On June 9, 2022 we arrived in Wales. There was a little rain in the morning and it was chilly and breezy when we got to the magnificent Bodnant Garden -- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden -- where we were greeted by our Study Guide, Conway. We heard him give a lecture while some of us shivered. We quickly learned that he is extremely enthusiastic, very knowledgeable about everything Welsh and a great storyteller. His presence was a highlight of our time in Wales. When he was done with the lecture, Mary & I went to warm up and have coffee and a scone. Then we explored the Garden. The Garden is huge so we certainly did not see it all but got to see some of its beauty before having a wonderful lunch at a nearby restaurant associated with the Garden.

After lunch we boarded the coach and went to Conwy where there is a magnificent castle and an early chain link bridge. The Conwy Castle -- https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/conwy-castle -- is a fortress going back to the late twelfth century, one of the castles lining the coast of Wales built by the English under Edward One. This castle in particular was instrumental in bringing all of Wales under English rule.

Our first of 8 days in Wales concluded when we got to our North Wales base village of Betws-y-Coed > https://www.visitbetwsycoed.co.uk/ . Betws-y-Coed is the gateway town to Snowdonia National Park where the highest peak in Wales & England is located. A river runs through it and a waterfall is only a 5-minute walk from the hotel. For four nights we stayed at the Royal Oak Hotel enjoying comfortable rooms, excellent cuisine and easy access to the gorgeous village.

Go to the Betws-y-Coed Gallery > https://pbase.com/abundancetrek/betwsycoed

Go to OUR SECOND DAY IN WALES > https://pbase.com/abundancetrek/wales2