Caernarfon - Wales - Days 50,51

Caernarfon - Saturday 25th June 2011 - Day 50

Bill went off to the shops and scouting for refreshment establishments while I continued to rest my foot and take the tablets.  In the Harbour Master's office discussed the sailing prospects which were not promising and during the night it was going to get very busy due to the arrival of a fleet of yachts who were taking part in the Three Peaks race.

This is an annual event, this year 32 yachts were taking part.  They start off in Barmouth in Cardigan Bay and race the boats to Caernarfon, on arrival two runners jump off the boat and run to the top of Snowdon and back again.  The yacht crew then set sail while the runners recover. Race yachts to Whitehaven, runners off and they run up and down Scafell in the Lake District.  Next stop Fort William and do the same up and down Ben Nevis.  End of race.  For both crews, sailors and runners it is an amazing event, obviously all very fit and it was a pleasure watching them arrive during the hours of darkness and by the morning they had all left.                                                    

In the evening we had been to My Harbour a bar/restaurant next to the marina for a very good meal.  Into town for the Black Boy pub which was very lively and to calm things down visited the Royal Welsh and Caernarfon Yacht clubs, where we were made most welcome.  The view from the castle balcony of the Royal Welsh across the Menai straits was very impressive.

Caernarfon - Sunday 26th June 2011 - Day 51                                                                                  

Awoken by the local lifeboat at 06.30 revving his engine with his attend inshore craft within the marina.  At 06.45 discussions with Harbour Master and decided to abort the sailing with head winds which would impede our progress down to Bardsley Island.                                                           

Caernafon Castle

 As it was a very pleasant sunny day, time out to be a tourist.  First it was into Weatherspoons for our Sunday lunch then a stroll around the town which was full of visitors.  The number of Welsh speakers was the most encountered with English very much the second language.  Wonderful to hear children playing in the park, enjoying themselves and talking in a language, I do not understand.  Wherever you go, firstly you are greeted in Welsh, a wonderful touch and long may this continue.  Back on board for the evening awaiting an early start next day.