Wales

Thanks jalima, if we make it this year it will be memory lane for Mr C that's for sure.

A new neighbour has just told me that the boat goes between Cardiff and Ilfracombe in the summer months. I don't know her well or how accurate that information is. Everything online points to no service. I will have to investigate further

We have all-out County Council elections in all parts of Wales coming up in May.
Lots of people still loyally voting Plaid Cymru. I do wonder what they think they are voting for, other than the Welsh Language. What on earth would "independence" look like?
Wales voted to Leave. So would an independent Wales be a small impoverished country with few allies?
Or would Plaid join the queue for to re-join the EU. Can't see that really. And even if the newly independent Welsh people were suffering from major regret, how would that work? You have to have a convincingly robust economy, join the Euro and be willing to accept free movement. And have customs and passport control on all the roads on the border.

europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/countries/joining-eu_en

1,264 councillors - 174 are Plaid

Silly me, I forgot one can travel from Cardiff to Anglesey by plane now.

Anyone holidaying in the Brecon Beacons , if it's dry ! If it's sunny! Do try a trip on the Brecon Monmouth Canal, you can hire a boat for a day if you want or relax and book seats for a shorter trip , or book a boat for a week , check long range forecast first

I have been on the Brecon Steam Railway twice - I may have to go a third time to see the views as it poured with rain once and there was a thick mist the second time! (I'm sure the appears sometimes).

The Ffestiniog steam railway runs from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog and is a lovely journey for about an hour and a half round trip (weather permitting). And the Welsh Highland steam railway is excellent for fabulous views. You can buy a joint ticket for both trains at the station in Porthmadog.

Anniebach I would love to try that canal near the Brecons - is it the one that passes Crickhowell?

Yes Sparkly, go to Brecon town, the canal warf , Brecon Theatre is there so easily found, you can have a canal trip for the length of time you want, it is sooooo beautiful , under little bridges, parts of the canal very open country, parts trees both sides, I am sure you will love it, I go just to relax , sitting in a barge so easy to forget worries , no driving, just sit, look at the scenery and relax , let me know if you do go please, I love hearing people's enjoyment of this county's beauty

Don't do a Jalima and choose a rainy day

Jalima, we had three days of sunshine last week ! I use to go on the mountain railway in December to take the children to meet Father Christmas

Just another 'can anyone remember?'
We used to go to a place called The Dingle for Sunday school outings. I think it was between Caerphilly and Cardiff and we got off the train at Cefn On. I just remember lots of laburnum trees and a stream. So what was The Dingle and where was it , and is it still there?

Can only think of Cefn Onn Parc BB

I remember The Dingle in Shrewsbury but that's over the border

Perhaps it was Cefn On park Seems possible Thanks Anniebach Perhaps I'll go and have a look one day .

bb it was Cefn On park, in Lisvane, north Cardiff. The Cardiff/Caerphilly line used to run through it, and you would have got off at Cefn On Halt, which closed in 1986.

It has been replaced by Thornhill station which is close by.

In Cefn On park there is an old dead tree which has been totally carved - full height and all the way round. It was done by two of the Cardiff City park rangers who did it in their off time. They were approached by 'the Friends of Cefn On' and asked to do it after they had exhibited some work at a show in Bute Park. They were there often at 5-30 in the morning. There are things such as birds and dragonflies and the head of the 'Green Man'. - very interesting to look at if you go back to the park. I only know all this because I know both the men who did the carving.

DH and I had a Serious Talk last evening. It's been decided that we will postpone our trip to the Gower in three weeks time. . He's right I fear. It was a birding and walking holiday and my knee just won't be ready for very much walking. So - next year.

Very sensible, NfK. I'm sad for you (I'm a bird,watcher too), but the Gower will still be there when your knee is better, and you will enjoy it all the more. ?

I remember Roath Park for the rhododendron s and 'The Dingle' for laburnum trees. Coming from the valleys that seemed wonderful to me when I was very little ?

bb you're very lucky! I didn't get any further than Ponty Park.....

BBbevan I agree I think it was Cefn On - we used to go on trips there and the trees were amazing.

We now have the wonderful Parc Cwm Darren up in the Rhymney Valley. Nature has taken things back and is putting on a show, post - industrialization.

Anniebach I will try it on a sunny day, poor Jalima and when it rains here, it rains like hell!

Sorry Nfk, but next year you will be there, only one tree in Rhossilli and that has grown Along the ground, I don't know if it's still there

I had an Aunt and Uncle who lived by Roath Park so had great fun there.

My daughters loved Castel Coch, younger one was convinced fairies lived there

Sparkly, I hope you get a lovely sunny day, we do get them

There are lots of fantastic rhododendron collections in Wales. Clyne in Swansea, and a hidden one, tucked away just behind the University.
And of course Bodnant, near Conwy, which has recently extended the areas open to the public.

never go without a mac and umbrella even on what promises to be a sunny day

gettingonabit We went to Ponty market quite often. I always liked the purple buses from Caerphilly.