It's a Plan. A very Welsh Plan!

The Seven Wonders of Wales is poem that holds within it, the promise of ancient things, tall stories and great pictures. It's both our Welsh Bucket List and road trip plan that is far from set in stone. 

Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham steeple,

Snowdon's mountain without its people,

Overton yew trees, St Winefride's well,

Llangollen bridge and Gresford bells.

We have a little British rental car booked and we will be on the road July 13th!

1. Pistyll Rhaeadr - a 73m waterfall/cascade that has inspired poets and such. I believe there is a cafe and maybe even a B&B nearby.

2. St Giles' Church in Wrexham - One of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture. Dating back to the 16th Century. Its about 43m high and seen from afar. My research leads me to believe it has more "wow" on the inside... plus it's reputedly kept warm and that's always a draw card on a grey day. (How do I know it will be a grey day? I don't. Just a hunch having lived in the UK several years.)

3. The Overton yew trees in Overton-on-Dee - these ancient yew trees are 1500-2000 years old! Yeah, I'm a tree person, but still might be one of the quicker stops we make. I get the feeling if we miss them this time, they will still be here next time, too.

4. St Winefride's Well in Holywell, Flintshire. 

A longer stop I assure you. I mean seriously... in the 12th Century, Winefride had her head chopped clean (I hope) off by a lustful prince. Where her head landed, a well sprang to life! Good news - she came back to life the next day. (It's a very Catholic story. LOL)

And while I know its not a race, I'm just noting here that she came back to life quicker than Jesus and this lady is just a Saint... with a well named after her. No Easter weekend for her!

We will dip into the healing waters (maybe), claim that my mom's middle name came from here and take a pic or two before journeying onward.

5.  Llangollen Bridge in Llangollen, Denbighshire.

There has been a bridge across the river Dee since 1284 but this version is from the 16th Century. Its 4 pointed arches are of unequal sizes and it was mostly built out of rubble, which I find quite intriguing. Pretty sure I can find tea and scones around here too.

6. Snowdonia!

I'm hoping we have time to 360 this national park, stretch our legs and take pictures in changing light. Hello... Beautiful!

Once we exit Wales and head south in England, our plans are a little more up in the air. If I was feeling all curious and sentimental, I'd be inclined to take Mark to lunch at The Blacksmith's Head. Hold on to your hats... I'm about to reveal a little known fact about myself - I briefly worked at this country pub near Lingfield, Surrey in 1997!

Ooh the stories I could tell! It has long since changed owners but the guy I worked for had some "questionable" business and food practices and as nice and interesting as he was, this was possibly my shortest job ever.  When your values are not aligned, it's best to get out, am I right?! 

Spring Memories!

Lest we forget how magical this season is... 

SONG OF MARCH

With winter's footprints in the past,
and snows begin to melt at last.

With longer days and shorter nights,
the wayward winds of March take flight.

Four winds she holds within her grip,
then hurls them from her fingertip.

Her woolly, fleecy clouds of white,
she sets in skies of blue delight.

Her wild bouts of gusty breezes
roar through valleys, hills, and trees.

That high pitch whistling song she sings
awakens earth and flowering things.

She tears a hole in heaven's sky
so sun can shine and rain can cry.

She gently calms as spring draws near,
as blooming daffodils appear.

She welcomes April showers in,
then gathers up her dwindling winds.

Now her long journey home begins,
knowing she'll be back this way,
upon a cold, late winter's day,
when nights grow short
and days grow long.

Listen for her whistling song!

~ Patricia L. Cisco