Freeway Free in Wales: From the Castle to the Pits and Back
Among the hazards of a pre-organized group tour is that one day may be PACKED with events and places to see, while the next may find you bus-bound as your itinerary hustles you off to the next attraction. (Above is a view from the bus of the beautiful Welsh countryside near Snowdon. Time to explore on your own, and time to digest your experiences may both be limited.
Today we explored the depths of a slate mine (damp, dark, dusty),
rode on a narrow-gauge railway (clattering, quaint, cramped),
explored Portemeirion, a fantasy village created as “an homage to Portofino” by a self taught architect (eclectic, imaginative, erratic),
ate dinner at a World heritage site castle (lavish, lamb, local lore),
and watched border collies herding sheep into their home pens (energetic, efficient, effective). 
Lots of diversity, but almost too much to take in. By the end of the day, I am most clearly remembering those border collies herding the sheep as we sat on the wall of our guest house, quietly and remotely and restfully watching.
Next Week: Freeway – Free in Wales: Life in the Village, Life in the Castle
Allyson Johnson 