Wildcat Cove North - June 23, 2023

 Brian was able, at short notice, to join me on a leisurely paddle north from Wildcat Cove to admire the Chuckanut sandstone.

There are always some seals on the offshore islands.

It was interesting to see the fantastic shapes of the sandstone again after recently visiting the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. As amazing as Antoni Gaudi's architecture is it doesn't come close to what God is doing through Creation.

Although there was very little wind the water was a bit sloppy at the start. It was glass by the time we were finishing.

I had to paddle to the spot where Kay and I renewed our vows as part of our 50th wedding anniversary festivities.

 

 

Panorama Escarpment, North Wales - May 25, 2023

 The views down to Langollen and the Dee Valley were superb and the views from the top of the escarpment were indeed panoramic. The path was gentle for easy walking. It was a delightful afternoon.

Kay chatted with members of a local hiking group who were stopped for a lunch break.

Kay and I had to cross a number of styles on this hike.

It was an interesting perspective looking down on Castell Dinas Bran from above.

There are 10 million sheep in Wales compared to 3 million people.

Castell Dinas Bran, Wales - May 23, 2023

 These ruins are the remains of a Medleval fortress constructed in the mid thirteenth century by Welsh princes to defend against the English led by Edward the 1st. Although the history is murky, it appears the castle was abandoned less than 20 years after being built. I visited the site in 1969 while competing in the Eisteddfod. It seemed hard to believe i was returning after 54 years.

Panorama Cottages, where Kay and I stayed, can be seen at the base of the escarpment in the middle of the photo.

The town of Langollen as grown a lot in 54 years. The roof of the Eisteddfod pavilion is visible on the right.

Offa's Dyke Path, Wales - May 21 & 22 2023

 It was on my to do list to hike this portion of Offa's Dyke Path if I ever returned to North Wales. We tagged on a  week after our Caribbean Cruise to visit good friends and booked a picturesque stone cabin adjacent to the path under the dramatic escarpment above the valley. We hiked portions of the path one evening and the following day. It was magical.

Evening sunlight accented the vibrant green of the bucolic pastures adjoining the path.

There were low clouds to start our walk the next morning but they just added an aura of mystery to this area.

It gradually cleared for our return trip.