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!