First stop, after 2 hour drive west, is Penmark Castle. Home of Mike's 21st, a St John. Behind this church.
It's ruins now. But we had a toasty homemade leek and potato soup at the local Six Bells pub.
The Welsh Hawking Center, funded by Arab money sponsoring their cross breeding program. This is a 4 month old peregrine-jera-lana falcon, bred for speed, desert conditions, and trainability. We watched training. Spectacular.
Countryside reminds us of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Lakeville CT.
Lots of birds, many just loose. Everywhere.
All signs are in English and Welsh, which uses few vowels and many double letters. We try to pronouce them all.
Fonmon Castle, home of Mike's family, built by his 24th gg Adam St. John (Whiting side) in the 12th century.
Black and red outlined walls are from Mike's ancestors' time. Sold to the Boothby's in the 16th century.
In a room from original 12th century part of castle. Now an office. Note thick walls, call bells, retrofit pipes.
Standing in entrance hall from 12th century, updated interior.
Serious wall frescoes. Dog carrying rabbit.
Secret walled gardens. Heavenly. Thousands of raspberries.
Artichokes, asparagus, swiss chard, peas, marrows ( squashes), etc.
I'm expecting a hobbit to appear. Any moment now.
Namaste. Cheers to Rene.
Sweeping lawns.
First peak at Royal Porthcawl. Reminiscent of Dornoch. Has hosted Walker Cup, and British Amateur Championship. We're in the Vale of Glamorgan, just west of Cardiff.
Dinner at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. The Sparrows ( jolly men's group) sat next to us. Quietly beautiful here, gracious. Immensely friendly people. After all the kidding, introduced us to Sean Barrett, Speaker of the House of Ireland. We thought they were still kidding. I should have said something heartfeltedly nice about Ireland... argh!
Half a pint of Hancock's with Welsh Rarebit. They just call it Rarebit over here. Cheddar, mustard, onion, ale broiled over toast. More greens than we have seen since landing.
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