Brian and Judy in U.K., Germany, Poland, Switzerland and France: Day 25

New houses in England are not permitted to build with thatched rooves. Existing houses with thatched rooves may replace the thatch as and when needed.

Our first stop today was an aquaduct which was built to cross a deep gorge, so boats carrying cargo of coal, slate, and stone could continue their journey along the canal. Later cargo included wool and metal tools and implements.

Welch is the main language spoken and written in northern Wales.

Wales occupies a relatively small area, with a low population. The scenery travelling through North Wales was very beautiful - green pastures, some rocky hills, and lovely ocean views along the coast.

Welch men were fearsome warriors in the past. In 1283 King Edward I built the Caernarfon Castle as his royal palace-fortress. Several attacks on the castle by the Welch were unsuccessful. In 1284 the future Edward II was born in Wales, and pronounced the first non-Welch Prince of Wales as the first-born son of the monarch. This has continued each generation to the current Prince Charles.

We have had a water-leak problem in two suites upstairs, so tonight we were required to change rooms and repack ready for tomorrow's departure!!

The canal at Pontcysylite in Wales

The aqueduct over the Dee river, about 400 feet above the river and across the Dee valley. The designer, a Thomas Telford is famous in this area for many bridges and roads constructed in very difficult terrain.

A narrow waterway and walkway across the valley.

Canal boats crossing the valley. These boats were used to transport coal, slate and other goods until the invention of steam engines. The canal boats were towed by horses but are now motorised for the tourists to hire.