Machynlleth, Wales
Rainy morning, sunny afternoon
Yup, same town, other end. This going slow is most enjoyable! Opportunities to do other things and share connections. Guilt free.
Lots of honks for me this morning from the many cars passing my spot by the roundabout. And all they could see was a soggy tent and soggy bike cover through the mist. Sure made me feel welcome. Since I was so close to town, packing up wasn't as difficult because I knew where I was getting breakfast! And when I got to town: market day! The street was lined with vendors. My lucky day! Found a veggie cafe and got scrambled eggs and toast and my latte...trying to hook up to wifi, when in comes a young family.
"We love your bike!"
"Are you touring too?"
"Yes with the 2 girls!"
"Please join me!"
So that's how this day begain. Ben and Emma, Lyra and Sylvie live in England and are biking to friends' house for holiday. They've been on the road for 4 days, camping too. Their daughters are 4 and 2. What brave young parents! They ride with Lyra on the back of a tandem and Sylvie in a trailer. Then after breakfast, some great info on the best route to Sheffield, and goodbyes, we went our separate ways. Small town. I kept running into them. They decided to get a room and go to the Center for Alternative Technology this afternoon which was just outside of town. May I join you?
Then after lunch we met up and cycled there. Fascinating place they started in a quarry 40+ years ago by local hippies, exploring sustainable building, heating, and growing methods. Now it's the largest alternative energy research and education center in Europe. This is something I have a strong interest in and know I need to find a way to do it. It feels right! The "where" is still a big question.
I had such fun. Lyra wanted me to sit beside her. What an honor that is! And later tonight after our pizza picnic in the hotel courtyard, while Lyra had mommy time, Ben, Sylvie and I went to check out the camping site Ben had found for me. Sylvie, who previously had not really acknowledged me, played tag with me. And she's fast! The smiles, the giggles, happiness is...
In the morning, we'll have our goodbyes, but I so enjoyed today and their energy, patience with their daughters, and interest in a sustainable future. A fascinating couple! Thank you, Universe!!! You done good!
Oh, and they introduced me a drink I really liked: lemonade and beer. (Although I think the lemonade was more like Sprite.) It's called a Shandy. Now that I can drink! Makes beer actually tasty:)
BagLady
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