Travel Journal
September 5, 2006
Great day with Jackie, Alan and Carol. Alan and Carol are brother and sister and are Owen’s cousins. Jackie is Alan’s wife. Off we went to Gower. There is 5500 acres of land on Gower owned by the National Trust. It has 3/4 of the Gower coast line (about 26 miles of raw beauty) in its jurisdiction and will be forever protected. Owen's cousins live on the Gower Peninsula in Bishopton and Three Crosses. On the way to Gower, we pass a large herd of wild ponies. It was explained that although not completely wild (they are privately owned), they are free to roam everywhere and anywhere. We lunched in Rhossili, the small village at the point of Gower. Camilla and Prince Charles came by helicopter last year to visit this spot and had scones in the same place we had lunch at the Rhossili Bar and Bistro. We strolled to the far point along the Vale but did not go out to Worms Head and were able to view Tears Point, Tall Bay, Mewslade Bay and the Rectory and in the distance it’s burial chamber. The Warren, the beach and Bury Holms and back across Rhossili Down. We then walked the headlands above Three Cliffs.
It's gorgeous here. The weather has been cloudy and we had some rain but it didn't make a difference. I dreamt of walking on the cliffs paths and headlands of Wales and my dreams have come true. It truly is amazing. One of the loveliest places on earth.
‘Tea’ this evening was a carvery dinner at Olchfa House and we were joined by Marion (Alan and Carol’s mother), Robert and Victoria (Alan and Jackie’s children), David (Carol’s husband) and Mitchell and Kirstie (Carol and David’s children). We had a choice of ham, turkey or beef and Yorkshire pudding and all of the potatoes and veggies (small choice) you wanted. A typical North American buffet but without the fresh salads and fruits.
Nadine and Owen
taking pictures, collecting ephemera and 'lugging baggage with a smile'
August 30, 2006
It's our first day of ‘socked in’ rain today. It doesn't look too promising. We drove from Killorgin (Ring of Kerry) to Dingle in hopes that we would drive to the far end of the Peninsula when it clears but we will see what the day brings. It's only noon and anything can happen in Ireland. When describing the weather, they say "wait 5 minutes".
Yesterday was fabulous. We drove the Ring of Kerry in full sunshine and the scenery was spectacular. Long white sandy beaches, aqua waters, seaside cliffs, mountains, lakes, Gap of Dunloe, meandering rivers and gentle waterfalls. And ofcourse, we can't forget the forts (dating back as far as the 13th and 14th century) and the castles.
We are still enjoying the craic. Ofcourse. And the odd Guiness. The music is wonderful.
A typical older Irish fellow coming out of the bar in Killorgin says to me "ello miss, ats a beeteful smile ye be avin". Well something like that. Pretty special.
From the Emerald Isles
It's gorgeous here. The weather has been cloudy and we had some rain but it didn't make a difference. I dreamt of walking on the cliffs paths and headlands of Wales and my dreams have come true. It truly is amazing. One of the loveliest places on earth.
August 30, 2006
