We Arrive

We all gradually arrived in Tremadog on the outskirts of Porthmadog. There would be 21 of us. Some came by train and enjoyed the scenic run along the Welsh coast. Others came by car and could take in the mountain scenery. For the evening we had a good choice of eateries in Tremadog and in down-town Porthmadog.

In the evening we had a chance to get to know Porthmadog, its harbour and "Y Trên Bach".

Along the Coast

A highlight for those coming by rail was the spectacular ride along the coast - sea, mountains, beaches and Harlech Castle. The mixture of afternoon sunshine and some clouds enhanced the majesty of the scenery.

Sea, mountains, sun and some wisps of cloud.

This is a view that must have excited holiday-makers in ages past.

Inland, the sheep are having a good munch, brunch and lunch of grass.

The seaside also means sailing boats.

Lots of beach - real sand!

Men of Harlech - and women too - are waiting for the "Brum-bound" train.

Tremadog

We were staying at Snowdon Lodge, the birthplace of no less than Lawrence of Arabia. There were many pictures and mementos of him throughout the building. The Georgian centre of Tremadog dates from about 1811 and owes its existence to one William Madocks (1773–1828), MP for Boston (Lincolnshire) and then Chippenham (Wiltshire). He gained fame as an "agricultural improver" in Gwynedd, and for founding both Porthmadog and Tremadog. He must have had access to a fair amount of money!

We stayed at Snowdon Lodge, birthplace of Lawrence of Arabia.

For the Anglians, Madocks provided St. Mary's, a Gothic revival style church.
This was taken over in 2017 by the well known Ffestiniog Travel company!

The Peniel Chapel for Presbyterians is also due to Madocks.
Its syle was inspired by St.Paul's Church in London's Covent Garden. (Of course, not the Cathedral!!) The chapel is now under the aegis of a preservation trust.

For me it is interesting to translate from other languages. One can see how they are structured, and of course, one asks why they are so structured. I don't speak any Welsh, but, with the help of an on-line Welsh dictionary, I produced the text just below; I would be more than happy for native Welsh speakers to correct my humble linguistic endeavours!

"THE FACE OF GOD"
Presbyterian Church of Wales
Opened 1810
Order of Services
Morning at 10:00 - Sermon
Afternoon at 2:00 - (The) Sunday School
Evening at 5:30 - Sermon
Minister - Reverend R.E.Hughes
A Warm Welcome to All

What happens if the Reverend R.E.Hughes retires? Will a new slate panel have to be inscribed?
Incidentally, the word "Pregeth" could have an etymological association with the German "Predigt". Words travel between languages - that's as true for Welsh as it is for English.

Downtown Porthmadog - An Evening Stroll

In the evening it seemed a good idea to "sniff the local air". Jackdaws, sailing boats, little trains and the mountains were all grist to the mill. A host of new impressions for south-easterners like ourselves. What's more, the clouds were disappearing! A good omen!

No, not the Jackdaw of Rheims!
Yes, one of many Jackdaws in Porthmadog!
Isn't he (or she) gorgeous!
How do you tell the gender of this fine shiny creature?

Porthmadog Harbour
seen from the Road/Rail Bridge.

View towards Blaenau Ffestiniog
seen from the Road/Rail Bridge.

Porthmadog Harbour
seen from the Road/Rail Bridge.

Here are three Victorians seemingly out for a jolly,
but the engine itself was certainly no folly!
With ease, Blaenau's slate to Po'madog, it did haul.
Narrow gauge, sharp bends? Fairlie's "Wonder" conquered all.

So, Robert Fairlie was the inventor of the "two-faced" locomotive.
James Spooner was a manager of the Ffestiniog Railway.
Neither may have been familiar with the concepts of "Grill, Café, and Bar".

By the way, "Private Eye©" used to have a picture of a Fairlie on its "Railway Gripes" page.
Perhaps it still does.

The "Prince of Wales Feathers" are often seen hereabouts.
Linguistically the name is "Ffestiniog". Legally it's "Festiniog". Just in case you ask.

These four Cloggies from London afar
are standing outside "Spooner's Café and Bar".

The last train to Blaenau has gone.
The sun sets over Porthmadog and the next day will beckon.
And so ended our first evening.