Final Road Trip in Wales
Now that the snow has melted (somewhat), it’s time to get back on the road. Heading out today to see one of the most complete castles in all of Britain, Caernarfon Castle. Needs to warm up a bit, temp this morning is around 380, and clear skies. Still a little icy in the ole driveway so hopefully the roads a bit better.
Snowdonia in the background
The town of Llangynog is located in a valley surrounded by the Berwyn mountain range. The road leading to our destination goes over Milltir Cerrig (Welsh for “Mile of Stones”) pass, at an amazing altitude of 1,594’! May be tough breathing up there. Beautiful scenery but this morning, very hazardous. No snow plows in this part of the world and the drivers I talked about earlier, still crazy. That’s OK with us, just taking our time flying along at 30mph, sometimes slower, but we’ll get there.
Sure enough, about 2 hours later we arrive at Caernarfon Castle. Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I in 1283 and looks today pretty much as it did then, with some obvious exceptions like floors, windows and the like. It was built as one of Edward’s “Ring of Iron” castles that encircled Wales and were meant to defeat any attempt by the Welsh people from uprising. Edward I was a busy boy during these times. He built 10 castles from 1277 to 1295AD, spending around 80,000 Pounds or ~33,000,000.00GBP in today’s money.
King’s Gate
Someone put 18th century cannons here????
Inside the castle grounds
Castle walkway
View from East tower with Snowdonia in background
Town’s people during Remembrance Sunday activities
In 1969, the investiture of Prince Charles, the son of Queen Elizabeth II, took place at Caernarfon Castle. Chuck, to his close friends, became the Prince of Wales receiving the girdle, sword, coronet, ring, rod and kingly mantle. Not sure how the girdle and kingly mantle work together here, but I’m not English.
Throne used by Queen Elizabeth II during investiture of Prince Charles. Kneeling platform used by Chuck in front.
Sad note. While we were touring the castle, we heard a scream. This being Remembrance Sunday (Armistice Day) we thought it was associated with those events being conducted outside the castle walls. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Apparently, while touring the castle, a traveler had a heart attack and died in one of the towers we had just exited. The scream had come from someone who had found the man unresponsive.
A “Flight for life” helicopter soon landed just outside the castle walls while paramedics came in to aid the gentleman. We had made our way to the opposite side of the castle but could see police and guards moving people out of the area. We knew there was a medical emergency but didn’t assume it to be critical. Everyone was fairly calm and quiet as they moved into the tower.
We finished our tour and went across the street to have a coffee and pastry. As we were sitting enjoying our snack, the police came into the shop and asked to have the screens pulled down blocking the windows. Apparently, they were moving the victim from the castle to the ambulance and didn’t want or allow onlookers.
A wonderful Welsh cake!!!!!
This made me think about how the US would handle such an unfortunate event. I know this sounds cynical but somehow I could hear people complaining that they have the right to video this tragedy and sell it to the evening news. Maybe not, but from what I see and hear on our news stations today, seems entirely possible. Hell, maybe even a lawsuit against the police department for infringing on someone’s right to photo the scene.
This was the trip for today. We still have a bit of a drive to get back to Llangynog but the scenery will make it a lot easier. To be honest, the scenery is a lot more beautiful on the way back. We sure as hell appreciate it and can’t tell you how great it is to be alive and have such wonderful family and friends.
Love to you all.
Dan & Collette