Well as you know, we went to a friends surprise 65th Birthday Party at the weekend, in Porthcawl, South Wales. Porthcawl is situated about 6 or 7 miles from Bridgend, just off of the M4. The drive took us just over 3 hours from home to the Guest House that we were staying in. We were staying at the Marllew Guest House, which is in Esplanade Avenue, just off the main sea front road. This is the view from the end of the Avenue that we were staying in.
Looking to the right of the Avenue.
Me looking a bit windswept to the left of the Avenue.
I definitely wouldn't argue with this sign.
As it was very windy, making the sea quite rough, as can be seen by the next few photo's.
The waves hitting the sea wall.
This is the Grand Pavilion, where quite a few stars are appearing, from the 70's & 80's, such as Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, to Barbra Dickson, to name but a few.
We decided to go for a few drinks at the Marine & Waterfront Bars, as can be seen in this photo.
After this we went for a Curry at The Jaipur Restaurant, at the end of the previous photo, served by this guy.
On the next table to us, were 3 local girls, Lucy, Kate & Kylie, who we spent the rest of the night with, & were a great laugh. Part of the sauces provided, were a lime pickle, which Kylie bet me a Vodka & Coke that I couldn't finish off the 2 bowls. I will tell you that that V & C tasted very nice, after I had won the bet.
Me & San having a nightcap, before heading back to our Guest House.
So the next morning after a hearty Breakfast, we decided to go on a walk in & around Porthcawl. This is the view of Sandy Bay, looking towards Trecco Bay & the Coney Beach Funfair.
The entrance to the Funfair, which was pretty deserted due to the weather no doubt.
We went to this Bistro/Café for a well earned coffee, before carrying on our tour. Very apt we thought.
A view of the main shopping street in the town.
The shore line was very rocky, & windy as can be seen by San's hair.
This part of the coast is very popular with Surfers, & Porthcawl has their own Surfing Club. Plenty of hardy souls were in the sea, it must have been freezing though.
There must have been a gala on, with races along the beach. This was known as Rest Bay.
To the left of this photo is the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, with a building called The Retreat on the right.
The first hole of the Golf Club, looking towards Port Talbot & Swansea.
The Steel Works at Port Talbot, which unfortunately spoils the view from the Golf Course, IMO.
There were some lovely houses along this part of the town.
At night we got ready to go to Phil's Birthday Party at The Hi Tide Bar, adjacent to Coney Beach Funfair. Here are a few photo's of a fabulous do.
Phil & his wife Michele, with some of their Grandchildren, in front of his cake made in the shape of a Rolls Royce, as he is a Car Salesman.
The Casino Table, which was great fun.
Phil's Birthday banner.
All in all we really enjoyed our time in Porthcawl, but would have enjoyed it far more if the weather had been better. But hey it is the British Summer when all is said & done, what should we have expected.