Chester to Betws-y-Coed

Day 12 - 3/9/2003

The previous day's exertions made cycling difficult due to lack of energy and unnecessary hills. Lost the route and had to take detour around Mold and use A494. Met veteran cyclist in Rothin and a new member of the carrot growers association. Must have sensed the farmer in Eddie as preceded to chat to him for ½ hour. Climbed over Clocanog Forest before joining A5 to Betws-Y-Coed. Enjoyed 12 miles of downhill before climb up to Capel Curig. Again spookily met Dawn in Betws-y-Coed (who had to search all of Betws-y-Coed looking for the tea shop; note to Antony tourist places are full of tea shops!!). Dawn had spent the morning in the excellent and very quiet library in the centre of Chester. More tea and cake consumed. Dawn made her way to Pen y Pass while we slowly followed. On reaching the Youth Hostel, she made the very sensible decision (in my view anyway) to swap to the lower Hostel at Swallow Falls. This was due to the very steep climb (half way up Snowdon). A shame she hadn't told us before we cycled 3 miles past it. Brand new Hostel at Swallow falls. Only one other person there. Very noisy Pepsi fridge and we got the room with the bright illuminated Fire Exit sign and the Glass fire door with no curtain. (Not a good idea). Had dinner in the Pub next door.

(Dawn's studying continued in Porthmadog library. Apparently not very quiet and Dawn had taken up the only table. Looked up to find regular paper reader squeezed on corner of table - left to find more space and peace and quiet.)