Llandygai, Wales 10 October - 18 October

Tuesday 11th October
Arrived at our new sit on the afternoon of the 9th, driving from our holiday let near Cheltenham   https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p1672240

The house is a cosy but spacious semi detached cottage in the village which is right outside the gates to Penryn Castle. Inside it is full of an eclectic range of furniture, books and a lifetime's collection of ornaments, paintings and artefacts from what looks like many travels to various parts of the globe, particularly Africa. I could spend weeks poking around the bookshelves and years reading. Every corner offers a new delight and with that knack of a true collector, every item no matter how diverse seems to fit with its surroundings.

Today we made the most of the early sunshine and went to Angelsey, starting off at the very long breakwater at Holyhead and trying to work out what the distant land masses must be.

pier at Holyhead

then we continued on to see the lighthouse at South Stack


before returning to Plas Newydd and being lucky enough to spot 2 red squirrels on our meander around the garden.


Wednesday 12th October
Spent the morning getting stuck into the new terms' work then headed off to the walled town of Conwy.
Parked across the river in Llandudno and walked across the bridge towards the castle.
Found the entrance to the walls and followed the circuit of the town.

Returning to the beach front we investigate the local fish and chips and enjoy them seagull free thanks for the protecting presence of Bwana.

Thursday 13th October

drove across to Angelsey to visit the town with the longest place name in the world then went round to Beaumaris and walked along the coastal path.  Very cold wind on the cliffs but not so bad down along the shore.  Still much too cold to be wearing shorts and thongs as we did see someone doing!

Returned to the village for car boot picnic lunch and a wander around the village, visiting Castle Bookshop for a copy of Robinson Crusoe for Holly and some snacks from the bakery.

Friday
got cracking with the last of the week's school work, Aaron went into Bangor for a haircut and the kids and I took Bwana for a big walk.

Saturday 15 October

Headed into Chester to walk the city walls and see the black and white half timbered buildings.
Arriving at the town we locate a car park and the kindly woman in the booth allows us in for free, then comes out to help us with directions.

We have downloaded an app to help us explore the walls, so we set off in the direction of them and follow them around the town, following the app activities as we go.  There appears to be plague proportions of lady beetles along the walls in a huge variety of shades and colours.

Just after passing the roman ampitheatre

we descend to have a look around the town centre, first stopping to buy some mini doughnuts as the smell is irresistable as we come down the stairs.

Busy here on a Saturday afternoon.
After exploring the main street we continue back to the walls, stopping off by the Cathedral.

Chester Cathedral

In the Cathedral grounds there is a falconry centre and we are able to view the display from the walls, where a recalcitrant hawk is refusing to return to the lure.

Sunday 16 October
Spent the morning on Conwy Morfa beach having some fun with Bwana. Tide was in which left little room on the shore for walking.

Then we went further around to Rhos on Sea for a walk along the promenade where we could see the Gwynt y Mor wind farm before returning home for a late lunch.

Having worn out Bwana, we safely left him at home while we walked across to Penryn Castle.  National Trust owned, the guides were friendly and as always extremely knowledgable.  The building is certainly an exercise in extravagance.

Gwynt y Mor wind farm 13km off Llandudno in Conwy county. Gwynt-y-Mor covers an area of 80 sq km

the lodge gate

Monday 17 October

Drove to Llanberis to visit the national slate museum.
Very cold here near the lake but that doesn't stop Bwana deciding that a swim is in order when Aaron inadvertently gives him permission to enter by skimming a stone.

Spend an informative if cold morning investigating all the museum has to offer, including the massive water wheel that powered everything on site, and the slate splitting demonstration.

Leaving Llanberis we drive back towards Caernarfon for some lunch and a look through the Castle.

Tuesday 18 October

Pack up day. Usual routine of packing and cleaning. By 11.30 we are organised and some school work has been done so the kids and Aaron walk across to Penryn to look at the trains on display which we ran out of time to see the other day. When they return we take Bwana for a final big walk while we wait for Antonia to land back from her holiday.
We set off just before 3.30 for our trip down to Worcester. Due to bad traffic on the M6, it is after 7 when we finally arrive, and Rob our host is very helpful in guiding us in and welcoming us.
A quick meal of pasta and garlic flat bread (Morrisons of course) and it is bed time.