CYHA NEWS

It was an unusually clement August Bank Holiday which saw our group assemble at Welsh Bicknor YH late on Friday night. Having been warned about the facilities at our ultimate destination we had all packed light, but food could still be a problem, we'd have to carry all we wanted to eat (a lot). We got up early the next day to set off, joined by Paula and Sarah, who had to stay elsewhere, and Tom and Robert who unexpectedly suffered a last minute car substitution.

Our hostel for Saturday and Sunday was Bryn Poeth Uchaf (BPU), described in the handbook as a "mountain hut type" hostel with no electricity and an "isolated location", it's also 3/4 mile uphill from the car park! Dave valiantly carried most of the food up (but then it does seem only fair as he would carry most of it down again, well internally anyway). The hostel was super, a delightful farmhouse/cottage with gas-lights and an open fire, hosted by Oz, the charming volunteer warden. Both morning mist and night star watching were popular activities in this idyllic location with nothing but the baa of sheep (and us of course) to shatter the tranquillity. Sunny weather and a totally superb weekend!

The best bit was returning after a long, long walk to our home from home hostel - and the worst bit was blisters and not being able to walk on Monday due to them! - I'm still not wearing shoes at work yet and it's Friday!

BPU hostel was wonderful! I loved all of it - tiled floor, roaring fire - Helen's cooking, the little was rooms and using kettle heated water - the skylight in the dorm allowing an upwards gaze into space (no that's not normal) - the friendly wizard Os - the gas lights, the beauty of the hostel set in the hills and even the walk up to it - the feeling of being miles away from no where.

The best bit was probably our arrival in triumph (or should it be Ford) in the Mk II at Welsh Bicknor. The worst bit was the repair bill of £710.87 for my car.

Well, I guess not so much bursts as steady drizzle varying in intensity. It was a bit of a shame since Helen was so excited about us coming and longing to show us the fabulous views (sadly hiding in a cloud this particular weekend). However, she looked after us well with an exotic array of breakfast delights, a super turkey dinner, and a Tiramisu dessert which defies description for it's complete deliciousness. Pubs were excellent and Snowhill Manor was amazing! It had vast collections of anything "crafty" from Samuri armour to bobbin lace samplers. Much food was eaten and a great time was had by all.

Just a little note to say a big thank you for the lovely garden furniture. They have been put to good use as we have had dinner on the patio all week! We had a fantastic day, thank you all for making it such a happy and memorable day for us both. Thank you too for the voucher which will be put to good use, perhaps towards a much needed shed or walking boots!?!

Lynn was the first to complete the task with an elegant and sturdy design able to carry a total of 20 books and the money box. Our engineers were only able to look on in awe as their puny versions collapsed under a fraction of the weight. Hurrah for Lynn!

Third only to marrying Dawn and producing their beautiful daughter Julia, it has long been an ambition of Darren's to complete 100 marathons! This he has just accomplished in only 8 years. Having travelled as far as Los Angeles, Berlin, Chicago and Barcelona the hundredth race was in the exotic location of Nottingham! Well done Darren!