Croeso i Gymru

Welcome to Wales; the sun is shining and we are off out and about. We headed west down the Expressway through towns and then moving into woods, fields and smaller villages. First stop was Welshpool and we visited Powis Castle and Gardens which is just across the Welsh border. Originally built circa 1200 it began life as a medieval castle. We arrived as a talk and walk was happening and joined in to find out more - interesting castle and beautiful gardens and grounds.

We are in Wales - very interesting - all the signs and even menus are in Welsh. Long complicated names. The people seem really nice and the language is impossible to follow but seems quite flowing and gentle. But of course everyone speaks English. We are seeing lots of National Trust houses and castles - soooo much history. Love it. Lots of Celts, Picts, Scots, Normans,Vikings and Anglo Saxons - just like at school but in colour.

Headed further west and the scenery changes; narrow roads, pheasants and sheep everywhere and spring has sprung. All the signage is in Welsh and English. Hills merge into mountains and we saw some spectacular scenery and water falls. On top of the mountain on a bend we came across a broken down semi - great - held our breath and forged ahead with adrenalin pumping. Down the mountain and into Dolgellau which is full of bluestone buildings and narrow lanes, had lunch at the local cafe.

Took the scenic route to Barmouth; narrow stone walled roads and lovely views, quite touristy when we got there. Funny to see big solid stone houses perched on the edge of the sea. Up the coast through Llanbedre, Harlech, Penrhyndeudraeth and into Porthmadog for the evening.

This morning we headed up the coast through Pwilheli where we walked the shops, visited the markets and had a sirloin, mushroom and onion burger as well as a duck, plum sauce and mozzarella panini. Not Welsh at all dammit but we are still looking. Further to Llanbedrog where we visited "Plas Glyn-y-Weddw", the house is an important centre for the arts and we saw some great artworks.

Followed the coast up to Caernarfon and checked in to our motel then walked around the marina area, similar to Honey Suckle in Newcastle and wandered down to Caernarfon Castle for more history and a quick look around town before heading home; tired and a little sun and wind burnt.