march for independence

 I decided to have a day out after the March for Independence yesterday, something I had been considering for a few days. If these marches are held in the north, I usually attend. I hadn't been to Rhyl in a long time and couldn't really remember the last time I was there. Since I was going alone, I had to rely on public transport, which in Wales is currently shocking, leaving the roads clogged with cars.

I needed to take the train to Llandudno Junction and change there for Rhyl. I could have taken the bus, I guess, but the journey from Llandudno to Rhyl is quicker by train. However, this weekend there were no trains running for some reason. The line between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno is constantly disrupted for one reason or another; they might as well just shut it down and replace it with a bus service.So, it was the bus for me yesterday to the junction, though I amusingly brought a USB cable, still thinking I’d be on a train.

Usually, there are long waits between trains in Blunafestine Yog, but the replacement bus departs a bit earlier than the train usually does, so the wait wasn’t too long. However, I was given a lift to the next town, so I arrived quite early. The replacement bus would get me to the junction just in time to catch the train to Rhyl and make the start of the march.

Before boarding the bus, I had a cup of tea, which I later regretted. On the bus journey, I began to think I wouldn’t make the start of the march as the bus was behind schedule. It arrived late, but that was fine—I could catch the next one and just be a bit late. I wasn’t too bothered about marching anyway.

I got to Rhyl about 15 minutes later than planned. As I walked down the street, the march was already coming by, so I joined in. It went around Rhyl for about an hour before returning to the starting place, where speeches began. It was mostly preaching to the converted, but it was okay.

The reason I regretted having the tea was that there was no toilet on the replacement bus, and I was quite uncomfortable during the journey. After the march, I debated staying longer in Rhyl but decided against it since there’s not much there. I headed to the station to catch the train back to the junction, but it was delayed. I panicked a bit, thinking I’d miss my connection and be stuck at the junction for three hours. Eventually, the train came, and I managed to make my connection. Public transport in Wales is stressful.

I caught the bus at the junction and then had to wait at the other end for another bus to the village. It was a very laborious day. Next time, I’ll either go with someone who drives or just skip it altogether.