North Wales in May

It’s been a wonderful Spring in north Wales, all the hedgerow flowers are out at once and swathes of bluebells carpet the hills. The weather was wet and windy, the sun never really appeared but the colours were glorious.

Near Nefyn looking north along the rocky coastline
Near Nefyn looking north along the rocky coastline
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Bluebells in abundance on the hills of the north coast of LLyn Peninsular
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Bluebells and gorse at the same time. Gorse flowers are apparently edible and can be used in salads, tea and to make a fruit wine. I only just found that out, so not tried them yet.

 

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Looking back towards Nant Gwrtheyrn from Morfa Nefyn.

At some time in the last few months the rain and wind caused havoc in an area of Forestry Commission pine forest on the ridge near Nant Gwrtheyrn, the pines cling to the steep slope on the north of the road but a combination of heavy rain and gale-force winds caused trees to loose their grip and become uprooted and many trees to actually snap. Whole hillsides have been devastated, wrought asunder.

Torn trees
Torn trees

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Colour and Texture in Decay

A poorly cared-for building in Clynnog Fawr in North Wales, so many textures and colours, faded red paint, purple slate, green algae, green moss, green plastic hose, rusting iron railings, I could go on! The painted out window, I waited hoping that someone would come and look out through the broken pane but no-one came. The white paint is peeling on the board door, the rough stonework is mossy  but the roof tiles are perfectly cut and aligned.

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Caernarfon Castle

Looking back at the massive Caernarfon Castle from the southern side of the river Seiont, you can imagine slipping back into a time when the castle was by far the largest building for miles around, only the church spires are taller. There are a few 3 and 4 storey Georgian houses peeping through the trees but its a scene that could be hundreds of years old, with the sprawl of the modern town out of sight and no vehicles.

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