Wales: Aberystwth Castle & A Train

Guess where I have been?

Wales!  Here I am at Aberystwth Castle...although I am not quite sure how to say it!  This amazing castle must have been quite a sight in its day, but it is very decayed and in ruins now.  Still great fun to explore though.

Situated right on the waters edge on the hill you can see that it must have been a great vantage point to keep an eye out for enemy raiders.  Of course the closeness to the sea must have been part of the cause of the decay - pounding sea, salt, and winds all adding to the process.

I sit on the cannon and imagine the power it must have had

The weather was perfect, even though the day started out raining...hence the gumboots/Wellington boots.

I managed to do some climbing which of course I love.  

A great way to explore the nooks and crannies.

Higher and higher I climb.

The sign was in both Welsh and English...pity Emrys and James weren't with me, they could have explained what it said...and even spoken some Welsh to me.  The sign was very worn so it was difficult to read.

Some more climbing to get to the top.

Walking through corridors of the castle and imagining how it must have been hundreds of years ago when it was first built.

I think it must have been quite a cold place, especially in the winter when the winds were howling in off the sea.

Contemplating as I go...

The remains of one of the majestic towers behind me, with the sea behind that.

Striking a pose.

Before long we had to make our way back to the train station as we had come to Aberystwth on the train from Devils Bridge.

Before we hoped on the train at Devils Bridge

I should have bought my train drivers outfit with me!  If only I'd known...

Sitting on the train....

It was quite packed and I would have liked a window view...

Getting a cuddle from 'Dad'.

Yeah, got a chance to look out the window, but not until we got to the station....fortunately on our way home I did get to sit by the window.

Approaching the station.

Station sign.

Getting off the train.

A picture of the engine.

Some views of the valley on our way back to Devils Bridge

It was absolutely beautiful.

A very enjoyable and fun day out...I LOVE castles AND trains!

Helen's Visit: Arriving at Milton Keynes.

So we arrived at Helen's next destination in Milton Keynes and everyone came out to meet her and say their hellos.

Gosh what a lovely lot of friends Helen is going to make here.

Everyone was talking at once wanting to introduce themselves.

Gaby immediately let Helen borrow her lovely hat.

Oh look more girls coming to say hello.

So many girls!  I am surrounded....and it gets just a bit too much girl talk...

Fortunately I soon find some friends to play with.

Davy and Gregor show me their wonderful garden.

Which gives us a bit of a haven away from all the girls excited chatter...

All too soon though it is time for me to leave so we make our way back.

What's that?  Gregor asks startled...  Never mind, it has flown off.

We chat some more...and say our goodbyes.

Helen's Visit: Saying Goodbye

Rory is sitting in his usual spot of late watching the tadpoles and little tiny frogs that are emerging..

Helen and Henry approach him.

It is time to say goodbye Henry...how do you think Rory will take it?  Helen asks Henry.

Well he is quite a sensitive boy.  Henry replies.

Hi there Rory.   Helen calls out as she waves to Rory.

Rory waves back.   Hiya Helen.

Helen sits down and they chat for a while.

Well Rory, it is time for me to continue on my travels.  Helen tells him.

Rory turns to Henry.  What?  She has to go already?  You  didn't tell me!

I'm sorry Rory, but I didn't want to upset you any earlier than we had to.  Henry explains.

Rory is very sad...

Helen gives him a big hug.  Don't be sad Rory, I had a lovely time, but I have so many other people to visit on my year long journey.  

It's okay Rory, Helen is going to stay with Aunty Jocelyn  next, and she will have lots of fun there as well. Henry tells Rory as he pats him on the back.

But I don't want you to go!  Rory cries.

There, there now Rory,  don't worry, you will be able to see pictures of me...and what I am getting up to.  Helen explains to Rory as she gives him a final big hug.

Rory sits back on his rock and stares into the pond.

Rory, I'm off now...

Bye Helen, Rory says as he quickly turns round to see them, after wiping his tears.

He quickly turns back to the pond as Helen and Henry turn to leave.

Poor Rory, Helen says.  He really is a sensitive lad isn't he?

He is.  Henry agrees...But don't worry, he will soon be absorbed with his frogs and he will be okay.

So how long will it take to get to Aunty Jocelyn's do you think Henry?

I'm not sure...Mum said about an hour at the most....

Henry is putting a brave face on things as he hates goodbyes as well, but knows Helen is going to have lots of adventures of her own and get to meet a great many more new friends and for that he is pleased as he knows how much fun it is meeting new people and making new friends.