We may not have needed a rest day, from a gigging point of view. But the miles had taken their toll and Little Haven provided the perfect spot for some R & R…
A Bit of Everything
Not surprisingly, this morning’s breakfast was very much old-skool, the veggie option being the full English without the meaty bits. Thus fortified, we set off for Little Haven. Today’s ride had a bit of everything. This included a stretch alongside the busy main road, during which Rob narrowly escaped becoming part of the tarmac.
There was a protracted climb up onto the hills beyond St Clears; beautiful views down to the coast around Pendine Sands; a cracking (and unexpected) café stop by the A40; steep and energy-sapping climbs along the coast towards Tenby and a lovely, leafy stretch on a disused railway line, next to the river after Pembroke Dock.
The Joys of Spring
Along the way, we encountered the now familiar mix of roadside wild flowers. These were dominated by fox gloves, cow parsley and a pink daisy-like flower that grows on small bushes. No idea what that is but it was everywhere. The fox gloves were an iridescent purple and absolutely enormous.
The red kites that dominated the skies along the Usk valley were no longer to be seen. But there were buzzards aplenty, sometimes at remarkably close range (like, right in front of our faces). Goldfinches were also in abundance, so too skylarks, which had also been something of a constant companion. Ah, the joys if spring.
Relaxing & Restful
At Little Haven, we enjoyed a couple of nights’ respite. Although we’d missed two of our planned gigs, we’d covered a lot of miles and scaled an absurd quantity of hills. So, a full day’s rest was in order.
We both know this little coastal village very well and have enjoyed the generous hospitality of our hosts, Stephen and Jude Dalley Smith, many times before. So, this made for a relaxing and restful pause in our itinerary. For one of us, at least. No prizes for guessing which one.
I spent the day strolling on the beach, enjoying a lengthy soak in the bath, reading and generally recuperating. Rob, on the other hand, couldn’t resist a quick cycle ride into Haverfordwest to pick up something or other for his bike. The man is irrepressible.
Thoroughly Abstemious
Our evenings were spent between the Castle and The Swann Inn. Where we were thoroughly abstemious. Or at least didn’t get completely shitfaced. Well, not quite.
Thus refreshed, we were ready for the next leg of our adventure, which would take us a short way to Trehale for our big fundraiser with Undercover Hippy. To which we were looking forward very much.