I have been in North Wales six days and I thought I would list some of the highs and lows of being here. I am looking after my son and daughter-in-laws home and animals. Donkey, goat, 6 chickens, 4 ducks and 2 large dogs. I get a holiday in Wales and they get the chance to go away for a few days.
The lows: Firstly I can`t get used to walking the dogs in the evening in the pitch black lanes. Obviously I have a torch but the lack of any street lights is strange. Keeping my balance on a very muddy field when trying to feed ducks and chickens with a goat attacking the food bucket is fun only once. Going out on the field to let chickens and ducks back in their runs is another muddy battle. Then its out on the field with the torch to lock the stable for the night. Mucking out is not much fun either. Foxes prowl at night hoping for a chicken dinner luckily the chickens and ducks are well protected. Who would choose to be a farmer its hard enough with just a few animals.
The highs: The stunningly beautiful North Wales with her mountains rolling over the landscape. My favourite place Conwy with its ancient castle and pretty harbour is only 15 minutes away. The salt air blowing my face red in the wind and the screeching seagulls trying to pinch my sandwich. I come here every time I am in Wales. Then the beautiful Snowdonia mountain range with its heather blown hills and the moody Snowdonia and her icy hairline. The deep lakes and windblown road, the brave mountain rescue teams and the cheerful walkers. Clear night skies that make you feel glad you can stare up at them. When the wind is howling and its raining like today I practise my limited baking ability. The scones I made went to the dogs as they were very heavy, and I do mean very heavy. The blueberry muffins were a success and I am good at making soups so have made a few of those. Walking the dogs I enjoy and there is a three miles walk around the hill here which has some nice views along the way. Wet and muddy walk at the moment though. Denbighshire Moors are amazing and the pretty church known as The Marble Church just down the lanes has a very tall steeple. I call it my gateway to Wales because when I see the steeple I know I am nearly there. When I am in Wales I want to live here, when I return South I know I would miss the easy access to London. I come from Liverpool so I am a townie but Wales is wrapping me around its fingers tighter with each visit. There are lots of places to stay for every budget in North wales from hostels five star accommodation. Do go it is fabulous.
