My Travel Abroad
1998
On my first vacation in seven years in June my husband and I flew to London and spent a busy day seeing as many sights as possible. We rented a car because our idea of travel is not to see the cities, but to visit the countryside and meet the people. We hiked and camped mostly on coastal paths, but got inland when the weather got rough, and it got rough! When the sun shines in the UK in June it’s nice and warm. But when it rains, the temperature drops to around 50 degrees F. and when the tent leaks, one heads for high ground! We met wonderful folks on the trails, in the markets, pubs and a few B&B’s.
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After several days of navigating on the wrong side of the road, on the wrong side of the car, and the infamous traffic circles, we drove into Wales. Bett had written a song, Beddgelert, which is based on an 13th century Welsh legend. We both wanted to visit the town of Beddgelert and find the trail where we first heard the story. (Gelert’s Grave) to visit the spot where the legend took place. Once again, sticking to coastal paths, we tried to visit a spot in Pembrokeshire called St. Govan’s cave. Once again, a legend drove us to seek this place. Getting rather late in the evening (9pm) and still not having a place to rest our heads, we entered an old farm house which advertised both campground and B&B. Thinking to take another chance in camping out as the skies looked clear, Bett knocked on the door. One event led to another and another and |
| when the skies poured down its cold, wet drops once again, we ended up staying in the B&B at Trefalen Farm. Here, the most enchanting couple made us feel so welcome, as though we belonged there. The history of Pembrokeshire and of the several hundred -year -old farm filled the atmosphere with legends and stories, it was as though we could feel the presence of former wizzards, sorcerers and knights. Bill said (for the first time ever) that he felt that it |  |
was more than coincidence which brought us there! We bade our newfound friends farewell, and headed off into the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales to find Beddgelert. We found the little town, and the grave where Gelert is buried. People visit daily and leave flowers at his grave which is nestled in the valley. Yes, we found the trail also! We spent several days in the mountains, then headed for Scotland.
Our first stop in Scotland was at the home of Robert Burns. Bett is a big fan of his music and poetry and we spent the better part of the day browsing through his home and museums and even taking a long walk along the River Ayr and across the Brig O’ Doon. Taking on more coast in Scotland, we finally headed up to the highlands. We climbed partway up Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Scotland), but got a late start and didn’t make it to the top, so we can’t claim that we "bagged a monroe"! Then we headed for the Isle of Skye. This is one of the inner Hebrides islands and is as picturesque as any place on this earth. Our lattitude was so far North, that the sun never really did set. We watched it go behind a mountain at 12 midnight, and decided to try to get some sleep, but the sky never did get completely dark. It was getting closer to our date to catch the Chunnel across the English Channel, so we spent three more days on the east coast of Scotland and England before making our train to Paris, then onto Zurich. A longtime friendship with a young man we met in the Grand Canyon in 1980 caused us to think we could just "jump" across the Channel for a visit in Switzerland. It was the most difficult jump we’ve ever encountered because of all our bags, hiking gear and Bett’s guitar. But, finally made it to the car rental station, and off we went! Fifteen minutes outside the big city, we found ourselves hiking up in the mountains overlooking Swansea (sea=lake). Finding good places to hike in Switzerland is not a difficult thing to do! We made it to Scharans, where our ‘boy’ friend now lives with his wife and four children in a beautiful 400 year old home in the foothills of the high Alps. We stayed with them for four days, making hay for Guilia’s horses. She teaches voltisse, which is acrobatics on horseback. Even Bett decides it’s a harmless enough act to try (after having a good Swiss beer!) and impressed everyone, even herself! Once again, bidding farewell to good friends, we head off to the French side of Switzerland. It was between ski season and hiking season so when we hiked in the high mountains, we would not see another person.
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We had the whole Alp to ourselves. Our last hike was up the mountain in Switzerland and on top, we were in France! There we rested and watched the French play a World Cup Soccer match (IN FRANCE) at the restaurant atop the mountain. Then, hiked back to Switzerland, and our car, then drove to the airport in Zurich. Bett was desperately trying to lose the plane tickets the entire time! Our total stay was 3 weeks. |
We learned a very valuable lesson: take vacations more often than one every seven years! Also, Friends are Forever!
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Copyright 1998 Ceilidhe's Music
Last revised:
January 20, 2004
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