Final days in Wales 2022

 The final days in Wales were a perfect mix of family and new places, many of which were familiar to me, but somehow I had never been to them.

First stop Barry Bay, well known for its funfair which was of no interest to us. However, the walk along the promenade was beautiful, especially as the summer weather continued.

I love those colourful beach cabins, many of which had been hired out for parties. Must do that next time! 

Along the promenade is a huge climbing wall, spelling out Barry Bay. It's such a marvelous idea

The following day, while Ceri was working, Annie and Barry plus grandchildren, Stella and Griff, came with me to Llanelli Wetlands Centre, a 400 hectare wetlands reserve. It wasn't the perfect time of year to visit, as there were not so many birds nesting, but it was nevertheless a good day out.

For me there were two particularly fascinating things. Firstly, there were over a dozen amazing Lego models of birds, made of thousands of Lego pieces ( up to 3790 pieces), which had taken hundreds of hours to create. They were stunning - like this owl.

Then, for me the real highlight was the fabulous flamingos. I so love them- such vibrant colors and such graceful creatures.

Cardiff Bay is a really popular place for locals of all ages. I had visited briefly years ago, but had never walked over the barrage which was built to provide a safe marina and recreational area, despite incredible environmental outcry. Ceri, Mabli and I had a great few hours there.

What a pity we didn't have the dogs with us! 

The views from the barrage are spectacular.

How many times have I driven past Swansea and never stopped. Today, actually on my own, I took trains and buses to reach my destination. 

First stop, Swansea covered market, supposedly the largest in Britain. It was a surprisingly calm, clean and uncrowded place. I only needed lunch - but not the local speciality, lava bread. My mum loved this. 

It's the black food, which looks a bit like cooked spinach but is a type of edible seaweed.

Then I headed out to a local bay, Caswell Bay, which had been recommended to me.

I started out in the Coastal path of Wales towards The Mumbles, enjoying the magnificent views to the north and south. 

If I had been better prepared, I could have walked to the Mumbles, but instead I just enjoyed this short stretch of the brilliant path which actually follows the entire coast of Wales.

Then, I took the rickety old bus back to this very popular seaside resort, the Mumbles. It reminded me in so many ways of Sumner in Christchurch, with it's unbelievably long Sandy beach and tidal estuary, not to mention traffic jams due to its popularity!

It was a very pretty place and I had a great day in Swansea, spoilt only by delayed trains once again.

My last day walking was with Annie, once more at Ogmore. We both love it there, and with fabulous weather, we spent several fantastic hours mooching around on the beach.

I love the rocky backdrop to the sandy beach

There are plenty of fascinating rock pools, perfect for Annie, marine biologist!

And then there are simply breathtaking views across the sand to Cornwall in the distance.

I couldn't resist a final visit to the river mouth where we had been, on the other side, what seemed weeks ago, but was only a week back! 

I love this place!

In the distance, we could see Porthcawl, the area we also went to not long ago.

It was a bone-shaking, incredibly noisy ride home. I must say that I will always remember public transport in Wales ! 

It has been an amazing stay with family in Llantwit Major. Instead of, as I have done in the past, simply staying a few days, this time I have really lived as part of the family, whilst getting to know this area of Wales so much better.

How sad it is to say ' farewell ' for possibly a few years.

Little Betsy will be running around, and Mabli will be talking.

Ben, my great nephew, beside me in this photo, will have married another Betsy, who is holding baby Betsy( very confusing), and Ceri will have hopefully has a few great holidays with Darren. 

Hopefully my sister Annie, will continue to surprise me with her endless energy and incredibly quirky gadgets, like this extendable plum and apple picker, pruner, etc 

What a family! Love them and can't wait to see them again.