Geography had always been considered one of my stronger subjects in school and, in fact, I achieved a 'B' grade at GCSE which confirms this statement. However, on this occasion, my geography failed me.
When one has recently travelled long haul, any impending form of travel which consists of sitting down for more than 2 hours is not high on the agenda (even as comfortable as World Traveller Plus makes a long haul journey). But spending quality time with your other half after being separated by 6,000 miles for 2 weeks is high on the agenda.
The answer...a mini break to the coast within a two hour drive.
The result...a mini break to the coast with a 3 hour plus drive after mistakenly assuming Tenby to be between Cardiff and Swansea (a 1.5 - 2 hour drive) rather than checking the map and entering the postcode into a route planner to accurately confirm the distance. Fortunately, when you have good company, many laughs and the 'yellow car' game to fill the time, the distance doesn't really matter and is all part of the experience you want to share together.
This delightful little seaside harbour town is full of character from its extensive history. Starting from the first settlement as a Welsh stronghold due to its hilltop position, leading into a Normal Castle and walled town in medieval times, part of which survives today, and now a bustling place with winding streets, little alleys and cobbled lanes to explore. But the true highlights of this town are the beautiful beaches with the feel of soft golden sand underfoot, the sound of the waves repeatedly crashing into the harbour wall and the smell of fresh sea air filling your lungs with every breathe.
It was the latter two which we were able to experience on our first night, deciding to play a derivative of pie-face. Standing on the cobb of the harbour with the tide rolling in and the waves becoming more frequent and ferocious, the splash of waves were becoming higher and higher and breaching the height of the wall to soak the walkway behind. The objective was to stand next to the wall and observe the waves rolling in, waiting for the loud thud to indicate the wave was about to splash over and soak anyone standing there until, at the final moment, moving away with such speed as to avoid the impending sea water.
Casually walking along the coastal path back to our humble abode, a sudden alarm started to sound and a crowd had gathered overlooking the darkened view of the Bristol Channel. Expectantly, the voyeurs were poised to witness the daily drill of the lifeboat launching into the Bristol Channel from the RNLI Lifeboat Station and it didn't disappoint.
A spell of poor weather is usually expected in most months when holidaying by the coast in the UK and is more or less a prerequisite in the month of January. This January was to be no exception but the day had started with the sun high in the sky, a few clouds created a patchwork of grey, white and varying shades of blue and the cool, firm wind heighted the senses. These conditions allowed for a perfect coastal walk, re-tracing our steps from the previous night and seeing the beauty of Tenby in fresh light.
A full day of exploring the local area, including an afternoon within Pembroke Castle, worked up a healthy appetite and sampling the local ale as part of our evening meal was a must.
The weather did not hold back on the third and final full day. Assuring ourselves that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes, we wrapped up as much as possible, fastened the Gore-Tex lined boots and headed ten minutes west to The Welsh Zoo. Unfazed by the lashings of rain pouring from above, money was exchanged for tickets, a map and a knowing smile from the cashier. The animals within the zoo were wiser than us taking shelter within their dens, sheds and other covered areas as we traversed the puddled walkways trying to glimpse these elusive creatures.
With a low success rate and feeling the cold, scheduled walks and feeds were the best bet of seeing any of the animals. The first of which was the 'pig walk'.
Thankfully, the heavens emptied its contents and the sun fought through the clouds which made most of the animals emerge from hiding and appreciate the freshness that comes after a heavy shower allowing all to enjoy the rest of the day.
The final morning was once again bright and sunny with a wind that was light and cool. Wanting to enjoy the view, the sound and the smell of Tenby's coast one final time, a morning coffee with traditional welsh cake was required before setting off home.
