I’ve put our time in N Wales into one post because it was more about spending time with family than visiting sights.
My mum and dad were from N Wales and all three of us children were born there. We were particularly close to one of my mum’s cousins and she and her family opened their doors for us (a family of five) to go to their farm on holiday every year as we had no money to have gone anywhere otherwise. For that, I’m eternally grateful as it made such a difference to us as children (and, to be fair, as adults too!)
Welcome to Colwyn Bay train station I first stayed at this (then) working farm about 60 years ago!! Now, the barns have been converted to holiday cottages. If anyone wants to stay, look up BFG holiday lets in Betws yn Rhos.The most recent conversion is the old Granary. This is where we stayed. There used to be a poem etched into the wall dating back to the mid 19th century that read “When I am dead and in my grave and all my bones be rotten, upon this wall you’ll find my name when I am quite forgotten.” Surrounding that poem were the names of many farm hands that had worked in the granary.Old cattle water containers that have been converted to lamps 💖Rhys and Lona (my second cousin) who always inspired with their kindness, generosity, sense of humor (or is it nonsense of humor, Rhys??) And work ethic.
The weather wasn’t great, but the clouds were stunning.
Conwy castle looking gloomyWindmills in the seaThe river was heavy with tannin Wales is so beautiful…and I’m so biased 😂Aloma (and hubby John) is my 2 1/2 cousin (so she and my kids are 3rd cousins) but is much more like a sisterIt’s a different life…Harri (16) had brought the sheep in from a field to separate them ready for market by himselfBut Dan managed to persuade a big group to go disc-golfing with him 😂I do believe everyone had a good time. I would like to hope that when next we play, it won’t be their second round.South Stack on AngleseyIf you decide to walk down to the lighthouse, be sure to arrive at the bottom before 3:30. The island closes at that time, little did we know.One of my favorite cloud photos!Many of the family 💖Local shows (agricultural, horse, dog etc) are common. We went to one where Ceri (Rhys and Lona’s granddaughter) had entered both her children in competitions. Here, Cai (3) was in a Handy Pony competition 🏴The Welsh flag 🏴Caveman Jac (almost 6) was in a horse fancy-dressAnd it’s all hands on deck; Sali (Jac’s mother’s cousin) had Jac’s lead rope for the competition. This picture in no way captures the cold and rain of this moment, and of the following hour in which these two wore these outfits.Harri (16) passed his tractor driver’s test while we were there……and Dan was delighted to ride in the tractor with him. Harry likes what he described as “tight suspension”. I called it “no suspension”. The ride was similar to sitting in a bouncy castle during a huge birthday party. Boy was it fun!!!My mum and dad’s ashes are buried in Llansannan, near where they were raisedA painting adorning one of the train station waiting areasMany old telephone kiosks have been repurposed. This one holds a cashpoint machine (ATM). Others are being used to house defibrillators, food banks, book exchanges etc. Sorry for the photo bomb. I really thought she was going to take another photo with me being happy.
Conwy…
Conwy’s old town walls are almost all still intactThe smallest house in the UK can be found along Conwy’s seafront …it’s not for Dan, though! This kiosk is a defibrillator station
And then, it was time to leave ☹️ It was with a very heavy heart that I boarded the train and said goodbye to Wales!
We are currently in a hotel near Heathrow as we fly back to Tucson tomorrow. That will be the end of our trip this time. Thank you all for sharing our travels with us. Writing and sharing this blog has given me experience in working as a partner with Rhia, and to not always go for the joke (and for that, we thank you!) ‘Til next time everyone.
Thank YOU for sharing your adventures. I fear I’ve let my “living vicariously” take hold too much as I weep with leaving Wales also! It truly is a beautiful part of the world – and no, Rhia, you are not being prejudiced. It REALLY is! Blessings on you both and Safe Travels home.
You definately captured the beauty of N. Wales Rhia and I miss it already even though it’s been only a week since we arrived back! But your travels across Europe were extraordinary and I was with you all the way, so thank you for sharing all your adventures!
Designs by Rhia 
Leave a reply to Betty Nee Cancel reply