Pembrokeshire

 Dear Gentle Readers

We left Aberystwyth and headed south for Pembrokeshire. On the way we stopped off at the Cenath Falls. 

This is the Cenath Falls. Dramatic eh? Unfortunately in summer the water flow is not as great as in winter when the falls are really spectacular. However, the weather would cold, wet and miserable then, so we were happy enough to see them in summer.

Was not impressed to be charged £3 just to park there, every car park in the UK has to be paid for. It gets really annoying after a while, especially as we usually have no cash on us and this one was cash only!

The bridge over the river was interesting though, especially with those holes through it. According to the nearby documentation, they were to lighten the bridge weight and also to lessen the stress on it. It has obviously worked as the bridge was built in the 18th century.

There was an old mill on the other side of the river with an old water wheel that would have originally powered the milling equipment inside. It no longer moves.

This was the pathway built along the river and runs for a mile along it. We walked the entire length of it.

Then it was off to find our accommodation in a little town called Roch in Pembrokeshire. After a confusing amount of twists and turns along narrow lanes, we found it. This is the driveway leading up to the manor.

Victoria was captivated by the beautiful blue hydrangeas lining the driveway and made me take this picture.

This is the manor proper. It is called Cuffern Manor and was built in 1770. It was converted to a hotel in 1966. The then owner contemplated burning it down to save him from financial ruin. Fortunately, he did not go through with his plans.

This is our room, a lot more comfortable than a couple of our previous hotels (Conwy I'm talking about you). Victoria has been marvellous at finding and booking our accommodation. While I'm navigating narrow roads all over the U.K., she's on her phone finding affordable and decent lodgings. OK, a couple have been less than desirable, but hey it's all about the adventure.

And talking about narrow laneways, this was one we drove along today when we went out exploring. It was raining and too miserable to get out of the car, so we just drove around to see what we could see. If you meet a car coming the other way, you or they have to backup to the nearest "widening" so you can pass each other. When I say "widening" I mean just a little bay each side (sometimes only on one side) that allows just enough room for you to pass each other. Fun encounters, let me tell you.

Back to the hydrangeas again, these are by the front door and are magnificent. The proprietor said she could not get any of them to grow at her previous residence near Bath. When she got here, they just took off, must be the acidic soil that they love.

This castle is nearby, but unlike other ruins, this one has been converted into a high-end hotel. Certainly would be interesting sleeping in a castle.

Tomorrow we will be going into St Davids to see St Davids Bishop's Palace and the cathedral next door. We're hoping for better weather tomorrow.