If I don't move, you wont be able to see me
Town walls and entrance
Inside the old Caernarfon Town
King's Gate to Caernarfon Castle
Don't walk on the grass
The Prince of Wales investiture dias
The tide is still out
Don't let me go, Cat
A dose of vitamin D
Invaders would have become stuck in the mud!
Too narrow for the caravan
This wont fit in the caravan!
The bad hair day continued into the evening. We had a rather tasteless dinner at a nearby spa/hotel, which looked very swish and even had its own bluebell wood. Then shortly after 9.30 pm (when we were all tucked up for the night), the phone rang. The owner of the Home Farm B & B at Boscastle in Cornwall rang to say she was cancelling our booking – not happy! At least she did give us the number and name of another establishment who should be able to accommodate us for the five days; we had had trouble finding somewhere owing to the forthcoming Bank Holiday weekend. So a late phone call, with apologies, to the suggested number and we have been assured of a very nice room (at a reduced rate because of the length of stay).
Today has been a long day today – three map pages!
It was overcast when we left Anglesey, but the cloud was high and we could see the Snowdonia mountains in the distance. Once off the island, it was a relatively short drive to Caernarfon and its castle. Fortunately, being Sunday, there weren’t very many visitors, which also meant not many cars competing for spaces in the car park. We walked through the ancient city walls and through the narrow, cobbled streets to the entrance to the castle, site of the Prince of Wales’ investiture. We could take photos within the castle walls, but not actually inside – and under no circumstances were we to walk on the grass! There were some interesting displays about the Princes of Wales throughout history, as well as the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. We were able to climb to the top of the castle, although we decided nearly to the top was good enough, with some good views of the city and river. Of course, the tide was out!
With a long drive still ahead of us, it was back in the car and what a sudden change of scenery as we headed into the mountains. The clouds cleared and the sun came out, which only added to the enjoyment of this beautiful terrain. The pebble-dash salesmen hadn’t made as many sales in this area either; one village we went through was very pretty with each individual house in a terrace painted a different colour. So much nicer than the dreary grey. There were also many natural stone terraces and little cottages cut into the sides of the cliffs – just lovely. We followed the coast for some time – sparkling blue seas – before turning inland into Pembrokeshire and its many farms. The odd castle and water mill even appeared without warning! The lanes are becoming narrower as the plants in this warmer region are starting to grow – bluebells, pink flowers, white flowers and cow parsley (which looks very much like Queen Anne’s lace).
Our B & B is a Georgian house, just outside the village of Lamphey. We have a large room, with four poster bed, and large windows overlooking the neighbouring farms. It is really a bit Wuthering Heights, with creaky floors and the wind whistling under the door and through the passages – even when there is no wind outside! The owner also did seem a little on the eccentric side.
Dinner tonight was at the local Lamphey Hall Hotel. We met a couple who were touring in their motor home and he was also an ex-Scout, so plenty to talk about while we had a pre-dinner drink. The waitress was just gorgeous and so, so Welsh – we had no idea what she was saying half the time (the accent was very pronounced) but we received a big hug when we paid! The dining room was must unexpected – very late Edwardian with potted palms, red embossed wallpaper and linen tableware. The food was excellent (so much better than the expensive meal last night) and only cost £12.95 (about $20) each for two courses.
Back at the Georgian manor, and we are being treated (by a mysterious someone, Catherine perhaps?) to some rather nice piano playing.
2 comments:
Can now really appreciate the scenery now as the photos are all downloading now when I open your blog. Amazing when you get your down load speed back.
I have a great affection for Caernarfon. When Beryl and I were there in '95, we rekindled a fire we'd allowed to dwindle for far too long.
We came to call it our second honeymoon, and our marriage became much more vibrant after our Caernarfon adventure. It's amazing how such a simple shared experience can help bond two people.
You two must be experiencing much the same, and I hope your marriage benefits as much as ours.
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