Rampart, Growler and Fullers on the ocean wave

Location: Menai Straits and Cearnarfon Bar

Moodmusic: Lift a glass to those we have loved

Today's memories and soundbites
A very unexpected weekend, on a boat, on the Menai Straits passing through the Swellies (bad reputation if you don't pick the right slack window) and out beyond to the sea.  Cearnarfon from the sea looked pretty amazing, everything a walled European citadell should look like, with a pub tucked onto a quay under the castellations.  On to a night moored in a pool at Abermenai point.  Sounds of curlew, tern and oyster catcher.  Music from Ireland and Africa as accompaniment, along with beer even though limited to bottle again but who cares in a place like this?  Walked today after lovely slow Sunday morning, looking a across to Fort Belan which was built in 1775 originally to fend off American privateers from the Irish sea by Lord Newborough. Picked samphire for lunch, unlucky with the fish line although saw seabass jumping and shoaling mackerel mashing and blipping the sonar, before washing up and heading home.  A great weekend holiday.

Drinks

1. Conwy, Rampart (4.5%)
Reaction
Emotional: Aaaahhhh I needed that!
Critical: Nice bitter tart bitter hops with a bit of citrus breaking through.  Lovely crisp finish and a smooth texture.  Not too watery.

2. Nethergate, Old Growler, Strong English Ale (5.6%)

Reaction
Emotional: Oh dear ..... this is going to my head!!
Critical: A strong and flavoursome drink.  Toffee hops and then breaking into porridge caramel. English to the core.  Both refreshing and comforting on a warm moonlit night.

3. Fullers, 1845 (6.3%)
Reaction
Emotional: Wooow .... time to slow down now
Critical: Fullers is always steady! Aroma is hoppy and hazlenuts.  Toasted malt, little bit of chocolate at the back, caramel and fruity.  Complexity.  ends well with nice lasting bitterness.

Menai view

Britannia Bridge, built by Stephenson in 1845

Cearnarfon city walls and castle

Camden canals with bottles Fullers and Cobbdens

Location: Somers Town, Regents canal and Albert dock

Moodmusic: So sunny again I really do have sunburn on my cheeks and I am seeking shade

(Yester)days memories and soundbites
Well this is a whole section of London I have never explored before, the area around the back of Kings Cross and St Pancras.  I have only ever rushed to and from Kings Place whilst working. Regeneration development underway so still changing.  I took a walk after a visit to the British Library (Writing Britain exhibition and room of Treasures), up through Somers Town, into and through St Pancras old church and park  (Cromwell's troops were billeted here whilst we are on the theme of the civil war again!!) and then lazely beside the canal at London Wildlife Trust Camley street Natural Park.  Sat for hours watching the world and narrow boats go by, then explored more of the canal up and down the towpath which was very busy with cyclists and eventually ended up at the Filling Station before heading back to the way home.

Drinks
Bottled ale this time round, no ale house found canal bankside, just cider at the Filling Station and I am NOT going to get into cider reviews!!  Never found Brewdog


1. Fullers, London Pride (4.7%)
Reactions
Emotional: I know, I know this is a well established old favourite that doesn't come from a new micro-brewery, but hey ho never mind I was in London so thought I had better have some of this
Critical: Steady brew, medium body with dry finish. Deep malty base, earthy and somehow bread-and-cheesey down to earth and very English.  Certainly merits the popularity it has gained over the years. Think this is classed as a Pale Ale.

2. GreenKing, Tolly English Ale (2.8%)
Reactions
Emotional: Well, I wondered what a low strength budget busting beer would taste like ...... drinkable actually
Critical: Thinnish head and not too much aroma. Tastes like a pineapple infused sweet tea kind of brew.  Not as sweet and sickly the more you have.  Its a bit thin, but passable.  Quite fizzy, but not badly so considering the flavour and style of the drink.

London view

rubbish wildlife

new Kings Cross