I've got a new Muckle Clock.

[English Bloke]

Today we returned from a fantastic weekend with Derek and Elaine in Cardiff. The main purpose of the visit was to pick up the Muckle Clock that Derek so generously offered up on here but we also managed to squeeze in a wonderful day out in South Wales near Merthyr Tydfil followed by a mini musical extravaganza in their beautiful new kitchen.

My mate Doublewood Dave drove over from his Place in Yorkshire to my place in Lancashire on the Friday night and we set off from my house at a bit after 5:30am. It's about 3hrs 45mins from me to Derek on a good day but owing to numerous roadworks and a loo stop that turned into full breakfast we got to Cardiff about 09:45. Just in time for the 10:15 bus to town.


Dave (Isle of Skye), Derek (Brithwe Dewi Sant, Welsh tartan) , Me (Bruce Hunting) and my son Tom (err... trousers), waiting at the bus-stop.

We were on our way for a pub lunch and a wander about in some of the gorgeous Welsh countryside Near Merthyr Tidfil and the southern Brecons.


Cardiff to Merthyr. About 40 minutes and three different buses to where we were going in the hills.


Brief waterstop in Merthyr Tidfil.


Outside the Red Cow where we stopped for lunch.


My wife, my daughter and my Son Dave.


Dave mee mate and Elaine... We're all contemplating the menu. Apparently they serve the best chips in South Wales.


Some smashin' real ales on tap.


After lunch. About to go walkabout.

[Downunder Kilt]

Great pics, looks like you had a great day. Are there pics of the official handover of the clock?

[cessna152towser]

Excellent pics, John. Looks like you all had a fun weekend.
Looking forward to viewing the next instalment of your pics.

[English Bloke]

It was a beautiful afternoon as we strolled through the country lanes.



Walking across a reservoir dam.






Cardiff's water supply.



Elaine and my girl looking out over the water.



It's not often people spy three kilties in this neck of the woods so we were asked to pose for photo's by people in passing cars.



My little girl took a shine to Derek and Elaine.



An arctitectural oddity. An Italian Villa in the middle of nowhere.



Changing buses in Merthyr.



Still much to discuss on the way home.

[English Bloke]

Made good use of the time when changing to Derek's local bus in Cardiff.


We went for a quickie and also catch the footy scores.



The pub we were in has been converted from an old theatre. The former boxes and balcony seating can still be seen up in the rafters.


After we got back to Derek and Elaine's we went back to the hotel we were staying in to freshen up and then back to theirs for nibbles, sippers and a musical soiree. There were a number of other people there too, all to witness the handover of the Muckle Clock.



Dave, Davy Cartwright and Derek.



Acoustic bass, spanish guitar and mandolin.



Tom tries the keyboard. Bit more practice required.


Davy adds harmonica. Some serious talent there I can tell you. Put all us amateurs to shame but it was great to be involved.



Tail end of the night and looking fairly tired... My David tells me he was in awe of Derek's playing skills in both guitar and bass and Elaine is a wonderful singer...



And now.... Ladeeez an' gennlemen.... The moment you've all beeen waiting for. The official hand over.... The MUCKLE CLOCK!

[English Bloke]

On the way home we all stopped at some services somewhere on the M5 (cant remember which one) and took a few pictures in the car park


My Kids. (The boys are not really kids anymore but you know what I mean...)



My Family.



My Mate

A Fantastic weekend, thanks to Derek, Elaine and their friends for their wonderful hospitality and great company.

Cheers!!

Oh yeah... and thanks for the clock (how rude of me...) I'll post pictures of it in my new kitchen once it's finished.

[Downunder Kilt]

Thanks English Bloke, Great to see the family have such a fun and full day, looks like the Muckle clock has found a fantastic new home.

[GMan]

You are surely living the life hiking around the pubs, I mean hills, with Derek.

Congratulations on the clock.

[The Vicar]

Great photo journey!

It is like I was there right along with you folks.

Thanks for posting the photos.

Robert

[BobsYourUncle]

Great stuff! What a great outing! Clearly you all enjoyed yourselves a great deal. English Bloke, you have a lovely family. You can tell that you all share a great bond. Very nice photos. Thank you for sharing.