Brrrrr . . . it was cold when when our day started. We arranged for an early breakfast because we were hoping for our Mount Snowdon train ride and hike today. But when we got up and walked into breakfast we were told the forecast for Mount Snowden was snow, hail and very cold. So, we went to our back-up plan. We stayed in Conwy for the morning and toured Conwy Castle and one of the old homes here in town. Another beautiful castle while the home gave us a glimpse of what life was like in the 1500's. We managed to get a little shopping in, too.
After lunch the guys took off for a slate mine tour (slate mining is huge here) and train ride from Ffesitiniog to Porthmadog (you get bonus points if you can pronounce both those towns!). Jim and Pete had a great time and had lots of info to share about the slate mining. They were pretty deep down in the mine. hey had a scenic train ride alongside the hills to the town where we picked them up.
Laverne and I headed for the Trefriw Woolen Mill - we were a little disappointed but did buy buttons for future projects. After the mill it was time to spend the rest of the afternoon at Bodnant Gardens. They were absolutely beautiful. Another garden with spring time blossoms everywhere. The azelea colors were stunning. More garden than we had time to walk through, but we did find the names of some plants we have seen on the trip that we could not identify - this garden had most all of the plants identified.
Then it was time for us to drive to Porthmadog to meet the train and pick up Jim and Pete. We ate our evening meal while there and then drove back to Ffestiniog to pick up the second car before heading back to our hotel.
Tomorrow we will try again for Mount Snowdon. But if the weather does not cooperate we'll move on to the Lake District. The Mount Snowdon trip was something we were all looking forward to, but we also knew it was iffy depending on the weather.
I guess the servers are not used to people praying before their meals - we've caught a few of them off guard when they've walked up to our table!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Tuesday Morning - internet giving me problems so I'm adding to Sunday's post since I can't do a new post . . .
Had a wonderful day yesterday walking around Conwy and then driving to the Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey Island. The castle and surrounding countryside were beautiful. Off to Caernarfon Castle which was awesome. Another one of Edward I castles. It overlooks the water and the town. We spent a great deal of time at this castle as there was much to see. Halls to travel through, walls to walk and rooms to roam through as well as a museum on the Welsh soliders.
After our castle visits we traveled to Portmerion where we vsited an Italian villa and the gardens. The woodland gardens were unbelieveable. As |Laverne said it looked like the plants were on steroids they were so large. After dinner we headed home - another late night.
We were hoping to take the train up Mount Snowden today and then hike down, but the weather forecast is for snow and hail - so no trains today so we are regrouping. More later.
It's Sunday evening and we are in Conwy, Wales. It was a beautiful drive here. Jim and I decided we have never seen so many sheep. Miles and miles of pastures, little towns and sheep. We and Pete and Laverne decided to just meet in Conwy which gave us each the freedom to stop and see what we wanted along the way.
On our way here today we visisted the remains of a castle and an abbey, and then spotted a garden to visit. It's so very green here. Also lots of freshly plowed fields. After a while we drove through an area that was not green and the the hillsides were covered with broom - almost like the sagebrush at home in Idaho. Reminded us of Owhyee County - but instead of cattle grazing it was sheep.
One of Jim's highlights today was seeing a bike race. Fortunately it was going the opposite direction we were traveling. It was like seeing the Tour de France, but on a smaller scale - Jim decided it was the next best thing to being in France for the real thing.
As always we have to share the computer with other hotel guests, so my time is up! This computer is blocking me loading pictures - bummer!
Had a wonderful day yesterday walking around Conwy and then driving to the Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey Island. The castle and surrounding countryside were beautiful. Off to Caernarfon Castle which was awesome. Another one of Edward I castles. It overlooks the water and the town. We spent a great deal of time at this castle as there was much to see. Halls to travel through, walls to walk and rooms to roam through as well as a museum on the Welsh soliders.
After our castle visits we traveled to Portmerion where we vsited an Italian villa and the gardens. The woodland gardens were unbelieveable. As |Laverne said it looked like the plants were on steroids they were so large. After dinner we headed home - another late night.
We were hoping to take the train up Mount Snowden today and then hike down, but the weather forecast is for snow and hail - so no trains today so we are regrouping. More later.
It's Sunday evening and we are in Conwy, Wales. It was a beautiful drive here. Jim and I decided we have never seen so many sheep. Miles and miles of pastures, little towns and sheep. We and Pete and Laverne decided to just meet in Conwy which gave us each the freedom to stop and see what we wanted along the way.
On our way here today we visisted the remains of a castle and an abbey, and then spotted a garden to visit. It's so very green here. Also lots of freshly plowed fields. After a while we drove through an area that was not green and the the hillsides were covered with broom - almost like the sagebrush at home in Idaho. Reminded us of Owhyee County - but instead of cattle grazing it was sheep.
One of Jim's highlights today was seeing a bike race. Fortunately it was going the opposite direction we were traveling. It was like seeing the Tour de France, but on a smaller scale - Jim decided it was the next best thing to being in France for the real thing.
As always we have to share the computer with other hotel guests, so my time is up! This computer is blocking me loading pictures - bummer!
Sunday Morning
Another late night last night after visiting our friends James and Juanita Hughes who live near Oxford. After arriving at their home and having a cup of tea we headed to Blenheim, Winston Churchhill's birthplace. The home and grounds were beautiful. And we have a perfect, sunny day (little cool in the shade).
After Blenheim we headed back to their village and walked around checking out the many thatched homes and then their church which dates to the 13th century. It was a beautiful old church. Juanita is busy with a group she's formed to help raise funds from the community to help with some much needed repair and upgrades that are needed. The community wants the church for weddings, funerals, and such, but that's the only time the congregation comes to the church - she felt if they wanted the church their for their events, then they could help with keeping the building in pristine condition. It's sad so many in their community, as elsewhere, are not part of their local church.
Afer our stroll around their village Juanita fixed us a traditional English dinner of beef, yorkshire pudding and veggies. It was definitely our favorite meal of the trip so far.
Time for breakfast and then we're off to Northern Wales. So far the sun is shining!
Blenheim
Well, for some reason I'm only able to upload one picture this morning. I'll load the picture of the Hughes' church and a home from their village next time - provided I have access to a computer in Wales.
Another late night last night after visiting our friends James and Juanita Hughes who live near Oxford. After arriving at their home and having a cup of tea we headed to Blenheim, Winston Churchhill's birthplace. The home and grounds were beautiful. And we have a perfect, sunny day (little cool in the shade).
After Blenheim we headed back to their village and walked around checking out the many thatched homes and then their church which dates to the 13th century. It was a beautiful old church. Juanita is busy with a group she's formed to help raise funds from the community to help with some much needed repair and upgrades that are needed. The community wants the church for weddings, funerals, and such, but that's the only time the congregation comes to the church - she felt if they wanted the church their for their events, then they could help with keeping the building in pristine condition. It's sad so many in their community, as elsewhere, are not part of their local church.
Afer our stroll around their village Juanita fixed us a traditional English dinner of beef, yorkshire pudding and veggies. It was definitely our favorite meal of the trip so far.
Time for breakfast and then we're off to Northern Wales. So far the sun is shining!
Well, for some reason I'm only able to upload one picture this morning. I'll load the picture of the Hughes' church and a home from their village next time - provided I have access to a computer in Wales.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Late night - the hotel library closes early so no internet access last night.
We had a wonderful day in The Cotswold - and no rain! However, it was windy and a little cool, but we were grateful for sunny skies. Drove through farmland with lots of mustard fields in full bloom. Bright yellow fields everywhere.
We visited Burton-on-the-Wold, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Camden, all beautiful villages. Laverne and I were amazed at the small flower gardens in front homes and around the villlages. Lots of old churches to wander through and of course we did the walking trails in Chipping Camden through the sheep pasture where we saw little lambs everywhere. Jim and Peter checked out the local Motor Museum.
Our blog is shorter each day since we're without our laptop and I'm having to do this on the fly while others wait for the computer. This have been quick summaries of our days.
Mustard Field, Chippen Camden
We had a wonderful day in The Cotswold - and no rain! However, it was windy and a little cool, but we were grateful for sunny skies. Drove through farmland with lots of mustard fields in full bloom. Bright yellow fields everywhere.
We visited Burton-on-the-Wold, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Camden, all beautiful villages. Laverne and I were amazed at the small flower gardens in front homes and around the villlages. Lots of old churches to wander through and of course we did the walking trails in Chipping Camden through the sheep pasture where we saw little lambs everywhere. Jim and Peter checked out the local Motor Museum.
Our blog is shorter each day since we're without our laptop and I'm having to do this on the fly while others wait for the computer. This have been quick summaries of our days.
Churchyard in \burton-on-the-Wold
Mustard Field, Chippen Camden
Forget-me-nots (they are everywhere)
The sheep pasture we walked through.
We're off to see our friends James and Juanita Hughes today.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Lots of walking today in Bath. We started our day off with a full English breakfast at our hotel - way more than we could eat! Then it was off to the square to begin our 2+ hour walking tour with a guide. It gave us a good overview of the history of Bath along with lots of stories about famous people of Bath. We made it through most of the tour before the rains came. Then we ducked into a Chocolate and Tea Cafe for some hot tea. We actually made it out of the place without buying chocolate.
Next was the Bath Abbey which was beautiful. We took the tower tour which took us up to the bell tower and then to the very top which provided a stunning view of Bath. The vaulted fan ceiling in the Abbey was spectacular. The;y also has display of artwork and mini tapestries on the life of Christ - it was amazing to say the least.
We had just enough time left to tour the Roman Baths. After strolling through most of it on our own we joined a guided tour to learn more. It's hard to describe the site - major excavationbs and renovations have taken place in the last 20 years and the visitor center/museum has all been added since my last visit in 1997. Well worth the visit.
Let's see if I can upload pictures again this evening.
The vaulted ceiling the the Bath Abbey.
Jim at the Roman Baths.
The Roman Baths.
Tomorrow we are off to the Cotswolds.
Next was the Bath Abbey which was beautiful. We took the tower tour which took us up to the bell tower and then to the very top which provided a stunning view of Bath. The vaulted fan ceiling in the Abbey was spectacular. The;y also has display of artwork and mini tapestries on the life of Christ - it was amazing to say the least.
We had just enough time left to tour the Roman Baths. After strolling through most of it on our own we joined a guided tour to learn more. It's hard to describe the site - major excavationbs and renovations have taken place in the last 20 years and the visitor center/museum has all been added since my last visit in 1997. Well worth the visit.
Let's see if I can upload pictures again this evening.
The view from atop the Bath Abbey.
Tomorrow we are off to the Cotswolds.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
We have arrived! Just returned to our hotel for the evening after dinner at The West Gate, a pub here in Bath. Jim decided to try a pint of spiked cider along with his fish and chips.
Yesterday's trip to airport went smoothly and security was a breeze - not the long lines we were expecting. However, when we boarded the plane Jim suddenly realized he did not pick up his laptop! Oops! And, of course, once on the plane they will not let you off! The flight attendants were able to get TSA's number for lost and found and today we confirmed they do have the laptop. Not sure if it's feasible to get it to where we are, so the blog may not be an everyday thing - will depend on whether the hotels where we stay have a computer for guest use.
We arrived at Heathrow on time (shortly before 7 am), cleared customs, etc, collected our baggage, then our rental car and were on the road to Bath by 9:30. It's been rainy, foggy and little cool all day. But, we knew that's probably the way it would be. After we landed at our hotel we crashed for about two hours and then walked downtown to get our bearings of the city. Most shops close up at 5 so we'll hit those tomorrow along with a walking tour of Bath and then the Roman Baths and other sites. We're hoping for an abbey tour and maybe even take in Evensong.
Attached are a few pictures we took in our drizzly weather this evening. As long as we are in Bath we will be posting. Then we'll take it from there.
Downtown Bath along the River Avon.
Looking down the street.
Yesterday's trip to airport went smoothly and security was a breeze - not the long lines we were expecting. However, when we boarded the plane Jim suddenly realized he did not pick up his laptop! Oops! And, of course, once on the plane they will not let you off! The flight attendants were able to get TSA's number for lost and found and today we confirmed they do have the laptop. Not sure if it's feasible to get it to where we are, so the blog may not be an everyday thing - will depend on whether the hotels where we stay have a computer for guest use.
We arrived at Heathrow on time (shortly before 7 am), cleared customs, etc, collected our baggage, then our rental car and were on the road to Bath by 9:30. It's been rainy, foggy and little cool all day. But, we knew that's probably the way it would be. After we landed at our hotel we crashed for about two hours and then walked downtown to get our bearings of the city. Most shops close up at 5 so we'll hit those tomorrow along with a walking tour of Bath and then the Roman Baths and other sites. We're hoping for an abbey tour and maybe even take in Evensong.
Attached are a few pictures we took in our drizzly weather this evening. As long as we are in Bath we will be posting. Then we'll take it from there.
Looking down the street.
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