ei Newydd as I go on about regularly on about is my home within my soul. And our return although inevitable is so needed. A rest and cleanse is what we both need right now.
The journey on Saturday was pretty standard. I was full of unsubstantiated worries and apprehension but that all melted away as the miles passed. We unpacked into the caravan at Pencwnc Holiday Park and were welcomed by a flock of geese that had taken residency on the pond just off the veranda, Magnus wasn't too happy about these aqua-avian interlopers but he's just a grumpy little dog. Hopefully he will relax over the coming days.
First night we popped over to the club bar, there we met Andy and Kelly. A couple from the valleys who we got talking to and shared our love of Yorkshire terriers (they had two and we have Magnus) and this place. It turned a quiet drink into an unexpected friendship. We also caught up briefly with old friend Sam, she was working so a swift hug and a few words were all we could manage.
Sunday started with us getting up late and indulging in a hearty breakfast—something of a holiday tradition—around dinnertime. We were in no rush to be anywhere. Later, we popped down to the seafront and were treated to the sight of a pod of dolphins feeding out in the bay. Cei Newydd never disappoints.
That evening, we reunited ourselves with a firm favourite of mine, the Penrhiwgaled Arms.
On Monday, we called in at the Afon Mêl Meadery and Honey Farm. We’ve been visiting this place for many years, but for almost as long, I resisted the urge to try mead. The main reason was the Viking stereotype—I didn't want people thinking that just because I have an interest in Viking stories and Norse culture, I’d naturally be into mead. That all changed a few years ago when I was finally persuaded to sample a few, and my opinion completely flipped. While mead isn't something I could drink in large quantities, it's a wonderfully sweet alcoholic treat for special occasions or socialising with friends. I’ve since built up a small collection of Afon Mêl meads and added 'Grimnir' to the shelf today. A sophisticated mead with an amaretto finish, it’s essentially liquid Battenberg for grown-ups.
After finishing at the honey farm, we drove over to Aberaeron to walk the harbour wall, just like we did back in June.
We also dropped into a new/old favourite, Tafarn Y Cadwgan, before heading back to Pencnwc for our tea.
Just as we were planning to finish up for the evening and head back to the caravan, the heavens opened and the sky chucked down a proper deluge. Thankfully, the gods smiled on us and granted a brief respite long enough to get home relatively dry, though the weather did mean putting off a second visit to the Penrhiwgaled.
On Tuesday, we popped down to the quay and dropped into a few of the shops. Some of the shopkeepers even recognise us now from our many visits—something that’s happening more and more as the years roll on. I like it; it gives me a genuine feeling of belonging, even more so than back home. There's a warmth and pace here that's completely missing from the urban sprawl I usually find myself stuck in.
A swift pint in the Seahorse Inn was as welcome as ever—it’s been a firm favourite since I first came here. Later, we had our tea at the Penrhiwllan Inn (Budgie, the landlord, always looks after us), followed by the pub quiz back at Pencnwc. If you recall, we came second in the very same quiz back in June; this time, despite a much larger crowd, we managed a respectable third place. Pretty happy with that.
I couldn't wrap up the first half of the trip without sticking to a bit of an old tradition. Before the days of instant photos and group chats, you always sent postcards to family and friends to mark the occasion. So, as I did on my last trip, here is my own modern-meets-classic contribution to the genre, complete with the usual local seaside banter.
At the end of the week I'll post my remaining tales of Welsh ales, relaxing walks, and fish & chips—I might even sneak in a Welsh rissole too. Until then, mwynhewch from Cei Newydd.
The spirit of the Urban Viking—and the occasional absurdity of navigating the modern world—lives on in my webcomic, Northman. 
You can read the latest chapter here:
It's lovely that you have Newquay in your life and in your heart - a special place to return to time and time again. And I love your seaside postcard with the yellow chopper in the sky. You appear to be wearing a knotted handkerchief on your bonce, Is that just in the postcard image or in real life too?
ReplyDeleteNot as a rule, but I can't say I haven't done it in an emergency, a baldy head is a delicate thing.
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