The sun shone brightly this Thursday morning. As the day wore on, people were even outside without jackets on. I think that’s the first on this trip since we’ve arrived in the United Kingdom.
We left the hotel fairly early and drove to Harlech, Wales to see the Harlech Castle. We got there before the castle was open so it was a rather special time to just rest and listen to all the birds and take in the smell of the sea and the sand. Harlech Castle is mostly in ruins now but the conservators have identified most of the rooms so you can imagine what they must have looked like during their heyday. The castle dates back to the time of Edward I if you’re interested in British and Welsh history. The drive to Harlech was all on the main road so it was a pleasant and efficient drive. My apologies. The photos have a life of their own today and it won’t let me organize them chronologically or label some of them. (Must be nearing the end of the trip and is tired. :))
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| We next headed for Caernarfon which is a larger town/city. Caernarfon Castle is situated down by the harbour. It was an enjoyable walk along the harbour but even more interesting to walk behind the stone wall which guarded the town’s harbour and its citizens in day’s past. It is not something we’ve encountered before and rather unusual to see a whole community of more modern-day apartments and row houses situated behind a large protective stone wall. David loved touring the castle. Again, it is an old castle but has been remarkably well-preserved. He was able to see the King’s apartments, climbed up the towers to the top, walked along the parapets, and toured the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Regiment museum. |
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| Caernarfon Castle |
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| Shows just how large the anchors really are in comparison to David. |
There was a beautiful gallery in town showcasing the works of Beth Horrocks. I loved her contemporary art which captured the mostly sea landscapes of Wales.
Tonight we are staying in an old country guesthouse. It’s a throwback to historical royal times and is an interesting place to take in as they stay true to traditions of old.
I’ve noticed in our encounters with the local Welsh people that everyone greets you with the phrase, “Are you okay?” Or “You alright, love?” I have to say it kind of takes you aback as I’m not sure what to say. So instead of our traditional, “How are you?” the Welsh question “Are you okay?”
I’m also fascinated by street signs. There’s been quite a bit of small road construction and maintenance projects going on. Here they are controlling the existing traffic with temporary traffic lights that stop your vehicle and then change to green when it is safe for your lane of traffic to proceed. I’ve never seen these temporary traffic lights in use in Canada or the U.S. It seems very efficient and doesn’t require two people to control the traffic that is coming and going.
All the locals are so polite when giving way or proceeding on the single track lanes. It’s really nice to see such smooth cooperation amongst drivers.
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| The Harlech Castle |
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| A shop outside the Harlech castle. I just love the post boxes. They’re so colorful. |
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| History of Harlech Castle. |
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| This is a cheese monger’s shop outside the castle. |
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