Halloween visit

We drove back from North Wales on Sunday afternoon and then got back into school and work on Monday October 31st. However, since now it is this week which is the half term holiday in Wales, Auntie Nia, Cris, Gabs and Val came over to stay a few days with us.  It was really fun to see them again so soon after being together up north.

Nia, Cat and I actually went to a Swoove Ignite class in Scaynes Hill this evening, and then we called in at The Farmer pub which is a huge looking place that we've never been to. It was a little strange inside, but it was fun to have a refreshing beverage and sit to chat with Nia and Cat on this Halloween night. 

Meanwhile the boys found costumes to wear and did some trick-or-treating around the village.  Later in the evening, the 3 of them played cards and drank soda. It was great to see them hanging out together. 

Auntie Jane in da house

 We got to see Auntie Jane again, and this time she came to us so we could all see her (instead of just Nia and me last weekend). 

We had a great time catching up on various friends and relations, and updating Jane about the goings on in our life. Annie was especially fond of Jane and kept nuzzling up to her, which she really doesn't do very often!

A celebratory moment

Nia was back up in Llandudno last night and today to deliver a training course to some Spanish teachers, so Beryl and I met her after her course was finished in order to celebrate this achievement. It was really great to do this!  We had cocktails and snacks - what a treat!  

Although the lighting wasn't that great in the first photo, we were actually sitting with a lovely view of the beachfront and the Little Orme over to the right side of the photo.

Windy day on Y Garn

 Today we did another hike, this time up Y Garn and we also brought Annie dog!  It was pretty rainy and windy as we set out, and although the rain eased up, the wind did not. 

The clouds were beautiful along the ridge, sweeping over with dramatic light.

It was really windy at the top but we had a spot of lunch in the little rock sheltered spot. Several other people stopped through as well - it was the only windbreak up there.

Annie dog did NOT enjoy the walk quite as much. As we walked down the steep path next to Devil's Kitchen, Annie needed to be carried down some sections. 

Anyway, it was great to be out and enjoying the Snowdonia mountains again - its been a long time!

Here is Tryfan pointing to Tryfan which is obscured by cloud in the background.

We stopped at a different pub on the way home just as the sun was breaking through the clouds across the Conwy valley. It was very lovely.

Tryfan's Milestone Gully

Today Rhodri, Tryfs and I went up Tryfan the mountain.

It was a scramble! Both officially as we followed the North Wales Scrambles book up Milestone Gully and then higher up on Tryfan where scrambling is the only way to get to the top.

I haven't been up Tryfan in a very long time and had forgotten how climb-y it is. Definitely requires use of all 4 appendages! But it was fun.

It was a great day, and we stopped at the pub (as tradition requires) on the way back home. 

Ty Mawr and Fedw Deg

Today we had a bit of an adventure. It was a rainy-ish day and we headed out by car to go visit Ty Mawr, which is a National Trust property. 

After walking around this property for a bit, we drove down some very narrow lanes to find the house called 'Fedw Deg', which is where Taid's uncle used to live. We found the house and Taid went in to introduce himself which Rhods, Tryfs and I kept our distance for awhile, then came around to meet the current owners.

The house is famous for this very distinctive stone in the wall, and so we took a photo there.

Later on we stopped at a pub for a refreshing bev and then headed home for dinner. A great day, and really fun to be hanging out with Taid.

Homecoming

Meanwhile, over at Prin, our girl was busy getting ready for Homecoming. Her House was responsible for setting up the venue, and then she attended the football game and later, the dance.

Although she did attend it with a date, we don't have any photos to post.

Auntie Jane

 Between lunch and cake today, Nia and I skipped out to go visit Auntie Jane. It was wonderful to see her, and we were both impressed with how well she is looking these days!

Taid's 80th birthday

After having the nice lunch at the pub, we all went back to the house to chill out for a bit and then have cake.

In the late afternoon just before dark, Nia and Leusa and I went for a walk down to the beach. It was beautiful light, and what a treat to chat and amble with my Sista and niece. 

It's been a really great day. We are so glad to be here, although it is so weird to not have Rhiannon with us!!!! We miss her so much!!

Pilgrimage to North Wales

I landed back at Gatwick just after noon yesterday, and got home around 1:30pm, then repacked to go up to Llandudno and we left at 4pm for our 7 hour drive up there, finally arriving just after 11pm. Ooof. But Rhodri is an excellent driver and I did some work in the car, and Tryfs did a good job being a DJ and playing the tunes to keep us all happy.

This morning I was able to head out for a scamper in my favorite spot up the Vardre.

Rhods got to spend quality time with Gwydion, who is just so stinkin cute!

And then we had a wonderful lunch as an entire grand family unit at the Queen's Head pub in Glanwydden. 

Here are Gwydion and Ebrill, who are just a few weeks apart.

It as a really lovely long, leisurely midday meal where we had a whole section to ourselves inside this pub which has been totally renovated since the last time we came here some years ago. Fun!