Wales 2014

WALES August 2014
If an agronomist then Aberystwyth is synonymous with grassland research being the location of world recognized grassland study.  Although there was little point in trying to locate any of the researchers in holiday time it was satisfying just to have driven through the town.

Even one of the pubs was named "The Varsity".

Otherwise the town is a typically attractive seaside location.

Wales was certainly a castle place and we visited two.  First Harlech Castle on the coast in the Tremadog Bay.  Built on a rocky outcrop that at the time it was built had a sea frontage but now there has been accretion leaving flats and sand hills out to the sea.  On the landward side was a moat and drawbridge which had been located as shown in this view..

Away from the drawbridge can be seen how the wall were built on the natural rock foundation. The quality of building was remarkable and the walls so true.

From within the courtyard the view back to the gate towers.

The tower gives a commanding view of the countryside.

The view over the expansive fertile silt flats to the north in the lower Vale of Conwy.

 Also above other occupants.

The Castle latrines exited down the sie of the castle near where the moat disappeared over the bluff to the sea.  Did it add to the defenses?

A few photographs of the various faces of Wales.  Here well managed fields.

Here again up the Dyfi Valley.

These paddocks along the coast where they were almost all enclosed by maintained stone walls.

Sometimes buildings adjoined busy roads.

No not London.  Usk on the Welsh coast with the wedding bus...

...which also takes pride in its street gardens here and below...

...in this street view.

We are not yet done with Castles.  This one administered by the National Trust that maintains many heritage buildings and sites.

Chirk Castle near the north east Welsh border with England.

A very tidy property that is fully maintained.

Trust volunteers (lower left), some a bit eccentric, do an excellent job providing tours and commentary.

 Home cooked dinner beside a stream at the very pleasant B&B on our first night in Wales.

We were aware that some place names in Wales were a bit difficult to pronounce but not aware that the Welsh language is also widely used on signage but said to be understood by less than 20% of the inhabitants.  This is an extreme example outside a very good shop selling teas and ice cream.  If one ventured around the back of the sign it was written in the English language.  Turned out to be a simple sign for ice cream.
However to add to the confusion all road signs have dual language and most are partially covered with vegetation., other signs or buildings.  It was good to leave this aspect of Wales behind.  More on road signs later.