Lodge Life :: November

Hi there everyone 😀

We managed another week in North Wales towards the end of November, which started off with a lovely autumnal drive through the mountains. We really never do tire of the scenery on the drive over and it’s lovely seeing everything through the different seasons. There were some really bright colours this time as the leaves are starting to turn and fall and bracken is dying off for this year …

As we approached Criccieth we just had to pull in … it was so beautiful …

It was with trepidation we entered the lodge … having no idea what to expect on the fly front. We were pleasantly relieved. There were a few but nothing like we’d had on our last visit. A quick vacuum and we were soon unpacked and settled in for our first evening. 

As Lesley and Tom were coming for the weekend we decided to set off a couple more smoke bombs on our first day … to try and finish off any last lingering flies. 

This meant we needed to spend a few hours out and, before heading to Asda to do a shop, as it was such a nice day … we decided to head to Criccieth to have a wander along the front in the opposite direction to normal. 

It was lovely and quiet and we managed to find a parking spot along the front without having to pay. It was so nice … there was hardly anyone about and the weather was absolutely glorious …

We were heading for Dylan’s. Somewhere we’d driven past lots of times but had never really had a close look at before …

We’d always thought it looked a bit posh and have to say … we’d been a bit intimidated by the thought of going in but we were brave … and I’m so glad we were. It was lovely and really welcoming. We just had drink and some churros but will definitely be back for lunch I’m sure. 

It’s a gorgeous building, designed by Clough Williams-Ellis ... of Portmeirion fame. We had a table by the window in the sunshine and the view was fab …

There is loads of outdoor seating too ... in a lovely spot, with views to die for in both directions ... though it was a bit chilly for that on this occasion … in spite of the sunshine ...

After a very relaxing and unhurried linger we wandered back to the car and headed for Asda ...

Back at the lodge the smoke bombs has done their job and smoked out a few more critters ... so we were hoping that might be it for now. 

It was my birthday on the Friday and we decided to try out the new café at the gallery in Llanbedrog. It was another lovely day weather wise and we had a mooch round the gallery, which was just lovely …

… before bagging a table with a great view for lunch …

We were spoilt for choice with regards lunch and Martin had a sausage and caramelised onion ciabatta and I went for the Welsh Rarebit. Both were very good …

There were so many scrummy looking cakes that I couldn’t resist… opting for the Christmas cake, which was delicious too …

It was just a short walk back to the car passing the lane down to the beach ...

... and past the church, which was looking very pretty in the autumn sunshine ...

We got back to the lodge in time to make up the beds for Lesley and Tom who arrived in good time for tea. 

On Saturday we had a third day of sunshine and we spent the day in Caernarfon doing a Treasure Trail, which really did make sure that we got to explore all of the beautiful little streets that we wouldn't normally venture down ...

It really was a lovely day and finished of with our usual fish and chips from Alports in Pwllheli, before cosying down in front of the TV for Strictly and I'm a Celebrity.

Sunday was wet to say the least and we waved Lesley and Tom off at lunchtime and hunkered down for the rest of the afternoon.

This became a bit of a theme for the rest of our stay ... we had a bright and breezy day and then a day of nothing but rain. We did manage to venture out a couple of times ... for a walk on the beach at Pwllheli, whilst we waited for the roadside laundry machine to wash and dry a duvet ...

... and then another wander along the front at Criccieth, where this time we had lunch in Dylan's ...

Seeing the photo of the Welsh hat post box topper reminds me that this visit was a the beginning of the World cup group stages and we did manage to watch the first England game whilst we were away ... whilst the dream was still seriously alive and kicking.

Kind of at the last minute we suddenly realised we wouldn't be back for a while so spent a few frustrating hours trying to work out what we needed to do to 'winterise' the lodge before we left ... to try and avoid any burst pipes or boiler damage. In the end we've kind of done what we thought and are hoping for the best ... but I have to say ... with the temperatures we've had this last week, both Martin and I are keeping everything crossed that we've done enough and there will be no nasty surprises for us on our next visit 🤞🤞🤞

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