Having fun

After the girls had left last weekend, I spent Monday girding my loins for a two-day trip into deepest Wales.

A little while ago, Paul had said to me, “Is it still on your bucket list, Mum, to do a Zip Wire?” I had hesitated. It had been on my bucket list a few years ago, but when asked the question, I suddenly felt old and fragile. “Yeees…..?” I replied, unconvinced. “Right!” said Paul, “Let’s book a date in the calendar.” So we did and, gulp…. the due date had arrived. Eeek. I texted Jaime to let her know I’d be missing yoga class and told her, “I think I’ll take my brown trousers!” “Well, I would if I was you!” she replied.

On Tuesday morning, Paul was on my doorstep at 9 a.m. sharp and we set off for Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales. It was a good journey, despite the driving rain and the heavy Welsh mist, and we arrived in good time.

We were both a bit nervous. Me, because I thought I was old and fragile; and Paul, because he’s inherited John’s acrophobia. He had a brandy to settle his nerves and I had a chamomile tea. “Ready?” Ready!!!

Kitted up in harnesses and helmets, we made our way to the first zip wire which was short and fun – a great way to get you used to the idea – and then we hopped into a truck which trundled us all the way to the top of the quarry. Jeez…. it was very high up – and, for a moment, we didn’t look too nervous…….

After the quick photoshoot at the viewing point, we went inside the hangar from where we were to be launched. We looked nervous then….. just look at those rictus grins!

Anyway, once we’d been strapped in, had weights or a sail added (depending on how heavy you are), we were on our way. Here I am, zooming over the lake, camera at a wonky angle and with my mouth closed. For most of the video, my mouth was flapping about like a wet wash-rag, as I travelled at 70 miles an hour downhill. Honestly, there’s another tale to tell……hehe!!

And here’s Paul – looking far more composed!!

Four minutes of fun!! Boy, we did enjoy it! I’d definitely go again. It was brilliant. Didn’t need brown trousers at all.

Afterwards, we travelled to Criccieth for an overnight stay. What a fabulous hotel and room we had, overlooking the sea, all of the bay and Criccieth Castle. So very beautiful. Paul had chosen really well and, not only that, he’d ordered champagne for the room, too. So lush. We sat for a couple of hours, sipping our drinks, chatting and watching the sea lapping on the beach and the gentle view of Criccieth Castle, before making our way to a local Tapas bar where we had fabulous food. It was lovely.

On Wednesday, we had a leisurely breakfast, then went for a grand walk along the coastal path as far as the River Dwyfor and, of course, stopped for a Cadwalader’s ice cream on the way back. More lushness.

Such a fabulous couple of days with my eldest. He was such great company, so very thoughtful and made me feel very loved. Couldn’t have asked for more. Counting my blessings.