Previously on Cascadian Nomads: While in the United Kingdom with Bethany's English pen friend, Jane, and her new husband, Steve, Jason and Bethany toured Manchester, England then road tripped to locales South, East and North of the city, Stockport, Peak District National Park and Dobcross. The Cascadian Nomads pets did not accompany the humans on this journey but plenty of fur traveled across the sea.
Typist: Bethany
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to visit Wales. I didn't want to go there just to see corgis in their native country. I have always admired photographs and films of Wales. The wildness of the country, the contrasts of the cliffs, valleys, meadows and the sea attracts me. So when Jane and Steve suggested a road trip to one of my bucket list countries, I just about hit the ceiling with enthusiasm. I tried my best to contain my excitement, after all, my friend was a newly wed. Maybe a long road trip wasn't something she really wanted to do. But the places that Jane and Steve took Jason and I are among their favorites too. I should have known. They were excellent tour guides and, although brief, my visit to Wales was better than I had dreamed... minus a corgi
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to visit Wales. I didn't want to go there just to see corgis in their native country. I have always admired photographs and films of Wales. The wildness of the country, the contrasts of the cliffs, valleys, meadows and the sea attracts me. So when Jane and Steve suggested a road trip to one of my bucket list countries, I just about hit the ceiling with enthusiasm. I tried my best to contain my excitement, after all, my friend was a newly wed. Maybe a long road trip wasn't something she really wanted to do. But the places that Jane and Steve took Jason and I are among their favorites too. I should have known. They were excellent tour guides and, although brief, my visit to Wales was better than I had dreamed... minus a corgi
| Jane and Steve joked with Jason and I as we crossed the border into Wales. They asked "do you feel different?" as we passed under a flagged sign that reminded me of many "welcome to" state and province signs I have seen. I answered a monotone "yes" and our friends chuckled. But it was true! The thrilled feeling of fulfilling a long time travel dream is indescribable. Then I began earnest searching for corgis. Our first stop in Wales was Conwy. In this classic castle walled town, we had the most delicious sandwiches ever and I fell in love with Bara Brith. Conwy has beautiful river beaches, boasts the Smallest House in Great Britain and there were dogs everywhere. The castle walls and the town were all very dog friendly but dogs were not allowed inside the castle itself. Most of the happy dogs I saw enjoying the day with their families were on or near the beach. But I saw no corgis. |  Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom. |
 River Conwy boats. |  The Smallest House In Great Britain. |
Looking towards Conwy from a castle tower.
Cascadians atop Conwy Castle.
Conwy Castle, Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom.
Next Jane and Steve took us on the Cwm Idwal, Ogwen walk in Snowdonia National Park. We walked along stone pathways, through massive carved rock formations, along a mountain stream and lounged next to a glacial lake. All in the shadows of massive mountains with views of rolling Ogwen valley. LikePeak District National Park in England, here were plenty of dogs enjoying a walk with their humans. One dog even enjoyed a swim in the lake, still respectfully on leash. I was very pleased and impressed. When Jason and I heard a dog working cattle high up on the hill above the lake, we thought we might finally spot a corgi and, better yet, a corgi doing what it was bred to do. But even though the herding dog was too far off to get a good look at, we were almost certain it was not a corgi.
Snowdonia National Park, Wales.
Llyn Idwal, Llandygai, Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom.
Our last stop in Wales was in the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno. This town was very different from Conwy and also stunning. We first walked the seaside boardwalk. Then we had a fantastic fish and chips dinner washed down with Welsh beer (which Jason says was his favorite beer of the entire trip.) Next we followed the white rabbit up the hill to meet Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. No, I didn't have too much beer. Llandudno has an Alice Trail to honor the Alice who inspired Lewis Caroll's classic tales.
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Looking East over Llanduno from the upper end of Cwlach Road, Wales, United Kingdom.
Did I mention there were lots of dogs in Llanduno? Well, there were. But none were corgis. Nothing takes the disappointment about not seeing a corgi in Wales away like Welsh sheep and Kashmiri goats. I suppose getting to see Ireland, The Isle of Man and Scotland as well as a spectacular sunset from The Great Orme Country Park probably helped a lot too.
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A Kashmiri Goat in The Great Orme County Park.
Steve, Jane and Bethany finding distant views of Ireland, The Isle of Man and Scotland.
Cascadian in a Welsh sunset at The Great Orme County Park, Llanduno, Wales, United Kingdom.
The only reason that I have not already moved to Wales is that I would have to change the name of my blog. That and I think that Jason and I wore Jane and Steve out. Obviously, the country I have always dreamed of going to was even better to visit than I had imagined. Surprise road trips can be fantastical like that, even without a corgi.
Last stop on our UK journey: A Dog And Cat Fur Whirlwind Tour Of London, England.
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