Wales Again, Part 2

Thursday morning was my favorite because we got to go to Snowdonia National Park! We did a popular hike at the Cwm Idwal Cirque (a large amphitheater-like valley formed by glacial erosion) around the lake there (Llyn Idwal). In a 2005 poll, Cwm Idwal was ranked the 7th greatest natural wonder in Great Britain. Basically what that means is that my pictures are NOT going to do this place any justice. None. I'm so sorry, but here they are anyway.

 Getting started. We were at a higher elevation, so it was a bit chilly here, but we knew we'd warm up once we got our blood pumping. The sun played hide and seek behind the clouds the whole time, so sometimes it was pretty windy and cold, and other times it was quite warm and pleasant.

 This part of the hike was my favorite.

 We stopped at this boulder for a snack, and hid behind it because it was so windy at this point.

 There were two older ladies swimming in this lake. I can't even imagine how cold it was.

 And back where we started.

Interesting things about Snowdonia:
- I was surprised to learn that over 26,000 people live within the park, and there is a significant amount of agricultural activity in the area (that means we saw a lot more sheep there).
- The mythology of King Arthur is heavily associated with Snowdonia. Several of the lakes there claim to contain the magical Excalibur.
- Guy Ritchie's recent King Arthur movie was filmed here.
- So many wild flowers.

When we finished our hike, and found some lunch, we headed to another castle - Dolbadarn. It was a beautiful hike up to the castle.

 This was built by Llywelyn ab lorwerth in the 1220's. The round tower that remains was a luxurious addition in 1230. When he died, he had several sons vying for the throne, and then grandsons. The one who became the victor imprisoned his brother here for 22 years...just in case, ya know.

The kids were up for all kinds of photo ops ;)

There was a nice big grassy area, and the kids played around for quite some time.

 There were a couple of teenage boys who decided to climb up the outside walls, and they got themselves stuck in one of those windows. Joe and Bert were gracious enough to help them down. I hope they learned their lesson ;)

Dolbadarn Castle was kind of an accidental visit for us. We were actually aiming for Dolwyddelan, but I'm glad we got to see Dolbadarn, because it was actually a little more impressive than Dolwyddelan, which we saw the next morning. Dolwyddelan was built by the same guy around the same time.

That was the end of our wonderful trip to Wales. I can't recommend Wales enough. Beautiful. Not crowded. You should go there. Really ;)

Wales Again, Part 1

I'm going to try and get these next posts out before we move....as opposed to doing something that I actually NEED to do, like clean my house to get ready for the movers tomorrow. Priorities people.

We decided to leave behind the chaos and stress of the move, and go on one final family trip. I couldn't think of anywhere better to go than to visit Joe's brother in England. It's been such a blessing to live so close to Bert and Adreann and their kids, and to get to spend so much time with them. We always enjoy our time with them so much.

Bert planned an amazing trip for us this time - camping in Northern Wales. You guys, it was amazing! Exactly what I needed. We flew into England on Tuesday morning, drove to their house, then finished loading up the vans, and we were on our way. Our campground, Trwyn yr Wylfa (which means watching point), was on the outskirts of the town Conwy.

We had a beautiful view of the sea on one side,

and mountains on the other,

and we were smack dab in the middle of farm land with cows and sheep all around.

 On the last day, Bert took the kids up the mountain If you zoom in on the picture below, you can see them right in the middle, almost to the top, following along behind some sheep.

They got an amazing view from the top.

We spent the rest of Tuesday setting up camp, eating dinner, and just hanging out.

The next day, Wednesday, we went into Conwy and to the castle there. Conwy castle and the town walls (which are surprisingly intact) were built by King Edward I between 1283-1289 (along with 3 other castles) as part of his conquest of Wales. Although, I think I remember reading that Edward only stayed in this castle once.

 

 Fantastic views from the top of the tower.

 The pedestrian only suspension bridge built in 1848.

 The chapel

Next we headed to Caernarfon Castle. This was another of King Edward I. This one, Conwy, and two other castles, plus the town walls, are all designated as a UNESCO World Heritage sight. Caernarfon castle was actually never complete, even though today it is on better condition than Conwy castle, and it became the capitol of the area. Edward II was also born here.

 Some of the kids got to practice their bow and arrow skills with this gentleman.

After we were castled out for the day, we went to the beach. The tide was out - WAY out. Seriously, it was quite a walk to get to the water. 

I was super surprised by how warm (not cold) the water was. Cora and I waded around a bit, collecting shells and checking out some marine life, but all the other kids jumped right in.

 Then the kids buried Joseph in the sand.

Except for Alex, because he was cold ;)

I think we got to bed early that night. We were all tuckered out....but ready for another amazing day in the morning.