Our first stop today was the town with the longest name in the world, which is on the island of Anglesey in Northern Wales. We have been referring to as “Long Name Town,” and this is why:

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Try saying that. For short they call it LlanfairPG. And the double “L” does not make the “L” sound. It is a  hiss-like sound. And the “F” sounds like a “V.” Needless to say, it will take many more trips before we master the Welsh language!

 We continued on the road to pass through Caernarfon, to get on a tiny little coastal road we like along the Irish Sea. Naturally, we had to stop along the way for a picture of another of Edward I’s castles, the castle at Caernarfon, which is actually where all of the investiture ceremonies for the Princes of Wales have been, and will be held. The Aber Foreshore Road is breath-taking, in more ways than one! The scenery is stunning – the Irish Sea to the right, and views of the Snowdonia Mountains to the left. It also becomes one lane for a while, with no “guard rail” to keep you from a swim if it is high tide! This time, the tide was out, and we got to see people coming in wearing their waders, carrying buckets of mussels.

 The SatNav led us easily (through some very narrow and adventurous roads) through the Snowdonia Mountains to the town of Llanberis, which we realized was a town we drove through and photographed last year! We took a ride on an old steam train at the Llanberis Lake Railway along Lake Padarn. David Jones greeted us, and introduced us to our driver Hefn (sounds like “Evan” with an “H”) and the assistant Kevyn. Our engine was named Elidir, after the mountain that rises up out of the lake, and houses a slate quarry. I got to ride up front in the engine with the coal-buring furnace a few inches from myself, sitting on the ledge hanging halfway out…another way “out-of-my-comfort-zone” moment! But it was great! Hefn showed me all the instruments and told me what they did, then had me blow the train whistle several times. During the ride, he also pretty much taught me to drive the steam train and put me in control – for a brief moment. Then it got really crowded in there when Courtney came in as well to film! We enjoyed the last part of the 1-hour journey in one of the cars, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake and the forest of Elidir. (Sounds like something straight out of “Lord of the Rings!)

 Before we left, we grabbed a quick lunch. Well, okay, really more of a snack. Crisps (AKA potato chips, because “chips” here are french fries), a drink, and a Feast! Yes, a Feast, which is a yummy ice cream bar with a solid piece of chocolate in the middle. Of special interest were the crisps. I had onion and cheddar flavor, but Courtney braved a new flavor. Lamb and Mint. Lamb and mint flavored potato chips. The look on her face was priceless when she tasted them! Blech! Maybe that is why they were on sale for 60 pence…

 We continued westward through the mountains. The views were amazing, and we passed thousands of sheep up on the craggy mountaintops, and even some on the road. Because of the holiday weekend, the roads were heavy with hikers, bicyclists, and drivers. We even saw some major-league mountain climbers! Narrow, twisty roads unfolded before us until we finally reached the motorway, and settled back and relaxed as the driving and navigating became much simpler! Six lanes of traffic are so much easier to deal with than a lane and a half!

 Our lodging in York was a convent. For real. We stayed at the Bar Convent, just outside the city walls at Micklegate. This is the oldest convent in England, and was founded by a nun in the 16th century, who was later imprisoned and branded a heretic. She was actually a very generous woman who gave of herself and lived out her faith. The place was simple, no frills, but it did have a lift (elevator) so we were so glad we did not have to haul our luggage up the 2 flights of stairs. Each room was named after a saint instead of having a number. Our room was Saint Agnes. The rooms had a sink, but showers and toilets were down the hall. It was a great place to stay in York, very reasonably price in a perfect location just steps from the wall. (Micklegate is the gate through which royalty have entered the city of York for centuries.)

 Our “feast” of a lunch had long since worn off, and we were starving. We stepped right across from the convent into a lively pub, complete with security guards! We ordered bangers and mash – traditional Bristish sausages served with mashed potatoes and peas. Tip: when ordering food at most pubs, you must order at the bar and pay then. Also, tips are not usually included. It is customary to tip about 10%.

 We settled in late, ready to explore the walled city of York. A new place for us to experience…

 Enjoying the Journey in a convent…

 Heather and Courtney