Dolgoch Falls ~ 2 Nov 2002

Today was parked the car at Dolgoch Falls station (the Talyllyn Railway) and walked up to the beautiful Dolgoch waterfalls. Because of all the rain in the past week the falls were at full blast. This area has a lot of old mine shafts ~ why the railway was built. The autumn colours are just magnificent.

Centre for Alternative Technology ~ 1 Nov 2002

I visited the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) today. Extremely overpriced at 7 pounds. The village was established in 1975 and aims to inspire, inform and enable people to live an alternative lifestyle in an environmentally friendly manner. I felt the displays were a bit run down and outdated. The inspiration was there and I did enjoy the ride in the water powered cliff railway.

Powis Castle ~ 31 Oct 2002

One of the things that has made our journey so much nicer has been our New Zealand Historic Places membership card. With this card we've been able to get into many National Trust properties free of charge.

Today we visited Powis Castle near Welshpool. The castle held an impressive display of Indian works of art and treasures collected by Clive of India. The castle was built ca 1200 and perched romantically on a rocky outcrop. Inside held a collection of interesting furniture and paintings, but because of the lighting or should I say 'lack of lighting' everything felt very dark, gloomy and a bit oppressive.

The garden made up for the interior gloominess by it's beautiful terraced Italian and French style garden overhung by enormous clipped yew trees. Once again the autumn colours were breathtaking.

Happy ~ 30 Oct 2002

This afternoon we drove into a near by village called Machynlleth. This town houses many artists, potters, organic and alternative lifestylers.

We had afternoon tea in a pleasant organic cafe. We are feeling very relaxed and happy to be away from our previous situation in Cornwall.

Harlech Castle ~ 29 Oct 2002

Today we explored. Driving along the B4405 was just lovely. Tay-y-Llyn Lake, then onto an interested town called Dolgellau, Barmoth ~ all just so beautiful. Every thing is golden in colour, gold, yellow, amber, orange. Our destination is Harlech Castle.

Harlech is one of the most magnificently sited of all the Weslh castles, views of Cardigan Bay, the Lleyn Peninsula and inland the mountains of Snowdona and the Cader Idris range. Harlech is a castle of Edward I. Building started in 1283 and completed only seven years later. It was thought impregnable, but was taken in 1404 by the army of Owain Glyndower who established his court here until his family was taken prisoner four years later.

On the way home we stopped at Castell y Bere. This is an ancient Welsh castle ruins ~ a mountain fortress of Prince Llewelyn. Wales is such a glorious country, very proud of it's culture, history, people and natural beauty.

Tywyn ~ 28 Oct 2002

Tywyn is a the base of Snowdonia National Park. It's a very quiet town but the people are very friendly. The Welsh language is a normal part of daily life along with big round smiling faces. The holiday home we are staying in is very modest, but contains everything we need to have a very comfortable stay here. We feel very lucky.

Driving to Wales ~ 27 Oct 2002

We stayed over night in a B&B in Bideford, Devon. I really enjoy staying in B&Bs. They are always so comfortable and it feels like you are staying at someones home for the night.

We drove through Exmoor National Park. Very beautiful. We nearly looked at a job in Minehead when we first arrived. It would have been a nice place to explore.

Heading for Bristol, driving over the Severn Bridge into Wales, driving past Cardiff and Swansea on the motorway, it was very exciting. Getting off the motorway we experiences the beautiful Welsh countryside in full autumn colours. It was glorious.

Good-bye Cornwall ~ 26 Oct 2002

We have packed all our belongings and are now heading for Wales. Not sad to leave the cafe work and the flat behind. We have a big trip ahead of us so we have taken the top off by leaving today at 4.30 and travelling as far as we can before it gets dark. We are feeling very excited.

Camel Trail ~ 22 Oct 2002

I gave up work two weeks a go, I was over working long hours and Ian and I decided it was better for me to finish up earlier than planned. To keep myself occupied while Ian has been at work I've been walking and exploring in and around St Merryn. It's been a very pleasant place during the 'off season'.

With our time coming to an end in Cornwall I thought I had better explore the locally famous Camel Trail. The Camel Trail is a path from Padstow to Wadebridge a 5 1/4 mile trip one way. This walking/cycling track has been converted from a disused railway track. It runs for 17 miles from Padstow to Bodmin. Incomparable with the Rimutaka Incline and not quite as interesting, there isn't a lot of rail remains left of a once busy railway. The line was opened in 1899 and closed in 1967.

The river Camel derives it's name from the old Cornish language. Cam = Crooked, Hayle = Estuary "The Crooked River".

It was a very beautiful trip, a birdwatchers paradise. Being autumn there were many herons, little egret, oyster catchers and gulls. The leaves were turning and the wild blackberries were at their peak. A time to relax and embrace this beautiful countryside.