In Wales

Today, Saturday, the 12th, is our last day in Wales. After we left the Cotswolds, we headed for the Wye Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty and stopped at the ruins of Tintern Abbey, the first Cistercian foundation in Wales dating from 1131. We hiked - up, up - about 3-4 miles where we were rewarded with this spectacular view of the Abbey below. The photo was taken with a telephoto lens to show the configuration of the structure. Leaving the Wye Valley, we drove some 40 miles through the Brecon Beacons National Park, a glorious tract of rolling mountain country that rivals the beauty of the Cotswolds.

The next day we stopped in the picturesque seaside town of Tenby, a little harbour town begun as a Welsh stronghold atop a hill, still retaining its Norman Walls. This seaside town, and the many others we have since driven through, all have beautifully painted pastel color houses along the seaside. The pic of the harbour is of Tenby. Further along the coastline is Barafundle Bay, Consistently voted the most beautiful beach in Britain. As it is surrounded by dunes and wooded cliffs, it can only be accesed by walking along a cliff and then down a steep walk to the beach. That's Dave sitting on top of the cliff.

Yesterday was a long day of driving. We enjoyed a stop in St. David's, the tiniest of British cities and visited the Bishop's Palace and Cathedral. The Palace is mostly in ruins, but the Cathedral you see here is fascinating. It reveals itself as you walk over a hill and see it set into the hillside. It is enormous and has many rooms and chapels full of architectural wonders.

Onward we drove, through small towns and more pretty country. Dave wanted me to show you how narrow some of these roads are. This is where I cringe and he tries to keep his rear view mirrors as he passes other cars. Next pic is of a pastoral scene. There

are so many more shots to take, but no stopping while traveling 50 on bitty roads with no turnouts and a cliff on one side! Finally, the food reference for the day. We had lunch in a small hamlet and thought this sign was a hoot. Jacket Potatoes are baked potatoes filled will all manner of fillings, some combinations completely foreign to us. We had a sandwich.