Monday 4 October 2021

ON THE ROAD TO ST CLEARS

 

The busy A4066 is the road out of Laugharne onto the A40 (Carmarthen-Fishguard). 




 




















My bus uses it every day (except Sundays). I wanted to spend more time looking at the exquisite views to the east that you glimpse only fleetingly from the bus. So I decided that I would venture out taking the bus out of Laugharne and getting it to drop me a mile or so up the road at Cross Inn.

 

Most of the 2.6 miles has no footpath by the side of the road. I wore some hi-vis and fearless faced the oncoming traffic art bag, with board and paper and crayons in one hand.

The other hand was free to give a thumbs up approbation to each car as it passed.

 

The countryside is wonderful. The ribbon of the Afon Taf is only seldom out of view reflecting as it did yesterday the grey skies above. Further still and above the river is a ridgeline of hills which were shrouded in mist. Pylon’s march across this calm landscape. Close by, their offspring, the telegraph poles, taking their wares to the farms and houses hereabouts. 

 

Breaks in the hedgerows, entrances to fields, provide wonderful views out across the landscape and the opportunity to use the top of a five-bar gate as an easel on to rest my board.

Telegraph poles, taking their wares to the farms and houses hereabouts
 

In these same hedgerows are the first signs of autumn. Plenty of blackberries, purple scabious, a few yellow dandelions, tangles of old man’s beard, the skeletons of cow parsley, the seed heads of verge-side grasses and other colourful berries all are on parade.

 

I make several drawings, having forgotten my pen, my mark making was bold and colourful.

The skeletons of cow parsley
 

I cross the Taf, the bridge is quite narrow for a pedestrian and a car. Drivers avert their eyes.

Into St Clears and outside St Mary Magdelene I enjoy a good drink of water and soon the bus home pulls up for me.

 

Once home I add some detail to my work. It is a great way to recall the excitement of what I have seen and the realisation that wonderful scenery can only be enjoyed on foot.

And along the way...... 





Friday 1 October 2021

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS

Soon on the bus and Autumn is here 

An iPhone essay in modern transport.

 

Taking the 222 bus from Laugharne to get into Carmarthen School of Art, each day, is a real treat. Likewise, the journey home.

 

There is no occasion when I do not discover another detail either of the landscape or on the places we pass.

 

I am now getting to know the drivers. As I board the bus I distribute cheery greetings, in a uncontrollable urge to ingratiate myself with the driver and fellow passengers. Plus ça change. And my tactic is beginning to work. I am best buds two drivers and I now enjoy a good josh*. Passengers (albeit limited numbers) acknowledge my boarding

 

At home on any front lawn
Being the season of mellow fruitfulness, the hills and valleys are doused in mist. Farms emerge like ghosts, sheep and cattle are walking spectres. After leaving Laugharne we hurtle down the busy A4066 to St Clears. Woosh and we are over the Afon Taf and into the town. Stop three times, scoop up people and join the A40 heading east.

 

More heart-stopping landscapes.

 

The bus changes down a gear, indicates and we are heading of the main road towards Bancyfelin.

‘Despite having a population of fewer than 300, two of the current Welsh Six Nations squad, scrum-half Mike Phillips and centre Jonathan Davies, come from the village.

 

Source:https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/tiny-bancyfelin-wales-greatest-sporting-2045092Jonathan Davies’ younger brother ‘Cubby’ now plays for Wales. 

 

Every time we drive past the sign to Bancyfelin I shout to Sian, Foxy (Jonathan Davies) and Cubby Boy and Mike Phillips. The bus passes The Fox and Hounds pub in Bancyfelin, which has reason to be proud. The landlord and his lady are the parents of Foxy and Cubby Boy!

 


Sun across the fields 

And back onto the A40 again East and we are nearly into Carmarthen. Exit left into Johnstown. Johnstown is a suburb of Carmarthen.  Here I push the bell and alight from the bus and prepare myself for a walk up the vertical hill that Google says 8 minutes it takes mmey 10. 

But it is worth it!

 

 





Strange things along the way 


Journey's end 




 

The Route Planner