What spectacular landscape is found in Northern
Wales. We wanted to end the trip in lovely countryside and we certainly
found it. Shown above is a scene from
Elan Valley.
On the way from Anglesey to Howey, we stopped by the
RSPB reserve at Yns-hir, near the coast. Wish we'd had more time
there.
After a ride through the mountains, some A and B roads, and over a mile
of "wiggly bits," we found
Brynhir Farm, a lovely ancient farmhouse turned B&B.
While Mrs. Nixon turned out lovely breakfasts, "the mister" ran the
farm.
Yes, with real cows.
This horse greeted us when we visited
Gigrin Farm to
see the Red Kites.
The large hide is at the bottom of rolling fields which become the
feeding station for the once-rare kites.
Out comes the tractor, with shovelfuls of raw chicken parts, at the same
time every day, adjusted for daylight time.
A few kites are seen as the hour approaches, but once the food is there
they fill the skies. Check out the video below.
Because the kites grab their food and eat while flying, it is
difficult to get good close-ups, but
this one and this one may
give you some idea.
Always the opportunists, Rooks, Crows and Ravens come in for the
leftovers.
Buzzards, which eat while standing, grab some food and take it out of
the main flight paths.
The sign said this was the way to Elan Valley, and our GPS agreed. It
was a narrow and window road,
as this video shows, and went
through at least two farm gates.
When we got to Elan Valley, we discovered a number of cars had also made
it, which didn't make sense to us,until we discovered the nicely paved
two-lane road that also came here.
The site is the center of a number of hiking trails through colorful
Welsh woods.
What a love setting for Nantgwyllt Church, parish of Cwmdauddwr,
which has regular services.
Llandrindodd Wells is full of Victorian era public buildings and has a
friendly, now volunteer, visitor center.
It was cool and crisp, a good day for a walk in the park.
The several wells in the park drew visitors from around the world at one
time.
The Chalybeate Spring water was to be drunk immediately, and was said to
help anemia and "general debility"
Our final vacation day was gray and rainy. How perfect for visiting Old
Radnor,which dates to the 13th centruy, with its looming
St.
Stephen's Church.
... charming village ...
... and atmospheric graveyard.
An interesting trio of grave stones.
Of course there was a cat. They seem to find us.
The church door was friendly and inviting, so we took a look inside.
This font looks ancient. It is believed to date back to the eighth
century.
Then it was time for lunch, with a pint of cider or stout.
And even though our suitcases seemed too heavy to buy anything, we
wanted to see Hay-on-Wye.
This small town has more than 30 secondhand and specialist booksellers,
which makes it a favorite with bibliophiles.
The "Honesty Bookshop" was tempting, Set completely surrounding the
large green at Hay Castle, you pay choose your books and just
put your money in the box.
Here is a video of the Red Kites at the Gigrin Farm Feeding Station. If
you're interested in seeing more, check out some of the others on
YouTube, esp. those shot on sunny days.
