Wales

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Hi all! Sorry about the lack of a post yesterday, but I couldn't get the wifi here to work, but figured it out this morning, so we're good to go.

The drive to Wales was a bit hairy at first, but I finally figured out the three-lane highway system. The far left lane is for the really slow drivers (under 65 mph). The middle lane is 65 to 75 mph, and the 'fast' lane is everything over 100. Pretty much sums that up.

Thanks to the GPS lady, I found my new destination easily. It is up in the hills of Wales. Beautiful, beautiful Wales. Very green, lots of plants (they are ALWAYS mowing the sides of the roads here. They even have this huge machine that mows tall bushes. Pretty interesting) and lots of sheep....everywhere.

I am staying at an old farmstead that my hosts, Colin and Jackie Rouse have lovingly restored. You can see the old stone walls and huge timbers that keep the roof up. Lots of fireplaces no longer in use. My hosts are amazing in that they believe in sustainable tourism, so everything is pretty much from their backyard or the local co-op. They have chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. The turkeys come right up to you, the ducks waddle away, and the geese honk. Lovely. I'm the only guest here at this time so I have the whole upstairs to myself with a beautiful sitting room.

After a wonderful breakfast I headed up the road to Llangathen and to te Aberglasney Gardens. It was gorgeous! I never thought of using parsley as a trim around a garden walk, but it looks lovely. I recognized many variety of flowers from Colorado, but on steroids. Nasturtiums taller than myself. Pretty amazing.

I then spent the rest of the afternoon walking around The Newton House (imagine Downton Abbey) and Dinefwr Castle. I walked through sheep pastures between the two. My photo is of the Newton House from the top of DinefeCastle ruins are amazing. I wish the stones could talk. Imagine the stories they could tell us! The castle is surrounded by a beautiful forest with some of Wales oldest trees. Some trees are buried in moss and ivy and are so gorgeous. It is not hard to imagine fairies and gnomes living in such places.

After a plain meal I headed home to the farm. I have decided that driving in Wales is like driving those little go-karts up at Estes where you just put your foot down and twirl around the curves. Zoom! I'm obviously feeling better about driving. And the people here actually smile and laugh. All is well except I miss my chums Basil and Parsey (my two Bassette Hounds). They would love it here. Lots of squirrels and sheep to chase. :o) Love to all, and good night.

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Comments

[Dave]

Your travels - enjoying riding along with you.
Hi Lori, Pat is forwarding your blog links to me. Glad you are having fun. Dave

[Hen Again Mama]

Nice post today, Lori!
We're leaving for Ireland in a week! Glad to hear you are already getting comfortable driving on the opposite side of the road. We can use the encouragement!

[Tracee]

your day
I have to say that I am enjoying your daily entries. I have a trip to London, Scotland, and Ireland planned for next August, and am writing down some of the places that you have been so we can go there too!