I must go down to the sea.....

The coast is good for my soul. There is something about the wind and sounds that refresh me and move me on. The isle of Anglesey is a special place for us and we try to take breaks there throughout the year. For overseas friends and family:
The Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh) is situated off the north-west coast of Wales near the beautiful Snowdonia mountain range. It is separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait. Anglesey was known as Mam Cymru ('Mother of Wales') during the middle ages because its fertile fields formed the breadbasket for the north of Wales. http://www.anglesey-history.co.uk/
Only daughter was due to run a coastal race in Anglesey, so what a good excuse for the family to take a weekend off and join her. Newborough forest is one of our favourite spots because pup loves to run off lead their. My favourite because on one side you have the forest and the other side you have the sea

We had fun walking, playing, painting, and discovering

On the way home we decided to drive via Snowdonia, definitely need to spend some more quality time there over the summer.

Snowdonia

Behold the sweeping valleys

Where the heathered slopes do lie,
With rugged peaks that reach
                                      Unto the ever-changing sky.... Andrew Blakemore 

Llandudno

An unexpected weekend away took us to the north of Wales and a very pleasant visit reminding us of the Victorians' pleasure in visiting the seaside. This seaside town has maintained its Victorian and Edwardian elegance and splendour. 




Llandudno is uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes, which is a limestone headland.
What a surprise to arrive on the one side and almost be blown away by the fierce and blustery wind. A short walk over to the main promenade greeted us with very genteel weather conditions; No wind, warm sunshine, wide promenade and the elegant architecture.

 I could just picture elegant ladies and gents standing viewing the same scene we now viewed. They would amble along the promenade and take in the sites and sounds and the fun of Punch and Judy. 

There is a melody and words of a song in my head, I remember it well when I was a child.  

Although it was very popular in the 20th century, it was written in the late 19th century.

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside
I do like to be beside the sea!
I do like to stroll upon the Prom, Prom, Prom!
Where the brass bands play:
"Tiddely-om-pom-pom!"
So just let me be beside the seaside
I'll be beside myself with glee

I think another visit will have to take place to this seaside town.

Memories ~ Summer time - Exmouth........

And then it was time for hubby and I to go away. We spent a few days with friends at their caravan on the coast. This was a new experience for us staying in a caravan city;), but I was amazed how quiet and relaxing it was even though there were many holidaymakers.

We walked and talked and enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of the seaside

A train trip hugging the coastline took us to the town of Falmouth which was a strange little seaside resort well known for their resident black swans.

This picture is of the local sweeper who everyday sweeps an inspirational message along the walkway.

"The Dreams we had as children" ~ sweeper

Thank you T & D for sharing your time with us.

Summer time - Lynmouth cont......

It's been a busy summer and we seem to have done a fair amount of being out and about.

I can't really say I have a favourite as there have been special memories for each.

We had a good family holiday with all of us together in a riverside house. Hubby, daughter and son,Nana and of course the dog :)

How apt to stay in a home filled with lavender.

Skye (the dog ) had great fun with A & D





Mmmm family fun, lots of walking and morning Cuppachino

Lovely Lynmouth

The Victorians were very fond of seaside holidays and the many walks through Lynmouth, North Devon, England have them to thank for their existence. How thankful I am too be able to walk the same paths cut out 100's of years ago.

Lynmouth is a delightful village set on the coast and linked by cliff rail to the town of Lynmouth.

There is a wonderful walk following the river to a National Trust Tea Garden at Watersmeet where you can have a scrumptious cream tea. It rained the day we walked but normally you can sit in the garden and have the Robins join your table for sweet morsels.

Where the waters meet........