September 2020 and we finally get away

What a horrible year 2020 is going to be. The UK was locked down from March to July and then followed rules for social distancing, hand washing and restricted access to family, friends, work, dentists, doctors, shops, cafes and pubs. The expedition to Turkey was postponed anyway as the border with Greece was flooded with migrants and as the restrictions eased through the summer, they were tightened into late August and September. The Pyrenees walking trip in September was dropped as we didn't want to be too far from home. Many of Scotland's campsites remained closed throughout and the idea of grabbing some sneaky 'wild camps' up there was not really feasible as some many staycationers had the same idea. Booking in advance for campsites in Scotland is also advised even as we go into September. So we have come to Wales, specifically the Llyn Peninusla, or Penrhyn Llŷn as they say in these parts. The A55 expressway is a well known route and it's very familiar all the way to Bangor. The North Wales police are just as keen on speeding as they were years ago, at least the drivers are just as cautious. So we trundled along at 50mph max past the Deeside Industrial Estate which was a frequent destination years ago during Operational Improvement of a cereals factory. After Bangor we eagerly awaited Caernarfon but couldn't see anything as we were guided past by road signs. We headed for Nefyn but first had to leave the coast and ascend between two big 500+m craggy hills that looked spectacular on the approach. It's the B4417 and it winds up, down and around. I can't imagine the tailbacks behind a slow caravan on a sunny day. Finally we drive through Morgan Nefyn, past the DIY Shed where we would later find a toothbrush for sale. It was a little strange going into the shop that clearly sells everything and ask for a toothbrush. I was convinced that I'd be met with a "no" however the guy knew where they were amongst 10,000 other stock items and my finger rubbing cleaning of my teeth was about to stop. We camped in a huge field, well positioned to walk straight over to the coastal path and then north to the headland.

As we walked across the golf course to access the coastal path, I mad an instant golfing friend, as I pointed to a lost ball in the rough which he eagerly retrieved as a spare. Usually my golf rounds were judged not by the number of strokes taken but by the number of balls required. So I knew how he felt. At the end of the peninsula there's a Coastguard Station, manned by a friendly chap and his dog. Interestingly the tee for the 8th hole is right next to the building. It's an elevated tee on a short par 3 and with the sea on three sides, it makes for a spectacular setting.

We had come to watch seals and weren't disappointed. There were several appearing for a breather, playing with each other and even inquisitively looking up at us.

We walked around to the famous Ty Coch Inn, which is on the beach and thankfully open for service in the fresh air. Notices warned that it closes in rain or at dusk. We managed a sandwich and a beer; probably only the second or third beer in public this year.