Portmeirion, Harlech Castle and Roman Bridges

Carpe Diem! The sun is shining and the promise is only for the morning. But first I thought you would like to see our 750 square foot slate miners cottage. You won't find this location in Rick Steve's travel books however its cozy, warm with a coal stove, well appointed and adequate for our wanderings through Snowdonia. These locations are very popular with the English foot path walkers but I don't think you will find many Americans. Foot path walking is very popular. Foot paths crisis-cross the entire United Kingdom and common law states that as long as walkers stay on the paths they can have total assess to private property. Stone walls have interesting stone features to enable walkers to step over the walls.

Across from our row houses.  

Slate - Its used for everything. As you will see the Roman's used it in their buildings also.

Today's adventure took us on a 25 mile winding road trip to the coast to see the village of Portmeirion. You have probably heard of their pottery. The village is the dream of architect Clough Williams-Ellis. He wanted to demonstrate that you could build a beautiful place without spoiling the landscape. I'm sure in 1925, coming out of the height of the industrial age that was a unique thesis. 

With a bit gaudy Italianate style the buildings are truly unique in the area. The gardens are lovely and the village glistened in the sunshine. It definitely serves as a tribute to one man's passion. 

A student art class field trip to sketch the village.

Tidal flats in the estuary

Look out fellows, the gray squirrel police will be coming to get you! 

We then headed along the coast to our next stop as Castle Harlech. The Castle was built by king Edward I in the 1200's in only 5 years as a defense against the local Welsh lords. Monty Python fans will remember King Edward when he put his hand on his wimpy son and said "someday all this will be yours", The son's reply was "What the curtains? I don't want the curtains". The castle changed hands a few times but eventually King Edward subdued the Welsh , killing their lords and sending their families to the tower of London. The heir to the British throne has since been named "The Prince of Wales" and yes, he does get the curtains. 

Dinosaur eggs in a castle? No these are seige-balls. Sounds like something to go with dip. No, during a castle seige they were placed in catapults and heaved at the Castle walls where they have stayed for 900 years..

Our last stop was on the way home to our cottage in the little town we are staying in. This is a slate bridge over a stream that was made by the Roman's in circa 300AD. It still stands today but thankfully it has metal railings on the sides so you don't drive in the stream.

Back to our cottage to stoke the coal fire for the night and a snack. Wallace and Gromit fans will appreciate the cheese I bought in Hawes England, in James Herriot country- Wensleydale. I'll close tonight's post on Julie's assessment of the BBC weather reports each night.

"I think the weathermen each day puts several folded pieces of paper in a jar. One piece says "showers", one says "rain", one says "windy", one says "cloudy", one says "some sunshine". They shake it up each day and throw them down on a table. Whichever order they pick them up becomes the weather for the day."