We had a brilliant time on our trial run round Wales: click here for a few pics if you fancy.
What
we wanted to happen happened: we broke down lots. This is a Good Thing
as Penelope is now running like a dream, purring like a kitten. Or “as
quiet as my hairdryer” as one very well-coiffured young man in South
Wales put it. This is thanks mainly to Dave in Llandovery. He fixed our
spluttery exhaust and jinxed carburetors, amongst other things, plus
let us sleep in Penelope in his yard, to the sound of several owls,
which was very cool. If you ever need a Land Rover guy, he’s your man.
Email us for his details if you’re passing.
Huge
thanks also to Sarah and John, who made space for us to stay three
nights at their stunning Graig Wen retreat when we only intended to
stay for one. We hadn’t even broken down on that occasion! They even
mentioned us in their blog,
which made me smile. It goes without saying you should stay there if
you get the chance - or get married there! They’d just hosted their
first wedding the week before we arrived and the photos were divine.
Before
I pass out - it’s nearly two in the morning and it’s a big day tomorrow
painting Penelope blue, no mean feat, then a barbeque with friends - I
just want to mention a precious moment, which for me sums up life in
Penelope so far. We pulled up behind Angle beach, the sun half an hour
from setting over the sea. A blissful moment of peace as we watched
dreamily and realised this idyllic spot was our home until the next
morning. Suddenly, what had seemed like a deserted car park was buzzing
with activity: we were surrounded on all sides. Five or six unrelated
voices piped up and wanted to chat. One had built 101s in the 70s, one
had driven them for the army, one owned one... everyone had a
connection with this strange and strangely beautiful machine. We have
become very used to talking about her ins and outs, her 3.5 litre V8
engine, her conversion inside and out, her history. She causes a fuss
wherever she goes. Children point and stare, teenagers do double-takes,
ex-squaddies nod knowingly, Land Rover owners and hippie travellers
wave as they pass. Best of all, she makes everyone smile - us most of
all.
It must be late - I’m getting soppy. Good night, sweet dreams xx
