Flintshire 2 - Whitford /a dragon beacon/St Cwyfans Stone/and a rusting ship

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Today was going to be a special day. We were heading out to pick up our girl Gabby and go out for a ride in her. The first real trip out since last September when we took her to Northumbria. The sun was shining . It was the warmest March day for years. Gabby was locked away in her home for the winter. We felt a sense of real pleasure to be free to travel . Even if this was only in Wales . We felt pleased to be able to put the code into the lock on the gate and open up the gate. Gabby had lain forlorn for so long. We opened her up and stood inside her. The first thing I tried was the control for the lithium battery . The engine battery was at 13.7 so no problem there. She should start first time . The leisure battery was full. 100% topped up even by the low winter sun. It was a lovely feeling to stand there and look around her. Hopefully soon we would be able to bring her home.

We belted up and started her up. Our first stop had to be the petrol station . Gabby was running on fumes . She had not been filled for months . She is a thirsty old girl and it always takes time to fill her up. Once filled we headed off for the neighbouring county of Flintshire . We had sat with the computer on our knee last night trying to find a place or places to visit . Not too far as it was our first trip out and Gabby is a heavy girl to drive. We had found three places to visit . Number one a red dragon made of metal . Built on top of a hill near Holywell it was used as a beacon . It overlooked the estuary of the River Dee . It shouldnt be hard to find should it ?

Why is it some days that trips don't quite work out ? We found the road to the beacon and had found on Google EArth somewhere to park . What we had not bargained for was roadworks . The whole road was closed off and we could not get down the road we needed . We drove to the end of the road , turned round and tried from the other direction . We failed miserably and had to give up, We were not going to be able to view the River Dee as it entered the sea . We would not see the Wirral on the other side and would not see the beacon which was lit for special occaisions. The same River Dee that we walked up alongside at Bangor last night .

When you fail with idea number one you sometimes have to just give up and move to idea number 2. This was an ancient cross in a field just outside of Mostyn . We had never heard of it before and only found it after searching which CADW properties were open locally . This one was open only because it was in the middle of a field with no infrastructure and best of all itwas free . On the way we passed the rusting hulk of the SS Duke of Lancaster which was once a railway passenger ship that operated throughout Europe between from 1956 to 1979.

The ship weights in at 4450 tons and could accomodate 1800 passengers in its heyday on the Heysham to Belfast route and as a cruise ship calling in at ports from Spain to Norway. Sadly times changed and with it the ship became obsolete. It became a fun ship with slot machines and arcade games until the machines were bought and stripped from the ship . Now its a floating art gallery . Graffiti art - the hulk is now a floating canvas. Sadly again road works prevented us getting a close up of the ship and the graffiti on its sides . Perhaps another day.

We did eventually manage to park up at Maen Achwyfan . St Cwythans Stone . But before climbing the gate to get a closer look we stopped on the grass to put the kettle on and make a drink . It felt strange putting the gas on and lighting the small rings . The kettle was filled with water and it was left to boil whilst I cooked bacon for a much fancied bacon sandwich . Sitting at the table we realised just how much we had missed our trips out in Gabby . Could we go in hotels now? Probably not , They dont give you the freedom of motorhoming . The tea tasted better in the van . The bacon sandwich much tastier . Everything seemed to fall into place . We opened the roof light to let in some of the sunshine and fresh air . That had stuck fast over winter . It needed some coxing to get it open . After our feast we walked over to the gate which led to the field . On a pole was a small sign telling us the history of the stone . It told us the stone was particularly fine and was still in situ . It was protected by railings to prevent damage by agricultural machinery and cattle . It was erected around the year 1000 AD and is heavily influenced by Viking art . How it has remained in this position and in this condition amazed us? We felt humbled standing in front of the stone which had seen pilgrims pass by , many a plague, many a battle and so much history . It made us feel small as it towered above us at 3.4 metres tall. It is an early Christian slab cross engraved on all sides . It is reputed to be the tallest Slab cross in Wales .

Walking round the monument we could see human figures standing on serpents which are associated with Odin , a three legged horse again connected to Odin . There is celtic X pattern work which was mesmerising . How someone carved this geometric pattern so beautifully is hard to imagine but carve it they did. With the sun shining down on us we just stood there and took in every inch of the carving . A figure holding a spear , knotwork and chainwork. Some eroded more than others .,

There is as always folklore and legend attached to such a monument . The stone is sometimes called the Stone of Lamentation possibly because penances were carried out during the Middle AGes . Pilgrims may have stopped here on their way from St Winifreds Well and St Davids - The pilgrims way . A box on the gatepost was filled with a stamp which could be used to stamp a card showing a modern day pilgrim had passed by . Legend also suggests that St Cwyfan a 7th century Celtic saint preached at the site and set up the cross . Even Queen Boudica gets a mention . Folklore suggests she fought her last battle against Romans close by in the fields called Cydio ar Leni or in English The Fields of the seizing legions. There once was a chapel here set up by the monks of Basingwerk Abbey. So many stories . How many were true ? The Cross wasn't going to tell us that was for sure . No matter how long we stood there it would still hold its secrets close .

Our third choice for a place to stop over was Talacre . A parking place had been found and we planned to walk along the dunes to the lighthouse at Point of Air . The lighthouse long disused had been used in the Dulux paint adverts when the Dulux dog raced across the beach in front of the lighthouse . Good plan . Bad idea . The road up the headland was heaving with people . A complete change from the peace and quiet of the cross in its rural location . The chip shop was closed but people were finding food to buy somewhere . The bakery was open and doing a roaring trade . The car park full . No room for a car let alone a big girl like Gabby. We had to turn round and give up on the lighthouse . It was time to head home.

The first day out of 2021 over and done with . And what a day it had been . Gabby had a top up of LPG before we dumped her back at Emral Gardens . Hopefully by the end of next month she will be back where she belongs on our drive and we will be able to use her more often . Once home it was back to the drawing board - where shall we go next ?

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Comments

[Home and Away]

Pleased to see that you finally reconnected with Gabby.
I noted the North Wales Pilgrim Trail marker.

[JenGog]

pilgrims way
Thought you might like it Bob . There was a little box on the gate with the stamp inside ready for passing pilgrims .