3/13/12



aaaaaaahhhh yes. last night in Chepstow. No other way to find culture than stumbling upon Monday night poker league? No problem at all. I'll sit here and soak it in.
The stench of gambling. The warmth of cider.

(from midnight on...epic skype sesh) so delicious.

And in the morning.....

Caerwent(Roman town) Beautiful church, misty mornings.  No socks in the crocs this am...wet grass.


Here I am at Caerffilli Castle.  The Anglo-Norman castle was built betwee 1268-1271 AD during the First Welsh War of Independence against the English crown, prior to the annexation of Wales under Edward I.  This was a major fortress encorporating state-of-the-art design and fortifications influenced by the Crusades.  Long metal spouts lined every entrance to the castle-these were used to pour boiling oil, hot coals, and defecation on intruders...hey, whatever works? 


The castle was great to explore.  The sidewalks were crowed with kiddos on field trips and it was quite obvious these had been on the coach for a while.  Thought about my raptors a lot today and how I wish and hope they will have the opportunity to participate in something like this...  After a walk about the grounds, though, a castle begins to disappear into a big lot of stones.  I chose to walk into the city of Caerffilli and indulge my people watching.

Bonus: located a thrift shop and helped an old maid choose a sweater that would be warm enough.  Sweaters, old ladies, thrifting...just my cup of tea. No pun intended.

 Rhonnda Valley: South Wales Coalfield, developed in midle and later stages of the Industrial Revolution and typifying coalfield towns, with modern problems of economic decline, landscape dereliction, degradation & reclamation.  Great drive, not pleased to be spending so much time on a bus though.  Actually not excited at all-getting cranky...but soaking it in.  Mental note, bus seats are uncomfortable.  Thank the Lord for my nimble ways and Coates roots-I can sleep anwhere.


Then on to....Cors Goch and Dyfi Estuary

This is on the Cambrian coast on the east shore of the Irish Sea.  It's a gigantic dam that has been overflowing recently, direct result of global warming/ice cap melting/rise in global sea level.  Look out East Coast of US! Also talked about the neccessity of water in the UK.  Wales supplies the majority of water for entire UK...wowzers.  And if you're having a dejavu moment, YES, this is the lake the ship from Harry Potter 4 disappeared to at the end of the movie(jk, but I mean, seriously?!?)

Here's me at the Cors Goch!! Crocs and socks and all...what a beautiful way to end a long bus ride.

Dolbrodmeath Hotel/Middle of Nowhere Valley/I'm in the Room The Werewolves Can Get You

bonus: fireside skype with Randy, Dottie, and Hannah<3

W.5

the fog hangs on
as if dear Life depends on the damp air
cold toes and buried walls

cerulean passageways slide by with each step,
yet i cannot enter

borders upon borders, stone upon stone
leave some for them, for they will soon forget.
red yarn on your finger.


Into the country at last.
God's own acre.
the Ripe flesh, sweet nectar runs down my chin
streets again, my own in the sun.

A war for water
ominous
overlooked

and the mist returns
She slips into the hills and waits for the comfort
like a warm sweater, engulfing me.

cold noses, curries.
i'm still waiting for more