A brisk walk along the Welsh Coastal Path today from Aberdaron to St Marys Well. The heather and Gorse still in vibrant bloom as we made our way along the path that the ancient pilgrims traversed to their spiritual destination, Bardsey Island. The well is a fresh water spring at the foot of Mynydd Mawr (Big Mountain) along the craggy cliff side. At high tide it is underwater! (see the frothing sea below it, it is surrounded by vibrant viridian weed growth. Here in this vale was the end of the long journey for the pilgrims making their way to Bardsey Island the home of 20,000 saints. They would partake their last drink of delicious water from one of the holiest wells here before embarking on
Last weekend a "Walkabout" along the iconic massif Cader Idris, a classic landform of glacial erosion that looms above Cardigan Bay in North Wales. The 19th century Victorian traveller George Borrows wandered into Wales and walked through the country, seduced by the Welsh language and wrote his report in his book “Wild Wales” first published in 1862. Poets for generations have revered the Snowdonia hills and mountains and recently the words of one of our greatest Welsh poets R.S Thomas in his work “The Small Window” “In Wales there are jewels To gather, but with the eye Only. A hill lights up Suddenly; a field trembles With colour and goes out In its turn; in one day You can witness t
A visit to the Cistercian Abbey at Tintern on the banks of the river Usk, South Wales. Construction began in 1131 and with the dissolution of the monasteries and abbeys in 1536 by Henry VIII all the leaded roofs were removed and sold. One of our guests trying out the Welsh triple harp at the Sospan Fach restaurant in Dolgellau. The building was erected as a parish hall in 1606. Enjoying the flower gardens at Bute City Park in Cardiff behind the castle.
A visit to Whitesands Beach, Pembrokshire, South Wales to visit the site of St Patricks Chapel and Christian cemetery (5th-10th century AD). Here at this site is where Patrick was kidnapped by Irish pirates and transported to Ireland at the early age of 16 for six years during the fifth century. After escaping Patrick made his way back to Wales and vowed to return to Ireland as a missionary. Excavation of the site at present has discovered 85 burials. Radiocarbon dates suggest that burial activity begun before the 6th century. Across the street from our hotel in Tenby and the beach below the esplanade.
Newfoundland jig after finally seeing Puffins, Bulls Bay, Newfoundland! Home cooked supper at our Guest House on Change Islands.Taking a break above the Tickle at Newtown, often referred as the "Venice of the North"! Diane Davis our presenter in Gander and portrayed as Beulah Davis in the Broadway Musical “Come From Away” telling the story of the day that thirty eight planes unexpectedly brought 7000 people into her small town of Gander. The film depicts human kindness in the darkest of times and the power of love over hate. Don’t miss it!
Coffee stop in Llandudno and under the castle in Criccieth, North Wales. Last night we were serenaded by the Cor Meibion Dwyfor, a Welsh Male voice choir singing next to the Bryn Hir Pub at the seaside town of Criccieth under a full moon. After the singing we were joined by Hefin Jones, Bryn Terfel’s father who sings in the local choir. We hummed the melodies of the choir as we walked back to our hotel along the moonlit streets and next to the shore of Cardigan Bay.
We are saddened by the passing of our friend Mark Montinaro who presented to us at the Boat House in Laughrne. Marks recitation of Dylan Thomas work was masterful and he will be greatly missed by all whose presence he touched. Mark Montinaro 1960-2019.
On the deck behind the Karma Kafe in Newtown, Newfoundland, an outport fishing community on the north eastern corner the island. Florence Cross a retired teacher is the creator of this amazing institution that is owned by her students and young friends “Building Bridges Youth Theater Group” that invested their profits from a theater production. The home cooked food is prepared with love and kindness, the pies are made daily with local berries! Arriving by ferry on the MV Veteran to Change Islands. Sitting on deck with our host Beulah Oaks.
Welsh Highland Railway, Snowdonia. Walking the Welsh Coastal Path. Cader Idris summit at sunrise and Cnicht, considered the Welsh Matterhorn with slate fence in foreground!
