Wales

Image by MomentaryShutter via Flickr

Sat. Oct. 10

Everywhere we looked on our drive to Dolgellau (where Bryn's grandfather hails from), we saw sheep, sheep and more sheep - including a token black one now and again!
We took as many pictures of the beautiful scenes before us as often as we were able, unfortunately we found that the roads were terribly narrow and for the most part did not have pullovers so as to allow people to take photos. We visited the Cymer Abbey ruins which was pretty neat. There was a beautiful little river and bridge nearby where we met a very nice local couple and their new puppy Buddy - who had recently returned from a vacation to Canada!
In Barmouth, a coney island sort of town - we had a lovely lunch in a quaint little nautical themed restaurant and then went on to visit the spectacular Harlech Castle - which was remarkably well preserved. We were able to explore up and down stairs and round and around the various towers. It was quite an experience! On the drive back to the hotel - we decided to stop at Dolgellau once again for dinner - as earlier we'd seen a few promising restaurants. We quickly learned however, that you needed to make reservations at the restaurants at least 2 days ahead.... Who knew it was such a happening sort of place?!!

Sun. Oct. 11

Off on our return drive to London, we stopped at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff, where we had a yummy lunch and could watch the tour boats taking tourists out for a ride in the bay. Finally got into London about 6pm, dropped Bryn off, checked into the Novotel Hotel St Pancras, returned the car (yay!) and back to the hotel for a good night's sleep!