Llandegfedd Road Run Part 2

With no shows or get togethers planned for Sunday, Geoff was contacted who excitedly stated “we must have a meeting to decide where we could go for a day out". Later at Geoff’s we were warmly welcomed by the lady of the house who sat us down and prepared our drinks. I started to put my suggestions of possible outings to Geoff who in true committee style fashion had already decided that we were going to the lake and then on to Goetre Canal to feed the sucking (not a typo) fish and that was final. Apparently this is Geoff’s affectionate name for the large Koi Carp in the canal. Later we found out that this is one of his favourite places to visit when the news is not on. After another coffee, made for us by Bryoni, I started to ask where and at what time should we meet. Geoff exclaimed “ be here by 1030” We made our farewells and returned home with our tales in between our legs. Later that evening we prepared our sandwiches and had everything ready for the morning, wondering if we have done the right thing. With alarm set we retired to bed.

After a restless night sleeping with our friends dog, Patch, who had tendencies to growl and show his teeth whenever I moved, we arose before the alarm. Whether this was excitement or apprehension we did not know. After a couple of cups of coffee and a wash we left the house with our flask a hamper. While locking the front door I had this niggling feeling that I had forgotten something when I heard Steven say “which car are we taking”. We all got into our MG and as it was a lovely bright morning I contemplated on taking the roof off, but the idea soon passed after Sylvia asked where we might find a welder if it started to rain. So with the windows and air vents open we set off. On our way we could see Haydon, Karen and Katy ahead of us. As we neared we gave a wave and honked our horn. They must be taking advantage of the weather as well and having a day out with the wind in their hair. We arrived at our meeting point promptly at 1035hrs, met in the street by Geoff & Sue. As we were getting out of the car Haydon pulled up behind us so we naturally assumed that they were coming with us, but again with the lack of communication only the committee member amongst us knew what was going on. So the nine of us in three cars were about to start our journey when Haydon decided to vent out some frustration on his Triumph and proceeded to beat it with a lump hammer. Some day this is going to be me I thought.

Our illustrious leader ordered “Follow me, we're going to Tesco to buy some bread for the sucking fish". At Tesco’s the women went in for the bread while Haydon, Lassie and I waited by the cars. Sylvia and Karen soon returned with their bread closely followed by Sue and Geoff laden with enough food for an army. Back in our cars we again set off following Geoff to Llandegfedd Reservoir. After a few wrong turnings and U turns in people's drives Sylvia and I thought we should make a getaway and drove past the street Geoff had taken only to be caught out by Karen and Haydon who back tracked and found us. With our plan foiled we rejoined Geoff, Sue and Bryoni with Haydon following closely behind us blocking our retreat. Nearing our first stop Haydon took the lead and guided us in to the lower car park overlooking the stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding hills.

At the car park we had a quick cuppa and then made our way down the banking to the lake. As this outing was at very short notice, Haydon didn't have time to pack any food for himself or more importantly Lassie. Realising this Lassie quickly sniffed out a mole hole and began his excavation for some tasty treat.

Llandegfedd Reservoir was opened in May 1965 and is a large reservoir north of Newport. The reservoir itself is run as a country park and supports a sailing club and windsurfing school with rescue cover provided by the park wardens. Not surprisingly, with the upkeep of this service there is a charge for sailing on the reservoir, payable as either an annual fee or a day ticket (special rates can be negotiated for groups.) There is a R.Y.A. Recognised Sailing & Windsurfing School on site that operates from Easter to October. Dinghies, Windsurfers & Canoes can also be hired. The reservoir itself covers an area of 434 acres, of which a large expanse can be used for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing. The water opens up at the top by the dam and again at the bottom where several valleys all join in together. As with most hydro electric reservoirs, the lake is surrounded by hills on both sides, however when the wind is running along the valley or down the valleys at the bottom end, it can offer some excellent sailing in very pleasant surroundings. Fishing is another common activity on & around the lake.

The sun was shining, and there was a nice cooling breeze as we slowly made our way around the lake, stopping occasionally to take in the views and watching the fishermen reel in the catch. The lake was calm with the odd ripple made by the fish jumping out of the water after their prey. Apart from the chatting amongst us and the sound of the fish dropping back into the water there was a very calming silence. Until the silence was shattered as we heard in a load and aggressive voice shout “you b****ard, get in”. Immediately we turned to look at Sue, who looking bewildered pointed at a fisherman trying to land his fish exclaiming “it wasn't me, it was him, the load mouth b***ard”. Don’t you love her.

After a very pleasant walk around the lake we slowly made our way back to our cars, unfortunately for some of us, up the hill we came down, taking our breath away. I must get that exercise bike out again.

After a drink and a smoke break we started our engines with Sylvia commenting on the smell of petrol. “Don’t worry it’s just the cars starting up” I said. “Well what’s that running down the car park then” gesturing to Geoff which Sue took to mean something else.

We all got back out of our cars and saw that petrol was running out from Geoff's car. We pushed his car away from the pool of petrol and soon found the fault. Team work kicked in and we soon replaced the split fuel line with a new hose and clips and were on our way again.

Goetre Canal - We meet the sucking fish

After Bryoni, Katy and Steven finished feeding the fish they spent some time playing in the park and having a bite to eat, while the adults tucked into our sandwiches. I was really looking forward to a mini chicken tikka pasty which I first tried a few weeks ago given to me by Sue. Alas it was not to be as Sylvia offered them around and when it came to me they were all gone with someone having three. It’s ok Sue I wont tell anyone it was you. With the sandwiches all gone out came the cream cakes and doughnuts provided by Sue. As Haydon took hold of a doughnut Karen bet Haydon that he could not eat it without licking his lips, he proved her wrong as he stuffed the whole thing into his mouth.

The food all gone, we tidied and packed away for a very pleasant stroll along the canal path looking at the ducks, cows and the odd canoeist. The stroll didn’t go without incident as Haydon’s trouser's kept slipping down over what should be his hips. He soon attracted the attention of the girls who eagerly whipped off their belts to help him out. Sue’s belt was no good as it went around Haydon’s waist twice and ran out of holes. Not being defeated Sue spotted a rope hanging from a tree and proceeded to burn a length of it off. Haydon’s pride now mended we returned to the visitor centre for a final chat and an ice cream.

We left the visitor centre and headed for our cars thinking the day was over and it was time to go home. Wrong.

On our way Sue realised she was missing her cardigan. Karen ran back to the visitor centre but was out of luck and Sue retraced her steps back along the canal path. While waiting for Sue, Haydon decided to look for his lump hammer but was not having much luck. He insisted that he had looked in his box but the hammer was not there. Karen put her day job into action and decided that one of us had picked it up and put it into one of our cars by “mistake“ Shortly after Haydon found that his hammer was in his box after all. With this Sue came back to us triumphant on finding her cardigan and also Geoff’s fag papers. This time we bid our farewells and made our way home to reflect on the brilliant, relaxing and fun packed day promising to meet up again at the next meeting at the Fugitive’s.

Geoff, you organised a great day which we all enjoyed. The weather and company was excellent and I look forward to the next picnic run. Even if you make all the decisions before our meeting to discuss where and when.