WALES – Day 4
Nature has a way to force you into doing what you really ought to be doing. It came to us in the form of “Yellow Warning.” We had no idea what yellow Warning meant as we drove out of England into Wales’ Snowdonia National Park. The pristine untouched villages and hills of Wales were fascinating and annoyingly beautiful. Only if driving was enjoyable on one-lane roads.
I knew I had overplanned. But the thing about planning is that when plans don’t materialize you can make fast and good pivots. So, rain and wind canceled our train up to Snowdonia Mountain. As sad as my son was, I was happy to get my money back. I also got time back. We made Barmouth, and Harlech our main destinations. In between the gusts of wind, we managed a few moments on their beaches. We roamed its streets, ate their food, and climbed a narrow road for a quick hike to the Panoramic Viewpoint. Now Yellow Rain warning was our blessing. It changed plans, made them slower, and at this beautiful panoramic vista, the five of us sat alone with the wind – so happy we were not battling crowds, not one person. We sat there by ourselves till our hearts’ content. Sunny. Breezy. When we returned to the parking lot, a tour bus was parking and so were other cars. So, God – you speak to us through the “yellow UK warnings”. Only other stop we made today was atop the Harlech Castle which required driving atop the steepest road in Europe. We didn’t enter the castle, but kids got to play in their playground, and we took in the views and take-out Indian food. It was raining cats and dogs when we reached Y Pengwren, our launch pad for the night.
Peak District, Manchester, Kendal – DAY 5
We rose when the entire B&B and town was asleep. Not a bird chirped. We quietly slipped into our cars and into Wales oblivion. At 9, rain was replaced by sun. Drive ended at Susan’s coffee shop that served warm breakfast and fresh groceries on a farm, the last Wales stop for us. It was raining on the way to Peaks District, but we considered ourselves damn lucky because inside the park, Sun came out, views revealed, and we got to touch horses, and found ourselves only with sheep, horses, old building ruins, and mountains interrupted by quaint little villages.
If I had to change one thing about today, it would be Manchester. After seeing London, the poured-down Manchester just didn’t cut it even though it was lovely. Fittingly to my disposition, the only place I took my children here was to the John Ryland’s library. I learned that I enjoy libraries when I get to sit down and read. So, while the architecture was fascinating and the tales of their book collection mouth-watering, I wished I had more time or that I was a member who could sit and read. Manchester meant we couldn’t go to Bolton Priory. Driving to our hotel in Kendal with a cup of coffee in my hand, Kendal castle was the next destination. We absolutely savored Kendal and the castle where my children got to play and learn at our own pace for free. Best things in vacation are free indeed.
Next morning, we would leave Cumbria for the Scotland Highlands and check off some more of Harry Potter attractions. Stay tuned.
