Our full day adventure with Uncle Ray, started at Beaumaris Castle in the town of the same name. We are now back on the Island of Anglesey this day. What a scenic town it is. With a splendid castle. The only castle we have seen on our journeys that still has a moat around it.
Beaumaris Castle was one of the 'Iron Ring' North Wales castles that King Edward I built....however, it is unfinished. The money and supplies ran out. Although I would not be able to tell if I didn't already know that.
It is regarded as one of the finest of his castle built in Wales. Begun in 1295, it was the last of the 'Iron Ring' castles.
'Beau marais' means 'fair marsh.' It is built in a very scenic area with mountain back drops on one side and river views on the other.
Ok...so....before you climb anything, including stairs, at the castle, read these signs.....bird attack?
The lighting hits it in so many interesting ways. This is the entrance and the slots are for pouring 'ouchy stuff ' (tar etc.) on top of intruders. Not pretty.
This is a 'handsome' castle rather than a foreboding or intimidating one. It is lovely to view and wander through.
Very steep stairs...almost climbing a ladder. Guess that is what the signs meant?
Off to the store for some souvenirs of the castle. Sheep Poo? Really?
Read all about it and order online.....if you dare?
Looks like an ordinary shopping centre? But no way....THIS is were Kate Middleton did her shopping. If you ever saw the picture of her 'riding' her shopping cart through the parking lot, when they lived in Anglesey? This is were it was.
I would have remained here all day, if they hadn't moved to Kensington Palace? She had to shop some time......
The famous Menai Suspension Bridge. Linking the Island of Anglesey and mainland Wales together. Built in 1826 it was the first modern suspension bridge in the world.
The view is gorgeous.
Not sure the name of this spectacular lake and view....Ray just made a few twists and turns in a wee little village and viola! Spectacular view.
And a scenic stone bridge to sit quietly by....
The National Slate Museum in Llanberis.
Dinorwig Quarry below closed in 1969. The museum is designed as if they just picked up and walked away. Everything is as it was.
A slate demonstration by a very funny Welsh man. He designed and gave this slate heart to wee Debbie.
The incredible Water Wheel built in 1870 still works. It is massive.
Another demonstration of slate splitting which is an art in itself. The slate that was mined here is 500 million years old! We brought some home!!!
The cost to visit the National Slate Museum? It is free!
Off to a wee village with a name that only Ray could say.....it has 27 letters in it!
This town is famous for its long name.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysiliogogogoch.
I am not kidding.....this is the really name and below is the train station sign,
......the Volvo Car Dealership sign.......
......and the Railway building with the name on it!
The translation is this:
'St. Mary's Church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio of the red cave.'
They do have a short form they use 'Llanfair PG.'
How precious is this wild goat? As Ray pulled up to this beautiful view of mountains and river, I didn't even seen the goat until the last minute!
Snowdonia National Park has 838 square miles of the most stunning scenery I have ever seen. And we only drove through part of it. Six million visitors come every year. Many to climb the rugged landscape that you see in the photos below.
The mountains have boulders that look like someone placed them there. Or precariously are perched waiting to roll! Unbelievable.
This boulder or should I say, part of the mountain looks like it is leaning on the hydro pole!
I wonder if the rocks behind the car were there when he parked? Hmmmm.....
The Ugly House.
This is the actual name of this well known 15th century cottage, now a tea room in Snowdonia National Park.
I think it is a lovely stone building.
Coming into our lovely Conwy town, with incredible green, vast pastures......what a day!
I have spent the last three months trying to get pictures of sheep. Well I did great getting babies and grown sheep photos recently. The 'black sheep' photo has been difficult to find. But...not a great photo, however the two wee dark spots on the green pasture below are two black sheep! Success!! Kind of....I will keep trying!
Back home after a long day. A fantastic adventure with Ray. He is exhausted...heading home for dinner and bed he says. Deb and I are happy and quite tired as well.
A view from the terrace at Alan's B&B outside the walls of the castle, but with the view of a tower.
Awwwww.....Loving it!!!
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