously decided there and then to leave early today. Our neighbour was part of a large boat rally called the ‘La La Rally’ and invited us to join them as they too were heading to Caernarfon for the night.
After a largely uneventful morning sail, we arrived at Menai Bridge in good time to pass throughthe Swellies at high water. We phoned the marina in Caernarfon to check there was enough space for Calismarde, bearing in mind that there are 30 boats on the rally. The kind and friendly harbour master asked if we could arrive before the other boats and suggested we pass through the Swellies immediately.
It was with some trepidation therefore that we, as ‘Swellie Virgins’ led the flotilla through Menai Bridge into the fearsome narrows.
These were less exciting than we expected, although the banks of the Menai Straits are beautiful.
Needless to say, by the time we arrived at Caernarfon all the other boats had overtaken us but despite that he kindly placed us in a prime position.
Tomorrow, my brother Mal leaves to go back to Carlisle. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable week during which we have experienced several challenges punctuated by visits to several high ranking real ale pubs.
We now look forward to a couple of days preparing for the arrival of our new crew mate.
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