Monday 10 December 2012

Despite The Glare.... I Made It There.

Ah yes, last Tuesday I went to Wales.  Remembering which side of the road to drive on, the left side, was one heck of a good and vital start.  Yes indeed, I can imagine the following situation.  Driving along and some British police dude indicates to me to pull over.  "Excuse me sir, but you are driving on the 'right' side of the road!".  To which I reply, "That's okay then."

I don't have satellite navigation in my car.  No voice of Mr. T telling me, "At the next roundabout, sucker, take the first left.  I said the first left, not the second left, fool!"  Or the alluring voice of  Joanna Lumley stating, "You've arrived, darling!"

Tuesday was a very sunny day.  The entire trip from Leek, Staffordshire, England to Cardigan, Wales, was a matter of driving directly towards the sun.  No, not literally.  However, the glare off the road was so bad that I could barely make out the direction signs at roundabouts.  This meant, even though I mostly knew how to get to my destination, some roundabouts were guesswork.  

And some roundabouts where I could almost make out the name of a place I needed to head to next, suddenly became mystery roundabouts where the names I could almost make out, made no sense at all.  What happened to 'Upper Lower Piggy Bottom'?  One roundabout got me so confused, I ended up getting dizzy as I went round and round and round....until finally I gave up, took a chance and much to my relief, discovered I was on the correct road.

To go from my place to Cardigan, Wales, is a distance of 162 miles.  Being mostly on single lane roads and getting stuck behind tractors on winding, uphill roads, meant it took 4 1/4 hours to do 162 miles.

The last part of the journey is from the town of Aberystwyth.  From Aberystwyth to my friend's house, near Cardigan, is a total of 37 miles.  During the entire 37 miles, a Welsh police car followed behind me.  Weird, even though I wasn't doing anything wrong, I kept waiting for the lights to flash and get pulled over.  I start thinking, "Did I pass that last tractor at a correct place, do I maybe have a burnt out break light...I gonna' end up in jail....." Then I pulled into my friend's driveway and thankfully, the police car didn't follow me into the driveway.

From late Tuesday afternoon until noon on Saturday, I stayed with my friend.  I like to think that we created positive distractions as both of us are going through some challenging times.

Every time I go out, I have to confront my social fears.  To drive a car without any company just compounds my anxiety.  Yet, once again, I was determined to challenge my inner critic and I'm so glad I did.

I am deeply, profoundly grateful for your support.  I'm very sorry I've not been as interactive on other blogs as I would like to be.  I will do my best to rectify that.
I reflect back as night fell upon the harbour in Cardigan, Wales.  No matter what the oppressors try to impose, they will never get the better of me, or you.

52 comments:

  1. You did it! Safe and sound. I've never been brave enough to drive there on my visits or when I lived there, so I can only imagine the trip.

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    1. Hi Alex,

      I sure did! Safe with hardly a sound except for my occasional screaming :) If you are ever here again, a really neat tip to remember is which side of the road to drive on.

      Thanking you in a roundabout sort of way.

      Gary

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  2. Isn't it funny what thoughts go through your head when you see that police car in your rear view mirror? I guess it's our inner criminal taking over lol. Glad you're back and blogging again.

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    1. Hi Delores,

      Oh yep, I had visions of me being locked away forever in a Welsh jail. "Inner criminal". Love it. That would be the same inner criminal that comes out at Customs! Thank you and it's nice to do a bit of blogging.

      Thank you, Delores.

      Gary

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  3. I hate those roundabouts. They started putting those in here in the States and they're just awful. If I ever went to Britain I'd never want to drive because I'm sure I'd forget and drive on the "right" wrong side.

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    1. Hey PT,

      Oh I saw some roundabouts when I was in British Columbia. I think you might have quite the time driving the 'right' way on a British roundabout...

      Thank you, good sir.

      Gary

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  4. Good for you! I'd call that trip a major victory, especially if you had to fight the bugaboos of poorly marked roundabouts. It's funny how seeing a police car in the rear view mirror can make us so paranoid we "police" our driving. Welcome back. It's good to see you posting again.

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    1. Hi Susan,

      The mystery roundabouts are the worst. You are expecting to see the name of a town on your journey and all you get is a bunch of names that mean absolutely nothing to you. That would be if you can even make out the names, what with the glare from the sun on them.

      Not like I would break the law while driving, but I spent an awful lot of time checking my speedometer! :)

      Thank you for the welcome back. I'm most heartened by that.

      Gary

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  5. You must have been so proud of yourself. I, also, have some of those same challenges when I drive far from my home.

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    1. Hi Arleen,

      Thank you and I gave myself a pat on the back. I would add I gave myself a pat on the back when I had gotten out of my car :) Well done to you for challenging your fears when you drive far from home.

      Gary

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  6. Almost everyone in my family does some kind of police work and I still panic every time I see a police car anywhere around me. I am glad you got to spend some time with your friend and I am glad you were able to do a little "Socializing" I am just awful at socializing myslef as I spend most of my time at work with animals.

    I think I prefer it.

    You have stepped way out of your comfort zone and that says a lot.

    Bert and My Vickie

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    1. Hi Bert and Vickie,

      And Bert, I reckon you make a might fine police dog :) I suppose a lot of us can feel rather panicky when a police car follows us. Although, they are probably on their way to get some coffee and doughnuts :)

      And Vickie, I sure understand how difficult socialising can be. In my case, my self esteem took such a battering that I really have to challenge my fears. Of course, with the non-judgemental love we receive from our beloved animals makes for a less stressful environment.

      I do my utmost to step out of my uncomfortable comfort zone.

      I thank you both very much.

      In kindness, Gary

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  7. Dear Gary,
    Ah, Wales, and, of course, bloody roundabouts. Fortunately, you didn't get stuck on the one at the top of Smallthorne, which, as you know, is on the way to my house, and is particularly demanding.
    Anyway, I'm glad you and your mate could give yourselves some positive distractions, and Cardigan Bay looks wonderful.
    I won't mention sheep, other than that I wish you'd have brought one back to keep me company. Oh, and the plural of sheep is, erm, sheep. I always thought that the singular should be "shap", or something likie that. And did you know that sheep who reside on hillsides often have two legs longer than the other two legs, just to accomodate the slope? OK, so I made that last bit up.
    Keep going, my hairy friend, and keep challenging that inner critic of yours.
    Your Christmas card will shortly be in the post.
    Very Best Hillside Wishes,
    David.

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    1. Dear David,

      Thanks for the reminder of the roundabout upon roundabout upon roundabout that leads in a roundabout sort of way, to your home. Of course, worth the challenge knowing that I shall visit a gentleman of your obvious intellectual prowess.
      It was good to have the distraction for my friend and for me. Cardigan is a very serene little place and the countryside is beautiful.
      Note I didn't mention any "shap" in my posting. Alas, I saw very few of them. Guess they all flocked off. Those sheep or shap on the side of hills are confused goats. Thought I'd um ram home that point.
      Shall keep challenging that silly inner critic. I shall look forward to your Boxing Day Eve card. I hope you received the one from me. It has a goodwill message in it from David 'Scameron'.
      Very best roundabout wishes,
      Gary

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  8. I am so happy to see that you are strong enough to rejoin us in the blogosphere. I worried about you and I worried about your friend - and I love that you helped each other. As your positivity helps so many of us, so often.

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    1. Hi The Elephant's Child,

      Thank you for that. It has been very difficult to concentrate on being involved in the blogosphere. I resent the stress imposed on me and so many. I will be fine and in time, so will my friend. It really is true that when we help each other, we help ourselves.

      May we draw positive energy from each other. I am grateful for your kindness and support.

      In kindness, Gary

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  9. Good for you, Gary. You did it. I personally hate driving, only do it because I have to, so I know how hard this can be to get out there and do. Hope you had an enjoyable time with your friend.

    Take care :)

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    1. Hi Suzanne,

      I thank you. It wasn't easy and I hate driving alone to an unfamiliar place. You understand how tough it can be. It was a most interesting, bordering on surreal time with my friend.

      I thank you for your kind thoughts. Take very good care of YOU :)

      Gary

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  10. Hi Gary - driving can be so challenging .. and those signs probably now in Welsh too - just confound us. The sun is so low isn't it .. it sounds as though you were both able to help each other a little - and I'm glad the weather was reasonable and didn't add to your anxieties.

    Gosh going wrong can be a right 'pain' .. I was driving down the M4 and just kept on going .. forgot to turn left to get on down to Penzance, Cornwall on the M5 ... my mother 'waiting' at the other end .. said to the staff - oh don't worry she'll appear ... and they laughed uproariously when I said I'd just carried on driving into Wales ... it was a long deviation!!

    Cheers and hope you can settle back in reasonably easily .. with thoughts - Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary,

      Some of the signs I could almost read at the roundabouts didn't seem to be in any language I recognised. With the sun so low during the whole journey did make for a very difficult drive.

      I like to think that my friend and I did help each other. To think I would stop all my 'festivities' here and go visit.

      That was quite the deviation. At that rate, you might have kept going north and made a phone call from John O' Groats :)

      It has been a slow process trying to get back some momentum. This may well be reflected in my scatter brained comment on your blog. Oops :)

      Be well, Hilary.

      Gary

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  11. You did it! I hate driving any distance on my own so I know the good feeling you get when you've done it! I hope your time in Wales has done you the world of good. But how scary - being followed by the police car!
    Take care x

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    1. Hi Teresa,

      I certainly did and I even made it back. You can relate to driving on your own for any distance. If somebody is with you, you can both have a laugh when you end up getting lost :)

      Being in Wales was a most welcome distraction. Being followed by a police car for 37 miles, was not :)

      Thank you, Teresa.

      Gary x

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  12. Well done on overcoming your fears!

    I love how your blog looks now. :-)

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    1. Hey Misha,

      Lovely to see you :) And thanks. Overcoming fears sure makes your feel better.

      Glad you like the look of my blog. Shame my writing is just as crap as ever! :)

      Happy writing, Misha.

      Gary

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  13. Gary, there's an award on my blog for you :-) x

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    1. Hi again, Teresa,

      That was so very flattering of you. You will know that I have replied on your blog and will post up the award within the next week or so. Very thoughtful.

      Gary x

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  14. I must confess I share your anxiety when it comes to going out alone, driving alone, going to social gatherings alone...ever since I know myself I've been like that. We should create our own social gatherings :).

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    1. Hi Petronela,

      My dear lady, I'm so sorry you also experience such anxiety when going out alone or driving alone. It can been very difficult to overcome such fears. Of course, I recall in a previous posting that you would keep me company in my car. That was fun and oh how we laughed :)

      Let's have a social gathering for people who don't like a social gathering...

      Stay well and keep warm.

      Your friend, Gary

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  15. Hi Gary,
    I am glad that you made your trip to Wales, it sounds as if positive vibes enveloped you. It is a worrying time when all you see is a concern, I am feeling that a lot lately, but try to listen to your words and become more positive.
    Thank you, my friend,
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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    1. Hi John,

      Thank you, good sir. I'm very pleased that I mustered up the courage to go. The going alone is the toughest part.

      I hope that you can draw inspiration and I know that we are both capable and so much better than the negative aspects that try to sabotage our lives. You are a good man and like you, I rejoice in the wonders of nature. A most positive result.

      Keep smiling and embrace the positivity.

      Your friend, Gary

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  16. Hi Gary. I think it's brilliant that, during your own troubled time, you have reached out to a fellow sufferer. Good on you Cobber! (Sorry, I'm trying to work the Australian experience out of my system!)
    Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Hi bazza,

      Thanks and it was indeed brilliant to reach out to a fellow man who is struggling through some troubling times.

      I'm sure that Australia was all the better for having you there. Bet they realised you are a fair dinkum!

      Gidday mate.

      Gary

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  17. Pushing on through is a very big sign of accomplishment. I must remember that for myself!

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    1. Hi Ray,

      Moving on from an uncomfortable comfort zone is quite the accomplishment. I believe that you are going to have a positive come of your crossroads moment. All the best, Ray.

      Gary

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  18. Yay for you!

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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    1. Hi Shelly,

      Thanks for that. I've been checking on your blogs to see if you have posted and I notice it has been some time. I hope you are okay, my friend.

      I shall send you hugs and some chocolate:)

      Gary

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  19. Howdy Gary,

    It sounds like you're in better spirits than before. I'm glad about that. Also glad you made the entire 162 mile trip to Wales to visit with your friend. Don't ya just love it when you get stuck behind a tractor or have a cop follow you for miles and miles and you're wondering, Now just what the fuck is he following me for? What a fun little game for your mind to play with itself.

    Could have been a female cop, though, following you. Yes, allow me to give you a better scenario to wrap your mind around with. The cop car lights start flashing (or whatever they do over there) to signal you to pull over and/or stop. The buxom, curvy, beautiful blonde female cop prances really sexy-like, like a sex-deprived nymphomaniac, to your car window. She takes off her hat, allowing her long blonde wavy hair to be set free. You roll down said window and then... yes, then... she pulls off her shades, looks at you, licks her lips, seductively and asks, "Do you have any soda? I'm parched." You tell her that you don't and she walks back to her car and drives off.

    Keep on fighting the good fight, Gary, and don't let the oppressors get to you. I'm happy to see you're back in the blogging saddle again. You have my admiration and respect.

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    1. Howdy Kelly dude,

      Thank you and my spirits are somewhat better. Still have a ways to go to get back the momentum. I'm glad you added your own slant to this in your comment. Sometimes I get tempted to add a bit more fantasy stuff to my articles. But you know me, try not to write one of those very, very long articles. Unless, I highlight the important bits.

      Yes, the only mistake in your dreamy yet tease filled scenario with buxom cutie cop is that I have electric windows :) Knowing my incredible luck, I get pulled over by a cop who tasers me and puts me into a sheep costume. I wake up very sore as this Welsh police guy removes his rubber boots and lets me off with a warning of some kind....

      Like you, my friend, I seek justice. The oppressors can kiss our butts. Nice to be back on the saddle again. A small saddle that fits very well on a sheep :) Respect and a female's Welsh police uniform, your way, Gary

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  20. I'm so glad you arrived and then got back home safe and sound. I can relate to your anxieties completely. It's a challenge every time I leave the house. I'm so happy for you, Gary. Challenging your inner fears is a huge accomplishment. Bravo! Hope your buddy's doing better.

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    1. Hey Joylene,

      Thank you and the worst part of the journey was the embarrassing parade they had for me in Cardigan, Wales. Seriously, I know how much you can relate to such anxieties of going out the front door and challenging those fears. Bravo to you, my friend. The dude in Wales seems to be finding positive resources to help him along.

      Take care, eh.

      Gary

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  21. If you wanted to put fear in my mind you could have shown photos of black cave entrances. Driving where you're not familiar, seeing signs that make no sense, and a police car on your tail.

    My God, you're a ROCK STAR!!

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    1. Hey lotta joy,

      That would of been perfect. I might of just as well being driving through black caves, complete with cave roundabouts. Of course, once realising that I got in the passenger side and noted that the steering wheel was kinda' difficult to reach, I moved over seats and away I went on apparently the correct side of the road. And then you get a cop following for 37 miles to really test the anxiety. Ah, life! :)

      Lotta joy, ROCK ON!!

      Gary

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    2. I could not do it, and I refuse to prove it.

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    3. Hi lotta joy,

      Okay and with that, I shall now go for a drive and remember which side of the road to drive on....

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  22. Congrats for getting there!!

    I would be a nervous wreck probably, especially with roundabouts. I hate those!

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    1. Hi Cherie,

      Thanks for the congrats.

      And roundabouts, the dreaded roundabouts. A cheap way of not having traffic lights. Still, I'm not exactly missing 4 way stop signs :)

      Gary

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  23. Confusing road signs, roundabouts, stuck behind a tractor...see, this is why I don't drive. This is why I'm perfectly happy snoozing in the passenger seat, waking periodically to ask where we are and can we stop soon as I need to pee.

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    1. Hi River,

      I was considering taking public transport. Then again, I probably still be trying to get there. Being a passenger seems like a good idea. Although, best to make sure that you go for a pee in a safe location. Them damned prickle bushes can be a bit of a pain...

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  24. I couldn't imagine driving on the other side of the road. I would get into an accident in 4 minutes.

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    1. Hi there Mr. Toast type dude,

      They are going to be swapping over to the other side of the road in Britain. Starting with trucks on a Monday and the rest of the vehicles on the Tuesday.

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  25. Hi Y'all!

    What a beautiful harbor.

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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    1. Howdy Hawk!

      How y'all doin'? Glad you liked the harbour photo at Cardigan, Wales.

      Y'all have a good day, eh :)

      Gary

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.