The Puffins I didn't see!

This is a photo of some Puffins that I didn't get to see because of the typical Welsh weather. It's the second time I've missed out on seeing them and that makes me sad :(

Pembroke and Usk Valley

Pembrokeshire

This weekend we went to Pembrokeshire on the west coast of Wales. We visited a different area this time with the main plain to go to Skomer Island to see the Puffin Birds. The weather was fine on Saturday as seen in the photos but in true UK style it poored with rain and was too windy for the boats to sail on Sunday, so once again we didn't see the Puffins.

The coastline is quite spectacular and in places we found wide open proper beaches. Unfortunately not warm enough for a dip in the ocean.

My friend Sophie from Melbourne came to visit from London for the weekend. We showed her the local sites and some Welsh culture, but the plans were tampered by the weather and Sunday was spent in the car and ten-pin bowling!

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey is one of the most famous Abbeys in Britain. It was founded in the 12th Century by Cistercian monks who pledged a life of poverty and isolation (much like living in Tocumwal!). The village of Tintern is quite small, with some pubs and B & B's and the like.

Most of the tourism in the town is Abbey related. We've seen quite a few old buildings and castles since we've been here, but I think Tintern Abbey has my vote as the best old thing I've seen

Military Debris

As you can see from this sign, the welsh don't mince their words. We came across these signs along the Pembrokeshire coast and we were in no doubt as to what could hapen to us if we picked something up. Then again, Liv's family is quite fond of the odd piece of military debris!

Coety Castle...or is that Castell Coity?

Here are a couple of photos of the famous Castle Coety, more of a ruin than a castle nowadays. It is just a mile or so down the road in Bridgend. You never know what you might see when you go for a walk in the evening. In the middle of June, there is a choir singing in the castle.

Dan-yr-ogof Caves

We visited the National Showcaves centre in Dan-yr-ogof. They claim to be the most spectacular caves in Northern Europe and of course have a great Welsh name!
It's hard to capture the caves in a photo but the largest cave - Cathedral Cave was quite impressive. It wasn't discovered until the 1950's. They hold wedding ceremonies in the cave!

Brecon Beacons

Here are some photos from the weekend. The pub is where we had Sunday lunch - traditional roast with Yorkshire pudding. The stone hut is an old pigsty - at the Museum of Welsh Life which was really interesting. The red farmhouse was also at the museum which was a collection of original buildings etc all set in lovely gardens and surrounds.

Horse riding - Brecon Beacons

Last weekend we went to the Brecon Beacons a national park in mid-Wales. We met up with our friends Ben & Corinne from Australia. We went on a ''pony trek'' which is a horse ride for beginners. As you can see Anthony was given a large shire horse! he was about 17hh, and I was given a fat pony! We saw some great scenery on the ride but wasn't allowed to carry a camera while riding. Next time I think we'll upgrade from the pony trek as Anthony is ready for a gallop!

LlanfairPG

The town with the longest name in Britain:

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

"St Mary's Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St Tysilio near the red cave"

There isn't much to see here but a great example of Welsh language!

Caenarfon Castle

Caenarfon Castle is world heritage listed and very important in Welsh history. It was quite interesting and had a museum of Welsh military history inside. We are quite sick of castles now but this one is worth the visit.
From the top of the castle you can see out to the bay and to Anglesey.

We were so sore from the hike up Mt Snowdon that after a walk around the castle we had to head back to Betws-y-coed for lunch and a hot spa!

Snowdonia & Betws-y-Coed

In the first photo Olivia is standing on the summit of Mt Snowdon - proof that we made it to the top! Next you can seen the train climbing the mountain.The old stone building is The Royal Oak Hotel where we stayed in a gorgeous little village called Betws-y-Coed. There are sheep everywhere in the district and the one in the photo was jut over the road from the hotel.

The castle is Caenarfon castle which is one of Wales most important castles, it had a museum of Welsh military inside.

Mt Snowdon

This weekend was a Bank holiday long weekend. We travelled to Snowdonia National Park in North Wales (4hr drive from Bridgend). We climbed Mt Snowdon - the highest peak in England and Wales. These photos are taken from the summit. The 14 km hike took 5 hours, 2.5 hours of uphill climbing to get to the top, it nearly killed us!

The weather was great, we actually got sunburnt! The following day it rained so we were very glad to have made the summit when we did. There is also a train that takes you up the mountain if you aren't up for the walk, it has been running since the 1800's!