Another trip to Wales.

And a lovely one it was too.
At the weekend it was time to head up to Wales and tend to the family grave, its been a while since my last trip, February was the last time if I recall correctly.
The trip was made better by having great company the whole time, so thanks to Ann for that, really made the day worth while. And certainly enjoyed the opportunity to visit some of my favourite places.

Time to hit the road.

A silly early start to the day, leaving home around 4am. Planning to head through town to the start of the M1, I soon forgot that, and headed around the M25 on auto pilot. No harm done, less traffic lights and stops, so all was well. A nice smooth journey up, stopping off at Watford Gap for a spot of breakfast, and a call of nature, we were back under way, arriving in Llandudno in what seemed like no time at all.
I must say though, by this point, a good few hours sitting was starting to take its toll on my knee.

First port of call, ASDA, cheap as it sounds, but they are excellent for fresh flowers. Tending the grave was the first thing on the list of things to do. Getting a nice selection, including a nice bunch of "Tickled Pink" flowers which is ASDA's range supporting breast cancer charities (including Breast Cancer Now). SO very fitting for the occasion. Thanks to Ann for spotting them, after I had gathered white lilies and red roses, they fitted perfectly in the middle of the colours.

Off to Colwyn Bay crem for a clean up and flower arrangement, and for once a beautiful day for it. I am used to being caught in rain when I visit, just bad luck I guess, but the gods were on my side that day. A good polish of the headstone, and weeding of the surrounding plot, and it was time to get my inner flower arranger on.

 With a great selection to work with, the transformation took no time at all. See how it was transformed.

After a moment to reflect, and take in the peace and quiet of the location, it was time to move on and relax a bit more. While at the Llandudno end of the A55, I decided it was a good time to head towards Snowdonia and Llanberis.
On arrival at Llanberis, I parked in the lake front village car park. A few more cars than usual but it is summer holidays after all. So it was expected. Paying for parking for an hour, allowing time to take wonder, and sit around soaking up the atmosphere, I was not expecting to be there all that time, but sure enough, with good company and conversation, the hour flew by, and many sights were seen.

Gorgeous day for some landscape photos.

Blue and green were the key colours of the area.

Nice to see a little wildlife reserve area

A shot which caught my eye and just needed capturing.

Llanberis lake railway.

End of the line.

The car park and seating area of the Snowdon Railway was possibly the busiest I have ever seen it. Kind of spoils the feel of the area, but glad I didn't bother pre booking tickets for it. I know I would not have enjoyed being park of a large group going up to the summit.

From Llanberis we took a quick drive up to the bottom of the Pyg Pass, but it was crazy busy up there, no parking anywhere in sight, so after gazing longfully at the hills for a few mins, down we went again. I have to give kudos to all the cyclists going up and down the road. It still remains a goal of mine, but seeing them doing it brought it home that it is no mean feat!
next up, Caernarfon, and the castle. Another place I love dearly. Especially at full tide, to see the boats bobbing around in the harbour.
Great memories of being in Caernarfon with my mum and aunts, and even a photo of them standing by the harbour wall, which I shall see if I can find.
I was also excited to see the swing bridge open for the first time I can recall, much to the amusement of Ann, pfft lol.

After a quick trip to the gift shop, we were on our way again, thundering down the A55 in the Smart Car. Destination, Colwyn Bay promenade.

Before reaching the prom, I took a detour off into the shopping centre to grab some lunch to eat on the seafront. Sandwiches, drinks and dessert purchased, off we went to do battle with the gulls, to see how much food we could eat, vs how much they would steal. Surprisingly, even though there was a whole flock of them sitting in the sea just behind us, we ate uninterrupted.
Whilst sitting there, we partook in a little people watching and mockery. my my Charlie's parents need to learn the art of a good slap across the back of the legs.

Food digested, sights taken in, next stop, Welsh Mountain Zoo.
Up the windy roads we drove, reaching the strange entrance to the zoo, which feels just like a side road with a ticket booth on it. Tickets bought, it was time for a little adventure. As luck would have it we arrived just in time for the Bird of Prey show, the Penguins walkabout, and the Sealion display/ feeding/ talk.
As we waited for the shows to begin, one sealion (the male) was adamant that he would be heard, as you can see on this short Instagram video I shot. https://www.instagram.com/p/BIxPN6XDZIO
Very entertaining indeed.

After he had had his say for about 15 mins, the shows started. I have posted a few pics of what was seen, rather than bleating on about it,

Once the excitement was over, and with my knee really starting to give me some grief, not to mention Ann getting rather tired by now, we took a slow wander around the rest of the zoo. I have been going to this zoo for about 30+ years now, and have seen many changes. I have to say though, it is probably in its best format that I can recall right now. A lovely family zoo, set into the hill tops of the North Wales coast, epic views, a lovely collection, and a fabulous layout.

Red Pandas

Squeaky little otters

Cya later (Alligator)

Proud meerkat displaying his manliness

Meerkat on guard duty

A single pink lily, the same as the one mum grew, and I have tattooed as a tribute. Very fitting for the day.

After the zoo, time was getting on a bit, and a long journey lay ahead of us. Off to pay a visit to a few old family haunts, including the poor house left by my late aunt and her husband. Empty since 2010, and tied up in a probate argument ever since, it is tragic to see a lovely little place with such a beautiful view wasting away, year after year, and with all their possessions still left inside (other than valuables). Truly tragic that some people can be so bitter and greedy, to let someones legacy waste away to nothing, because they want it ALL !!

Time to hit the road back to London, and would need fuel on the way. Had I known how disgustingly over priced motorway petrol had become I would have got some in town. But willing to pay the usual 10p a litre over the odds for the sake of a straight journey, I left.
Having filled up at ASDA on my arrival in Wales, at 105.4 per litre, I was dumbstruck when I stopped in services and saw this!!

25.5p per litre more!! Seriously. Why in gods name is this allowed to happen. I wonder how many breakdowns are caused by people refusing to fill up on the motorway because of this robbery? And of course, thats not even mentioning the prices of eating and drinking in the services too. And we wonder why people don't stop, and drive past being tired.

Anyway, financial robbery later, and a couple of hours later, home was in sight. 666 miles covered, £60 of petrol, and a great day done. Time for bed!

Even the best things don't work.

So I thought coming to Wales,  my place of sanctity,  my true love,  would really do me some good. Knowing how many happy memories I have here,  it was a sure thing that I would feel relief and some relaxation.

But no! Not the case. Arriving here was fine,  but no drive to go to my favourite places,  just headed for the cemetery to pay my respects and lay flowers.

Then off to see Chris and Dyfrig,  the friendly old couple who have given me so much comfort over the years. Plan just to drop a card in,  say hi,  and go. Obviously I had to exchange a few words,  but a minute in and I was shaking,  breathing hard and wanted out. Thankfully I had managed to say I wasn't staying by that time. Dyfrig saw I wasn't comfortable and helped me with my exit.

Wow that felt crappy,  but I promised to return as soon as my head is better.

Now that was a real anticlimax.

24 hours, 4 countries, 700 miles, and a tattoo.

An epic adventure like that could only mean one thing (for me anyway), another roadtrip to collect another epic ink from the amazing Craig Foster.

Following the trip to Carrollton, GA (USA) earlier in the year, and hearing Craig would be just over the water in The Netherlands, it was a no brainer, and the planning for the trip begun. In fact the planning begun before Craig had even confirmed he had a slot free for me, but be prepared and all that.

About a week ago Craig confirmed that the wonderful Veerle London of Kingdom Tattoos in Alkmaar who was playing host to Craig for his trip, had agreed to let him open up on the Sunday (usually closed) and for him to do my tattoo for me. I can't thank the guys enough for making this happen.

So, after lots of planning, we decided on the 3.40am ferry to Calais from Dover. Getting up that early feels so wrong, and knowing you will be up for a long time to come yet boggles the mind, but it had to be done. Just after 1.30am we left my house on a miserable morning, and headed for the port. My companions on the trip were my as ever wonderful girlfriend Chantal, and a great friend of mine, and tattoo lover, Jason. The first leg of the trip was horrible and slow, but we made it in time, just about.

The weapon of choice for the trip.

 Health and what? Smoking in the booth.

 Made it with minutes to spare.

 Waiting to board.

Park up tight now.

Once on board, and finally starting to wake up, we had a short walk around before stumbling across the food court. Serving hot food from 2am, well thats just dandy now. As we approached it was clear breakfast was being served, so it would be rude not to.
Now being used to rip off prices on most transport systems, I was shocked when I was told that a 7 piece breakfast could be had for £7 and a 10 piece for £10. Aiming for a 10 piece I got picking, but gave up at 7 with a full plate. We all ate well, but here was mine. Delicious too I must say, well done P&O Ferries

One of the best full English breakfasts I have had in a long while.

Tummy full, and boat docking, it was time to get going. Our route would take us through France, into Belgium, and then onto The Netherlands, past Amsterdam and finally onto Alkmaar.
Starting out in the dark, and Chantal's first time driving a RHD on the right side of the road, we slowly built up our pace. As we crossed into Belgium the sun started to rise, and the day was really starting, finally something to see.

Obligatory sunrise shots.

With full daylight reading roadsigns became easier, and seeing the sights became more pleasurable. One thing these countries have really embraced is wind turbines. Personally I love them, they can make a dull landscape come to life, are an amazing feat of technology, and after all, are green.
Sadly all this excitement caused one of us to need a little nap... Jason !

On went the journey, and on marched my enjoyment of the scenery, and the taking of pictures. Bridges were the next thing to catch my attention, and some very artistic ones at that. Trying to snap shots from a moving car on a mobile phone, as it bumps and bounces over the roads is a challenge, but I managed here and there to get a few nice shots.

After what seemed like a short trip, even Chantal commenting that it had gone really quickly, and Jason having no idea how long it had taken due to sleeping, the sign we had all been waiting to see finally appeared. Alkmaar 44km

A short while later, we rolled into the cobbled streets of Alkmaar, and with the guidance of good old Google Maps found our way to the destination of the day, Kingdom Tattoos. Only down side was it was now about 9am on a Sunday morning in a town which barely opens before midday, if at all on a Sunday. Parked and ready to go, we decided for a little walk to familiarise ourselves with the area, and soak up some culture. First up, confirm where we were going later.

Kingdom Tattoos, 27 Dijk, Alkmaar

Now it was time for a little adventure, and a walk around the town. First off I have to say, quite simply beautiful. Full of lovely places to see, buildings old and new, canals, bridges, and of course.... the odd windmill. The next thing we noted was just how many people cycle around. I know its the stereotype of the Netherlands, people ride everywhere, but they really do! Old, young, trendy or plain, everyone zips around on their pushbikes, and very few of them on anything expensive or super high tech. The bike style is very generic and of years gone by. Function over form for a place which embraces the method of transport, and no lycra warriors.

So let me share with you a few of the sights we found on our morning walk. For which the weather was truly beautiful.

 Windy Millers house

 Look carefully, there is someone standing there

Calmer than the River Thames for sure.

Adventure over, and after a long and somewhat painful search for a public toilet to use, It was almost 1pm and time to hassle Craig to see if he was ready.
Speaking of public toilets, they are really not easy to find, but after a long search we (I say we, I mean Chantal) found a shopping centre and there was one to use. The irony was, there was a toilet about 50ft from where we had parked the car, but instead we walked miles in search.

So we grabbed snacks and drinks, and headed back to the shop to wait for Craig, the wait was a short one, and within minutes we were in the warmth of the shop, and being greeted like old friends. The conversation carried on from where it last left off in Carrollton, and the fun began.
I say fun as its the only word that describes spending time with Craig Foster. For a recognisable face, in the public eye (maybe not so much in Holland), he is such a grounded and friendly guy, who both me and Chantal enjoy being around. Not sure which is more addictive, his tattoos and art, or his personality. They are both equally as colourful.

Having sent reference pictures to Craig a week before, the basic idea for the tattoo was already out there, so now it was time for the master to get to work drawing another unique piece. With continual conversation throughout, in what seemed like no time Craig was having over his sketched and perfected design, signed and ready to add to my collection.
Without having ever mentioned a few aspects of the desired design, I was delighted to see that he had put them in anyway. ESP or what!
So here it is, the design.

A cartoon based, ScoobyDoo inspired, Alaskan Malamute by the master of Snactoos

Wasting no time, it was time to get this turned into a work of art, add some colour and go on a journey. On to the chair I hoped, and the fun started.

 The bare canvas, complete with the original Gummy Sushi Bear Snactoo

 Stencil placed, larger than envisioned, but fitted perfectly, without ever measuring.

Sushi Bear looking a little beaten up from a couple of healing issues (induced by me)

As the machines started buzzing, and the ink splashing, so the conversation started flowing. Obviously Ink Masters Season 5 came straight up, but over the course of the day the conversation would vary wildly, from stories of days gone by, to the future. Always a pleasure speaking to such an open and honest guy. Nice to be on the level with someone, rather that trying to see through a face or an ego. I look forward to the next conversations already.

Work continued, and the piece started to come to life. A few pictures of the journey below.

 Craig Foster hard at work.

 Still working

 Outline done, lets get some colour in this

 Colour, greys, and shading going in, someone is concentrating.

 Starting to come to life.

Almost there, missing a little character.


And done... Finally all the colour in, and I am delighted!

After 6 or so hours in the presence of a true gentleman, and with Veerle and co back in the shop, it was time for cleaning up, wrapping up and farewells, and all the hugs anyone could want lol. The invite was made to go for dinner afterwards, but with time not on our side we had to sadly decline. Gutted, if we were staying over night it would happily have continued the fun late into the night. Genuinely sorry about that Craig, honest :(

Still in shorts, and about 7 degrees outside, I was looking a bit strange, so got my gangsta look on and made our way back to the car.

Back at the car, address punched into the nav, it was home time. Already a long day, there was a long road left ahead, but once again Chantal decided she would be the one driving, and got us underway. Fuelled up and ready to go, we hit the motorways, and before we knew it we were making good ground, oh and Jason... Well he was sleeping, again!

Zzzzzzz

Finally after a few adventures we made it to Calais. Having been due to check in at about 9.45, arriving at just before midnight was probably a little late to catch the ferry we had booked. Facing a £90 charge for booking onto a later ferry, we pulled up at check-in to try our luck. And it was with us! After a comment of 'you're late' the kind man put us on the next ferry for no fee. In fairness after the wait for border control who had...... ONE booth open, it was karma repaying us.

Once on the ferry, we once again sought hot food and comfort, and sat down to 1 x Fish and Chips for me, and a roast chicken dinner each for Chantal and Sleepy , oops Jason. Belly full, and boat underway, sleep was calling. But with every bottle in the food court clanging together for the whole trip, a good sleep was unlikely. Astonishingly for a short while we all dropped off. I could like to say it helped, but it was not long enough to, probably 5-10 mins in reality.

The last leg of the journey once off the ferry started with torrential rain, enough to wake anyone up, well 2 out of 3 at least. Finally arriving home around 2am I think, it brought an end to what I can only describe as an epic adventure, and one I would happily do again if any one of us was set to come away with such satisfaction. Did I mention I love my tattoo?

So I will finish up with a few pictures that didn't fit anywhere else, and some thanks.
Thanks to P&O Ferries for great food, good service, and the waiving of the rebooking fee.
Thanks to Jason for providing company, conversation, entertainment, and of course being a great friend. Glad you came along for the journey. Thanks to Lou too for the hall pass.
Huge thanks to Chantal for putting up with my stupid ideas, doing so much driving on the day, and just being an awesome girlfriend.
Thanks to Kingdom Tattoos in Alkmaar for playing host to us on a day which they would usually be closed. Its great to meet people like Veerle, happy , fun and easy going, as well as generous. You can see her own work on Instagram here  Craig Fosters work can be found here.
And last but by NO means least. A MASSIVE thank you to Craig Foster, the Snactoo master, of Skinwerks Amazing work as ever, so very accommodating, an has a way of just making a day of tattooing something special. Can't wait til our paths cross again, and in the meantime I wish you good fortune and good health.

 The walls of the shop

 6ft tattoo machine in graffiti. Amazing

 My small but growing collection of Skinwerks art.

And........ The finished piece. Both original Craig Foster pieces, and just the start of what is to come.

Thanks for reading