Just can't beat steam.

Thursday 9th August.

There are times on the canals when one gets moored up on a long stretch of bank, the only boat there and along comes another boat and pulls back right onto your button. Not necessary in my opinion, when there is plenty of space. So imagine our surprise when a lady and her son in their motorhome turns up and reverses back to almost touching the Beasts bumper. Behind us was another motorhome which had left a decent enough space between us and them. In front of the lady's motorhome, a long stretch without another vehicle in sight. Why then did she feel the need to be so close? Ian very politely asked her to move forward. She seemed surprised at our request.

This morning and we were away before either of those other motorhomes. Good job we asked her to move last night otherwise she would have had to vacate her bed to allow us to get out!

Arrived at the Brecon Mountain railway station by 9.30am a tad early as the ticket office wasn't open. But the station and workshops were and as early birds, we got to see the loco moved from the shed, couple up with the carriages and have the hopper filled with coal.

Work sheds.

 Boarding the Locomotive for the 10.30am departure, we found seats at the back with easy access to the outside viewing platform. Listening to the sound of the loco as she thunders along,  the clackety-clack of the wheels on track and the puffing of the smoke billowing from her chimney almost seems like the train is alive and breathing. Our journey took us from Pant to Dol-y-Gaer. A 25 minute stop at Pontsticill for coffee and cake while the loco took on water before returning to Pant.

Taking on water

Passing Taf Fechan Reservoir  I hadn't realised how bad the water situation was in Wales. Ireland is also experiencing drought conditions but nowhere as bad as this.

 Found another NT place to visit for tomorrow. The gold mines at Dolaucothi, Carmarthenshire. A camp site is almost on the doorstep so we decided to pay £18 for electric and water. No toilets or showers here but at least we can have a decent shower in the Beast knowing that water is to hand.