SOUTH WALES
There were a number of visits to the 'Principality', as in many years, during 1994.
For instance, after departing from the Malverns on the 29th May, I visited the Lakeside
Gardens at Whitbourne before getting out into South Wales. I paid my first visit to the
BIG PIT MINE [ Pwll Mawr] (my first time in a coal mine!) - and learned from an
ex-miner about the place, its practices, its management (not very complimentary) - and
'life generally' down the pits.
On that trip, I also visited the CWMCARN Forest Drive (for the second time) and
had picnics in the very attractive scenery.
Whilst in that area, I felt it worthwhile visiting the 14-Lock-Canal for the 2nd time. This
time I covered it extensively, as distinct from my first visit a few years ago - when
adverse weather forced me to curtail the visit prematurely. On that occasion, it was very
difficult finding the place due to the lack of knowledge of the locals within a 15-mile
radius!! (It was very active and important several decades ago - as I learned this time!)
In June, I visited and explored the Dan-yr-Ogof Cave, which it Britain's longest showcave.
Also interesting visits which I made in the same POWIS 'complex' were:-
The Dinosaur Park
The Cathedral Cave: This is the largest single chamber in any British showcave!!
and the Bone Cave, - this being a home of man 3000 years ago in the Bronze Age!
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ICELAND
I will NOW connect you to the link that deals with my 'book' on Icelandic Dreams!! ( which were fulfilled!)
Iceland, it is CLAIMED, has the most beautiful girls, the strongest men, the most beautiful waterfalls, the best collection of Geysirs in the world (including the original at Geysir!), the most active volcanic regions - in short .. " a FUN place to be!!
Whilst I cannot go along with the first of these claims, ALL THE REST are easily verifiable!! Their geology and its rapidly changing states are clear for all to appreciate; the "World's Strongest Man" competition has a history of Icelandic superiority - but the girls?? Pull the other one, mate, - nothing special in that area!!
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SCOTLAND
An interesting re-exploration of this lovely country!
On the way North from home, I first called in on the now-overcrowded GRETNA GREEN, which like Llanfairpwllgwyngyll(etc) in North Wales, is just another very large touristy gift-shop- laden complex. Places to be avoided, - but it's 'interesting' to re-visit each, occasionally, just to see how much worse they've made it!!!
Later excursions to the higher reaches of the country were made, e.g up Ben Nevis and the Cairngorm. Because time was so limited, I had to avail myself of their respective chairlifts.
I managed to get away from the crowds on a number of occasions, but I did find that Scotland has extended its practice of wall-to-wall (or should I say 'coast-to-coast') tarmac, as many other parts of the world , to include "wall-to-wall-ski-slopes-and-lifts". Like areas of ski-touristy-Europe, their dessicration of the hills is progressing well. They are not, however, up to the despicable states in some european mountains of making an effective motorway-style despoilation for Olympic skiers. Nice when it is snow-covered, - but an eye-sore during the summer.
Many beautiful areas were visited, but I fear that if I publicise them, they TOO will be destroyed. The salmon ladders and gymnastic activities of the fish at Pitlochry were well-worth another visit - so I did!
Among other places which I visited on this occasion in Scotland, were:
The Cairngorms
Mountain Back-roads
Ballatter
Crathie Church
Loch Laggan Dam
Commando Memorial
Loch Faskally
Queen's View, Loch Tummell
Dalwhinnie