It has been an interesting week.  Our trip through Ireland thus far has been scenic, wet and delightful.  We started our second week off with a "rolly" but not too uncomfortable ride across the "pond" from Holyhead in Wales to Dublin. There were a lot of families aboard and the little ones seemed to be "up to the roll".  Gale warnings were up for Northern Ireland so I was not without some apprehension but my concerns were for naught.

When we arrived in Dublin midday, the wind was gusty and the air brisk!  After settling in at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, we drove to Dublin center for dinner and suffered sticker shock when we analyzed the prices in respect to the exchange rate of the dollar to the Euro. We had been warned, thus not a big surprise but reality is sobering. Our hotel was very pleasant, comfortable and unquestionably a memory highlight of Dublin. 

After a fine Sunday morning breakfast, we  did our tourist trek downtown only to learn that most of the "tourist" sights that we were particularly interested in would not open until much later. We had planned to spend Sunday night in Dublin but decided to be satisfied with pictures from the street "looking in" of Christ Church, Dublin Castle and the city itself then proceeded on our way.  Things to do, people to see – as they say.

We stopped at a local "fuel" station off the beaten path and, in response to our inquiry, a nice young man directed us to Powerscourt Gardens.  It provided a lovely afternoon "event" of beauty and glimpse into a lifestyle that I find interesting and for which I feel more than a little envy. Ken could see himself as the "gentlemen" gardener  laying out the beautiful gardens and drawing the plans for the walkways. The gardens and castle are maintained by and belong to the Powerscourt Estate, one of England's nobility, I presume.  Our visit to the gardens culminated our exercise and "adventure" for this our first full day in Ireland.

Our revised travel plan included a stay in Wexford Sunday night but the quoted price at the one major hotel in town was more than we wanted to pay.  The town was hosting two major venues for the evening, a major opera presentation and a male choir competition as well as Monday was a  major holiday, so the town was overcome with tourists and a little "uppity" as to the value of their "vacant rooms".  We decided to drive outside of town where we found a family oriented "motel" which was pleasant and quiet except at 3AM someone in a high powered car decided to practice  race car driving.  It made for an interesting awakening.

Monday we started our day with a walk through the castle grounds of another "Lord's estate".  The grounds were well maintained but the castle itself is under renovation so we had to be content with a nice brisk walk through the beautiful gardens and satisfied with our 'daily exercise". A stop in New Ross and a tour of a replica ship that transported Irish immigrants to the United States in the early 1800s provided Ken a sobering insight into what his great great grandparents must have withstood in their pursuit of life in America. After his tour of the ship, Ken said "I hope my grandfather came to America first class".  It was depressing for Ken to see the uncomfortable and squalid conditions that the immigrants endured on that long trip.  It was disheartening to learn that 50% of those who departed for that long, difficult trip from Ireland to America died en route.  After our brief stop in New Ross and a stop for a visit to a museum and history of Richard Boyle (a Irish version of Einstein?), we made our way to Waterford and the Woodlawn Resort and Spa for our Monday night stop.

Tuesday morning we awakened to a brisk steady rain that accompanied us from Waterford to Killarney and amended any interest that we might have had for sightseeing.  We checked into a bed and breakfast in Killarney and from there we did a full days tour of the "Ring of Kerry" and the Dingle Peninsula on Wednesday and Thursday.  In spite of low hanging dark clouds and occasional rain showers, the sights of the countryside were spectacular and is reflective of the awesome beauty of Ireland  We now understand why green is the color most often associated with  the Irish – it reflects the green of their landscape.  The countryside is a beautiful lush green with neat freshly painted cottages that suggest a happy and successful lifestyle.

Of course, Ken pursued as many "suggested"  side excursions as he could in his quest to explore every cove and community.  In fulfillment of his desire to "see it all", we traveled on some very interesting "cow paths".  I am in the process of devising a rating system for the overall standing of the roads in my attempt to identify "roads" from "cow paths".  We have developed some rather "spicy" language for our "gypsy" who routes us through the maze of roads here.  Suffice to say – it is good she can't hear what we call her as we find ourselves directed down a cow path that only the "locals" should even think about. 

After concluding our exploration of the Dingle Peninsula on Thursday, we drove to Limerick where we spent Thursday night and on Friday in an overcast sky and steady rain, we visited the Cliffs of Moher and the Aillwee Cave.  If it is raining, you explore a cave?

Friday completed our second full week in the United Kingdom and each day has been interesting and eventful.  Tomorrow, Saturday, we are off to County Mayo and a trek through the countryside in search of Ken's roots.  His great great grandparents were born in the vicinity of County Mayo as well as we have been told that the countryside is spectacular and thus, we look forward to seeing what is over the next hill. 

Ken and Pat Burns from the road and/or the sea
just as happy as can be

Tuesday Oct 20 was a blustery overcast day but we were not deterred. In spite of a light rain, forecast to get heavier, we ventured out and about.  There is so much to see and do and so little time in which to do I time must not be wasted.  We know that we are unlikely to come this way again so each place we visit is special for the here and now.

Ken decided that this was a proper day to drive in the opposite direction so off toward Liverpool we headed.  Liverpool is about 50 miles East of where we are staying.  Our destination was an area across the bay from Liverpool where Ken visited a historical presentation on German U boats from World War II while I stayed behind in the car and read.

We also were at the marina where a ferry crossed the bay to Liverpool which I suspect was no coincidence because Ken seemed to have just a hint of curiosity about the "city across the bay".  However, the chop was significant and the wind cold so I ignored his comments suggesting that "Liverpool is just across the bay".  Mark one down for me!! (I don't win many, you know.)

We stopped for lunch at a local pub and enjoyed a good relaxing lunch as we watched the rain pick up in intensity, for our drive home.  We were lucky, the roads were good and the drive was smooth until the GPS took us on a road that surely is "unchartered" by US standards.  However, we followed the "Gypsy's instructions" (our GPS) down a paved road large enough for only one car (a cow path by every definition known to a US traveler).  Nevertheless, the Gypsy had it right and we arrived safe and sound at our lodging, none the worse for wear.  What was most surprising was the amount of traffic that appeared on that "cowpath".  Everyone honored the right of way of others, and everything works here – though sometimes the system does seem a bit archaic.  Mind you, I am not complaining, just reporting.

Wednesday October 21 was a beautiful clear day and Ken had OUR day planned.  Our destination was an area in the mountains in and around Snowdonia National Park for our "train ride" of the week.  It has become  traditional for us to do a train ride and/or a boat ride at least once during each week of our travels.  This was our train ride day.  We drove (I want to say up the Coast but Ken says I never get my directions right) suffice to say along the Coast to Conwy Bay where we turned toward the mountains and passed through beautiful scenic valleys of lush green pastures and beautiful farms.  The countryside in Wales is indeed awesome in its beauty.  The pastoral beauty of the landscape is, for me, the culmination of what I seek in travel.  Though I had no idea of what we would see, do or learn in this area of the United Kingdom, we have generally been delighted with the beauty and tranquility of the countryside. The history of the area is interesting and the simple lifestyle that dates back to the days of a more "royal" lifestyle is formidable.  Neither Ken nor I have a Welsh background, but that does not deter us from appreciating what surely appears to be a strong work ethic, a hearty soul and an apparent adventuresome lifestyle. 

After a bit of a stray from the road to accommodate my early morning "toilet" breaks, we arrived in Caernarfon where we would board a steam engine powered train staffed by local volunteers of the Welsh Highland Railway for an unforgettable journey through the spectracular Rheidol Valley.  Starting in the walled town of Caernarfon, we followed the Coast as far as Dinas where we turned inland and traveled through the wooded valley of the River Gwyfai and the village of Waunfawr.  From spectacular views of the upper Gwyfai Valley, we approached the Llyn Gwellyn Lake and the surrounding beauty of an idyllic pastoral setting that suggested "heaven on earth:".  With a brief stop in Rhyd Ddu we continued on to Beddglert and finally to Hafod y Llyn where we concluded our 20 mile scenic trip.  The trip back gave us ample opportunity to enjoy the views that we had been so busy photographing on the way up. Ken advised me to be sure and spell all of the locations correctly and I responded. "Who is to know?"  Mind you – I tried to be true to their spelling and if the words make no sense – please blame it on the Welsh. 

 The trip took us 4 hours and once back at the station, we had lunch and began the drive back to our lodge.  Our evenings have been a bit dull by travel standards of the "hale and hearty" inasmuch as we return to our cabin after a full day out and about, expecting to relax, watch some television and have a quiet evening.  We receive three stations on our "in house" TV and on Wednesday night, two of the stations carried the same rugby game!  Of course, we know nothing about rugby so  Ken played games on the computer, I read and overall, the evening was less than raucous.  I am beginning to appreciate the part that the local "pub" plays in the British lifestyle.  It is their social life and in spite of Ken, I am beginning to feel a real need to "bond" with a pint now and then. We'll see how well I adjust to the Irish lifestyle next week.

On Thursday October 22 , another exhilarating day of car travel and scenic wonders were planned by my ever "adventuresome" husband and soul mate.  Early morning "taps" heralded "rise and shine: with a hurry up and go tune".  In the car, the Gypsy was programmed and we were "on the road again".  Today was a long boat ride – not long as in distance but long as in a long skinny boat.  The skys were overcast but that, of course, does not discourage "he who has a plan".   As we drove through new valleys on unfamiliar roads, I was once again mesmerized by the sheer beauty of this countryside.  I also was less than impressed as I looked down from the road into the valleys below in sheer fear of the narrow roads and sheer drop offs on which we traveled.  However, Ken, always mindful of my fears – real and imagined -- reassured me in his pragmatic way by reminding me that he was riding in the car also and if I went over the side, so would he.  That didn't impress me a whole lot, mind you. 

We had our usual early morning search for a public toilet to accommodate my needs.  I vowed that if I lived in this area, I would personally apply to the House of Commons (or whatever jurisdictional agency applies) for a right to locate "Andy Gump" toilets at all of the rest stop.  There are frequent rice stops but NO toilet facilities. If President Obama was President of the UK, I am sure he would appoint a Toilet Czar. I might even support him on that appointment.  There is a dire need for such conveniences, in my first hand and honest opinion.

Finally after a two hour ride through what I have already described as the awesome beauty of the Wales countryside, we climbed through a mountain pass and came upon the good sized beautiful town of Llangollen.  It, too, has a scenic train trip, but it isn't running on this day.  This is good – two in one week is a bit much for even me.  While investigating the train station, I ran into two nice local gentlemen volunteers who enlightened me with a brief history of the town and pointed out the flags to the recently named World Heritage Site of Pontcyllte Aqueduct.  This is   where we would board the long boats for our canal trip.  Ken had walked on ahead and thus, missed my conversation with the two gentlemen.  It was good for my ego to be able to provide a symbolic gesture of guidance to my very special "tour director" en residence.

In the old days, the town of Llangollen was a stop over point for carriages, royalty and otherwise, en route to Holyhead with a final destination of Ireland.  The town contains many old and large hotels, with beautiful old homes adorning the mountainside.  A charming locale in what to me, seemed like the middle of "No Where.  Chatting with the townspeople is in itself an adventure that provides only a clear understanding of about every fifth word.  Whatever falls in between every fifth word, I leave up to my "vivid" imagination.  Both Ken and I shake our head as if we understand but unknown to our fellow conversationalists, both of us are asking ourselfes, "what are they saying?"  Once alone each of us share our fifth word and fill  in what we believe to be credible missing words which, in our unappreciative opinion, makes about as much sense as the Welch language itself;

While we waited for our 12 noon canal trip, Ken enjoyed the charming canal locale and gleefully photographed the long boats as they maneuvered the canal. Families (some of which "live aboard" their boat) navigate through the canal, waving and smiling as they enjoy an outing that my husband would love to share. Unfortunately, our attention was diverted and we missed the departure of the horse drawn long boat and thus, a lost "photo op" that we both regret.  We had forgotten to wish Ken's brother, Don, a happy birthday this day but we did think of him as we boarded the boat for our canal ride.  He plans a trip to England next summer, perhaps we will present him with a belated birthday card containing the admission for a long boat trip on some scenic canal during his visit to Jolly Old.  We'll see.

Ken met and visited with a charming, warm and outgoing couple from London and South Wales.  They seemed to take pity on us as "older" and decidedly "eager" senior citizens and they shared the canal ride with us and added flavor to our experience.  We enjoyed their company and was sorry to part company with them as we each went our separate ways on the conclusion of our trip.  Hopefully, we will stay in touch via e mail for shared adventures and perspectives in our respective  "conquest of travel".

"The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (Welsh pronunciation: [ˌpɔntkəˈsəɬtɛ], full name in Welsh: Traphont Ddŵr Pontcysyllte) is a navigable aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal over the valley of the River Dee, between the villages of Trevor and Froncysyllte, in Wrexham in north east Wales. Completed in 1805, it is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain, a Grade I Listed Building^[1] and a World Heritage Site."  For more information on this World Heritage Site, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontcysyllte_Aqueduct

The aqueducts were built  to provide water to areas where insufficient water was available to sustain the livelihood of the area. They are a charming and interesting part of the many formidable sights and sounds of the old world.

Friday will be a day devoted to laundry, packing and preparation for our next phase which will be our travel by Ferry to Ireland and the insight of yet another lifestyle and culture. 

Life is good.

Ken and Pat Burns from the road and/or the sea

just as happy as can be

                                               HOLYHEAD and CONWY CASTLE

English                                                                                         Welch?

Monday Oct 19 dawned overcast but a non rain day was forecast.  We decided to take advantage of the day and do a drive to Holyhead to make reservations on the ferry for our trip to Dublin on Saturday.  The two hour trip went smooth.  Once our reservations were made and tickets purchased, we did a bit of a walk about in Holyhead which is quite hilly and unfriendly to walking.  We had a bite of lunch and then proceeded on our way.  I thought of our friend Bruce who has been known to comment, "I didn't leave anything there", when he has visited places of non distinction. Similarly, I couldn't help but feel that I didn't leave anything in Hollyhead.   Holyhead is an old seaport, dating back to the Romans.  The people were friendly, but the "spirit" seemed cold and uninviting – at least to me.  I am sure that it is a nice place to pass through en route to other destinations. 

After our visit to Holyhead, we stopped at Conwy Castle, one of a series of Castles built in North Wales by King Edward I during his realm  (1272-1307).  Conwy Castle is considered to be one of the best preserved Castles from the medieval period with the great hall, Kings apartment, kitchen and chapel intact in spite of the lapse of years since its erection. 

After our brief exploration of the Castle, we made our way back to our "accommodations" relaxed and congratulated ourselves on what turned out to be a beautiful day in which to view our locale.  We are doing what tourists have to do.  Taking each day one at a time thankful for the good weather that comes our way.

Ken and Pat Burns from the road and/or the sea

just as happy as can be

                      

                                                    

                                                    SUNDAY IN NORTH WALES

Our day was rather slow getting started but under threat of rain forecast for most of the coming week, we finally got ourselves moving  for an exploration of the local scene.  Our first stop a local grocery store where we found most of the items similarly priced to the U.S. except in pounds as opposed to our dollar.

After the grocery, we ventured up the coast for a "touristy look around" (Ken's daily dose

of water related sights).  We considered a visit to the local aquarium but our timing was off and I didn't feel like waiting around an hour to look at fish!  (Perhaps I am culturally challenged.)  After a walk along the waterfront in Rhyl (a summer resort coastal town approximately 50 miles east of Liverpool) we proceeded up (or down as the case may be)  the coast to  Colwyn Bay  for another walk about in the picturesque village of Rhos on Sea.  Ken checked out the local fishing excursions (just in case a fishing outing loomed possible) and we visited briefly with a local shop keeper who provided us a brief history of the area and charmed us with his friendly hospitality. Ken had seen a  castle on a hill overlooking the city and an inquiry revealed that it was indeed a beautiful Castle but that it is abandoned.  We were told that an American bought the Castle with the intent of turning it into a 5 star hotel but shortly after its purchase, some kids broke in and sat fire to it.  The local fire brigade arrived to put out the fire but the iron gates were locked and they could not get inside the complex.  The wooden structures inside were destroyed.  It has now been sold (apparently to another American) and plans to restore it are under way.  Ken wanted to get closer to get a picture but alas, the best view is from the busy highway which is too far for a photo op.  After our visit and update, we had lunch at a local tavern which according to its menu is located in a converted monastery.  A charming fire in the fireplace, the pub like atmosphere and a friendly welcome by the "inn keeper" provided a nice respite to our Sunday afternoon outing. 

After lunch we "pressed" on along the Coast and though the day was dreary, overcast and hinting of rain, the quaint residences provided an interesting prospective to what appears to be a comfortable lifestyle.  We were told that the livelihood is seasonal and that the winters are "lean" for the citizenry.  Nevertheless, the homes appeared to be above average" ample in size and well maintained..  As we approached the pier at Lladundo, (reported to be the longest pier in all of Wales), we were greeted by another charming seaside community of quaint beauty.  Many hotels located along the seaside heralded tourism as the prime source of revenue.  A walk on the pier completed our days outing as the weather was distinctly cooler as the afternoon proceeded. 

Back to our lodge, (and a nap while watching television – at least what passed as television) and a quiet evening "en residence".  Our evening was capped off by a television movie "GOODWILL HUNTING" that we had not previously seen and enjoyed.  That is how we spent our first full day in North Wales – where the local "Welch" is absolutely undetectable as any form of English that I have ever heard. What strange words they have here! 

Rain is in the forecast so tomorrow we will make the most of whatever the weather offers.  There is a mine that Ken wants to explore as well as a Castle that he feels needs his photographing expertise.  We will see.

Ken and Pat Burns from the road and/or the sea
just as happy as can be

UP UP AND AWAY
Well, to give you the bottom line of this dissertation, we arrived at our first destination in Dyserth Rhys in Wales in one piece despite frayed nerves.  Good heavens, whoever thought to put the driver on the left hand side of the car and the car on the left hand side of the street?  Otherwise, I am sure the Brits are very bright and very well adjusted.

 

Before I get started with our experiences of the past two days, Ken is anxious to hear how his friend from his Sunday School class is doing after his heart surgery on Thursday.  If anyone from the "class" reads this, please give us an update on Bob's condition and tell him that Ken is thinking of him and remembering him in his prayers.

 

Now to bring you up to date on what, at our age, is an ongoing adventure in living.  Our shuttle picked us up at 9AM for our 1PM flight to Dallas where we were to connect to a Dallas-Heathrow flight leaving at 720P.  There was a malfunction in one of the toilet doors aboard the plane and we were delayed getting off the ground.  We were concerned with the delay because we had a 1 hour 20 minute connection for our Heathrow flight. This connection also involved a change of terminals that would require us to "pick 'em up and sit 'em down".  En route, the pilot was able to make up some of the time but once on the ground, we encountered a further delay because there was a plane already at our gate.  That delay did us in and we missed our flight, though we were rescheduled on the next flight out at 905P.  Somewhat disgruntled, we smiled accepted our good fortune and settled down for a long nights ride!!

 

I am sorry to report that the airplane seats have not expanded concurrently with my weight gain through the years and thus, comfort is not necessarily a word suitable to describe airline travel.  However, I will not bore you with my observations about the many ways one can incur aches and pains on a long overseas flight.  Our flight into Heathrow was on time and our clearance through passport control went smoothly.  In no time, paperwork was completed for our rental car and we were off to our first destination, Birmingham – a 119 mile trip with a 2 hour estimated driving time. 

 

Ken adapted pretty well to driving from the left side of the car, while shifting gears with his left hand but his versatility with the roundabouts left room for improvement.  However, it all went fairly until we missed our turn off as we approached Birmingham. and the GPS could not find our Holiday Inn Express.  We arrived in downtown Birmingham at approximately 5PM.  We checked in to our hotel finally at 9PM.  Do you have any idea how many times you can miscount the exits on a roundabout?  -- Don't bother to find out we have thoroughly road tested the ways.  Further, Ken acquiesced in acknowledging that no Christian phrases adequately express manure when one is in a state of utter frustration. I, of course, already knew that!!

 

Once at our hotel, we checked in and collapsed for a long nights sleep.  Today, our GPS brought us to our destination and our ongoing adjustment to the ways of the English is proceeding.  We will keep you posted. </div>

 Ken and Pat Burns from the road and/or the sea
just as happy as can be

D-DAY

Our shuttle picks us up at 9AM tomorrow. We depart LAX at 1P, arrive Dallas at 6, depart Dallas at 720PM, arrive London at 1015A on the 16th.  

 

On a personal note, we want to wish my niece, Debra Wood, a very special happy birthday. 

 

 

TRIP ITINERARY AND E MAIL CONTACT

Ken and I depart for Wales, Ireland and Scotland Thursday, October 15.  We plan to keep you updated on our experiences and adventures with regular blogs posted to patsgazette.com and we will monitor mail sent to pat@patsgazette.com.  If you wish you can direct your e mails to us from patsgazette.com.   

 

We request that you do not send any forwarded messages of non essential information to pat@patsgazette.com.  All forwarded mail or FYI enlightenment of political ,entertainment or commentary on the state of incompetence posed by the public in general should be sent to: korpburns@att.net or burns-kenneth@att.net. We look forward to catching up with the realitys posed by those gems of nonsense when we return but we hope to be too busy enjoying the countryside and sights of the United Kingdom to deal with the lighter side of life while on the road. 

 

Keep us in your thoughts as we wander  through the castles and see the countryside of the United Kingdom with a view predominately from the left (at least from the road!)

 

p