On Saturday morning was wet and windy but we had high hopes that a white water rafting trip could be taken. After ringing to confirm our booking, we were informed that all water sports were off because there was a lack of water. This was puzzling, but apparently authorities have to open gates to allow sufficient water through and there was not enough. After lunch 4 other guests arrived who were also disappointed when told that the white water rafting was off. A walk along the lovely sandy beach was the order, in the brilliant sunshine ; this would help the appetite for dinner that night, which was to be in Machynlleth. To get there we all elected to go by train which runs along the side of the river Dyfi and was quite an experience; coming home was another experience as it was the last train of the day and there were quite a number of “happy” fellow travellers on it.
Sunday was another glorious day when a putting tournament was arranged on the local course that was opposite “Cartref”. After lunch our hosts suggested a walk to the Bearded lake would be good, again to stimulate the appetite. There is, of course, a story about the lake that sits high on top of a mountain. Basically there was a farmer who was on hard times, when an old woman knocked on the door and asked for something to eat, she was given a meal and then left. A few days later the farmer noticed a white cow in his herd. This cow gave delicious milk that made excellent cheese. He sold the products and became very rich. After a time the cow became old and the milk dried up, so the farmer took it to the butchers to slaughter it, but as he raised his arm to cut off its head his arm became paralysed and the cow became free raced off and jumped in the lake never to be seen again. The farmer became poor and died a pauper. (The moral of the story - greed is a terrible thing). After a walk and a story like that the appetite had to be satisfied and so the evening meal was taken in the Wellington Bistro bar where the food was excellent (but steak was not on the menu).
Monday was return home day in the rain.
