Back from quite a different holiday from the one I had earlier this year I read an article in the Independant about research into whether or not short holidays are better than long ones. Well I feel that to the thousands of people who cannot afford holidays long or short the research is immaterial. But if you can afford holidays then whether long or short you only benefit from them if they make you feel happier and fulfilled. Having said that it cannot be denied that having a bad experience on holiday usually becomes part of your history that lives on far longer than safer boring holidays were nothing happened. Not that I'm advocating that being stuck in an airport for days on end or finding your apartment is next to a building site is exactly the excitement you crave, but when you recite your experiences of disaster it's usually the only time that other people are really interested in what you have done. So saying I'm now going to bore you with my account of my week in Snowdonia.
When Phillip my eldest son asked me if I would like to go camping with him and his two teenagers I only hesitated for a second before saying `yes`.
Saturday found us bowling along in Phillip's camper van along the A55 towards Snowdonia and Lynn Gwynant where we were going to stay. Mid-afternoon had us arriving at a very wet camp-site by the side of the lake. The rain had cleared away but had left very sodden ground. despite this the site was quite full and we drove around until we found a piece of ground to take the three tents we had brought with us. Encircled by mountains the lake and campsite nestled into the valley. And I knew I would enjoy the week here.
Sunday was dry and sunny, Phillip and Alison climbed a large outcrop of rock close to the campsite and we were able to take photographs of them climbing it. Later on that day Phillip and the boys launched the sailing dinghy and I sat and watched the proceedings and tried to do some sketching too.

Monday was shopping day and to get away from the rain we drove into Caernarvon a few miles away on the coast. There it was sunny and warm and after restocking on food we wandered around this very old town with its imposing castle. Later when we returned we found that the weather had cleared so spent a pleasant evening around the camp fire.

I spent Tuesday at the camp with Matthew fully intending to capture to the lovely scenery surrounding me but I'm afraid my artistic skills with watercolour pencils didn't do it justice at all. Photographs are okay but a really good picture is much more emotionally satisfing. Phillip and co went on a long walk and didn't get back until tea-time.

Wednesday highlight of the week I went canoeing for the first time and with Phillip and Matthew paddled the length and back again of the lake about three quarters of a mile in all. Yippee! I did feel good. With a wind blowing there were real waves to sail through. The lake seemed even bigger once we were out in the middle of it.
Went to Cricceith in the afternoon a seaside town with a small castle and seemly endless beach full of children screeching and laughing as they splashed in and out of the water.
Passed on visiting the castle and instead browsed in a small art shop and saw some rather good paintings unfortunately with prices to match. Shame.

Thursday Back to Caernarvon to tour the Castle, another very interesting castle. More of this one is restored and quite a few rooms and corridors are intact. It's a maze of corridors and stairways that wind upwards to reach the top of the highest towers. At last all towered out, ouch sorry, we made our way to the Welsh Highland Heritage railway station for four of us to travel homewards on a steam train. Phillip unfortunately couldn't join us as he needed to drive the camper van back. We arranged to meet at the station in Beddgelert a thriving tourist town quaint and picturesque and home of the famous Welsh legend about a faithful and brave dog. Later that evening we had dinner at a lovely resturant housed in an old rambling stone house full of antiques for sale. A lovely meal to end our holiday as we were returning home on Friday.

Friday it teemed down all morning but in spite of the weather Phillip took a last sail on the lake. then after packing away almost everything we waited for the rain to stop before taking down the tents. At last the sun came out about 3ish and at last the tents could be dropped and folded away. On our journey back we saw Snowdon for the first time this holiday. The sun had come out and drove off the clouds that had hung over it for most of the week. Would I go again? Yes!

hello
Quite a busy past few days so I'm looking forward to a few days camping in Snowdonia means I'll will be out of touch for a week. No internet reception in the mountains or mobile phone . But not to worry I've lived most of my life without either.
weather-wise it could be rainy, apparently August is the wettest month in Snowdonia. so I'm taking some reading matter and a note book and some pencils. I may get some drawing done.
One of my cats go himself into a brawl with another and has come off worse (I think) but he's now on anti-biotics for the infection. He's got some nasty bites. i hope he gave as good as he got. He's now feeling sorry for himself and at the moment is curled up by the computer watching me. He usually tries his paw at typing but not tonight.
My trip to Conwy was very interesting. It was raining when we got there but it cleared up and was hot and sunny for most of the afternoon. Wandering up and down of what remains of the castle is awe inspiring when you realise how primitive the tools the workmen had in the 13th century. the building is so substantial. And quite high rise when you think about it. most of the towers had at least four floors.
The tudor town house is another impressive place to walk around. This stone and wood house has been restored with many of its rooms furnished so that you can see how the occupants lived. You would certainly needed to be rich to live in it, it must of cost a fortune to heat. No wonder everyone wore loads of clothes from top to toe.
Must close for now