Yet Another Field Trip!

This is my favorite picture I took today!

Hello again everyone!

Friday was a rather uneventful day. I went to my theology class and it was very interesting. I mostly just tried to store up energy for the busy weekend I was about to have!

Today we went on yet another field trip! The weather outside was not the best for our trip today. It was very rainy and misty in the mountains. We were supposed to see a great view of Mt. Snowdon but it was way too misty and we could not see 30 yards in front of us. However, the rest of the day was great! I had a good time!

We left Bangor this morning bright and early at 9:30am! We headed straight for Harlech to Harlech Castle. This castle was built by King Edward I. It was built on top of a cliff right next to the sea. The sea has receded a lot since the time in which the castle was built. It took Edward I seven years and 8,190 pounds to build this castle. I thought the castle was breath taking and had a wonderful view. I just wish I could have only seen it when the sea was right next to it. It was a little cold and the wind was blowing a lot while we were there but it just made the castle a little more enchanting.Harlech Castle! These steps used to be a drawbridge when the castle was first built.The castle sign!View toward the ocean!Me at the top of the castle with the ocean in the background!View from the top with the mountains in the backgroundModel of Harlech CastleView of our bus from the top of the castleMe at the top of the castleDani, Keely, Adena, and Me sitting high on one part of the castleAnother cool view looking down at the oceanMe in a doorwayThe guys! Tecwyn, Jim, Tyler, Russell, Stephen, and StevenMe making a faceAllison, Adena, Beka, and Me inside the castle walls

After visiting Harlech Castle we got back onto the bus and headed for Portmeirion. Portmeirion is a tourist city and it was built for that purpose. Many famous people who come to visit Wales stay here. It looks like your average beach town. It was built by a man named Clough Williams-Ellis. Portmeirion was his dream and as an architect, he designed the entire town. Portmeirion gave him pleasure during his life and he hoped that it would give pleasure to others too. I had a lot off fun exploring this place. I wish I had more time there. It is very pretty and I think if the sun would have been out that it would have looked even more breath taking. We spent a couple of hours here eating lunch and walking around. I really enjoyed looking around here.This is the building I ate lunch in with Russell, Jim, Adena, and SandraA view of the townAnother view of the town through a windowYes that is a swimming pool. I didn't think it got warm enough for an outdoor swimming pool in Wales.Welsh flag flowing in the wind by the shoreThe Portmeirion hotelThe Welsh dragon is everywhereAdena heading up a cool path we found!Me at the top of the pathDaffodilsInteresting lighthouseView of the town!FountainCool buildingI like this picture I think its kinda cool!The gardens in the center of townAnother building in townThe ceiling of one of the entrancesAnother garden

After visiting Portmeirion, we got back onto the bus and headed toward the village of Beddgelert. Before we arrived at Beddgelert we stopped at Aberglaslyn Pass. It is a beautiful river flowing out from the mountains.The riverThe bridge and the riverThe other side of the riverMe with Aberglaslyn Pass in the background

After that quick stop we finally reached Beddgelert. In Welsh Beddgelert means the grave of Gelert. Gelert was the dog of Prince Llewelyn. Here is the story:
"Prince Llewelyn decided to go on a hunting trip and left his infant son in the charge of his faithful dog Gelert. On his return the Prince was greeted by Gelert, who noticed teh bog's muzzle was soacked in blood, adn his son was nowhere to be seen. Llewelyn attacked the dog, and it fell to the ground gravely injured. However, within minutes he heard a cry and stumbled throug nearby bushes to find his son, safe in his cradle. Beside the cradle lay the body of a giant wolf covered with wounds, the result of a fight tot he death with the hound Gelert. Llewelyn strode back to his faithful dog and watched it die from his actions. After this Llewelyn had an elaborate funeral for Gelert."
We went and visited the grave of this dog. However, this story is totally false. It was created to bring tourists to Beddgelert. It is still part of Welsh history and something that we needed to see and learn about. It is a sad story and I am honestly very glad that it is not true.A dragon at a shop in Beddgelert.Gelert's grave stones with his story in both English (left) and Welsh (right)Gelert!It looked like it said Seguin and made me happy. hahaSign in Beddgelert.

After our visit to Gelert's grave we got back onto the bus and headed back to Bangor. it was a very exciting and fun day!

I am very excited about tomorrow. I am going horseback riding in Anglesey. I will let you know how it goes!

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!