We really had fun when we got to Bangor, just across the water from Anglesey Island. Bangor is where Rowan's dad went to university back in the 1950's. As we drove into town, we said we needed to run an errand before we went across the bridge to Beaumaris, Anglesey and our B&B. We found our way to the train station where we surprised mum and dad by picking up Rowan's sister Alex, who had come in from Sheffield, England. It was all very fun to see how surprised Rowan's dad and mum were when they saw Alex (they had no idea she would join us).
It took only seconds for Rowan and Alex to start poking at each other once we stopped the car and went into the B&B. Goof balls!
Soon after we got settled in the B&B, hunger pains were upon us. Alex, Rowan and I went a few doors down the street and found a pub with fish and chips. YUM! Sooo......our host at the B&B, Richard, just happened to be sitting having a glass of wine in the pub. He said they have great fish and chips here and if we tell them we are staying with him, they will let us take the plates and silverware down the street (they don't normally do take away meals), as long as we bring them back in the morning. Brilliant! We LOVE this town! :o) So, we had a pint while we waited for them to prepare everything, and then off we went. We used mum & dad's suitcase as a table.
So, as we went through the town I had to have Rowan stop at the train station so I could get the name on video for everyone. It is impossible to get the whole word in a photo because it is so long, so here is the video...........
And, here is the english translation. I just love Wales.............
Llanddwyn Beach: This beach has received a Blue Flag and Seaside Award. These awards recognize beaches that are well managed and have excellent standards of cleanliness, safety and water quality. You can pick up the 125 mile Anglesey Coastal Path from this beach. This path circles the entire island. By walking the entire path you will ascend an amazing 13,695 feet. http://www.visitanglesey.co.uk/en-GB/anglesey_coastal_path-103.aspx
The weather sign as we hit the path to the beach. In Welsh and English, of course.
There were beautiful, smooth rocks all over the beach. Perfect for skipping and stacking.
As we walked down the beach, we came upon a huge area of these piles of strings of sand. It must be some little crab, or worm that does this. We never could find the creature that was the source of this curious thing (and believe me, I dug for them :o). It was very strange indeed.
some beautiful yellow lichen on the rocks.
After a couple of hours on Llanddwyn Beach, we hopped back in the car and went further around the island to Holyhead and South Stack Cliffs. http://www.birdforum.net/opus/South_Stack_Cliffs
There is a huge array of sea birds, sea life, butterflies and wild flowers here. I took this video from the top of the cliffs looking down on a huge colony of Razorbill Gannets and Gulls. We didn't find any Puffins at this location.
Here are some of the Gannets nesting on the cliffs.
Close up of the lighthouse.
One of our favorite wild flowers on the cliffs- Wild Angelica.
A little more coming from Anglesey and then we are off to Sheffield, so stay tuned..........
It took only seconds for Rowan and Alex to start poking at each other once we stopped the car and went into the B&B. Goof balls!
Getting a serious photo of the two of them wasn't easy! :o)
A little background about Anglesey and Beaumaris:
Besides being the current home of Prince William and Kate Middleton (William is stationed here in the RAF, Royal Air Force, as a search and rescue helicopter pilot) this place has some interesting history.
Here on a marsh in 1295 King Edward I ordered the construction of the last and technically most perfect of his four most formidable castles to dominate North Wales. It's all so medieval! In the process he established what, for many centuries, would become the principal town of Anglesey and chief port of North Wales.
Our B&B was pretty much OURS when we got there. There are only three rooms in the house, so we had them all. A very comfortable and quaint place called Churchbank.
Besides being the current home of Prince William and Kate Middleton (William is stationed here in the RAF, Royal Air Force, as a search and rescue helicopter pilot) this place has some interesting history.
Here on a marsh in 1295 King Edward I ordered the construction of the last and technically most perfect of his four most formidable castles to dominate North Wales. It's all so medieval! In the process he established what, for many centuries, would become the principal town of Anglesey and chief port of North Wales.
Our B&B was pretty much OURS when we got there. There are only three rooms in the house, so we had them all. A very comfortable and quaint place called Churchbank.
Alex and mum in the window of mum & dad's suite.
The map of Beaumaris. You can see the town is about the size of 7 castles. The castle is on the map, to the right of center.
A view of Beaumaris from the main pier. The wind is blowing out on the pier, so the sound on the video is kinda choppy.
The castle and moat.
This is my kind of downtown!
Crispy, crunchy perfectly cooked haddock fillet with chips and mushy peas.
Next morning having our proper full breakfast......
.......poached egg, sausages, rasher of bacon, mushrooms and cooked tomato.
After our delicious breakfast we headed off for a day trip to Newborough and Llanddwyn Beach. On the way to the beach, we will pass through a town that has the longest name in the world. When Rowan's dad was in school, he learned to speak Welsh, so we will let him tell you the name of this town (I would sprain my mouth if I tried)......you all will love this......I dare you to say it fast three times :o)
And, here is the english translation. I just love Wales.............
The weather sign as we hit the path to the beach. In Welsh and English, of course.
As we walked out to the beach, a rescue helicopter passed us overhead. We just know Prince William was in there. :o)
There is a huge array of sea birds, sea life, butterflies and wild flowers here. I took this video from the top of the cliffs looking down on a huge colony of Razorbill Gannets and Gulls. We didn't find any Puffins at this location.
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