Snowbirds vs Dampbirds

Day 9 Walking

Abbeycwmhir to Blaentrinant to Llanidloes

15.25 miles in Mist, Rain, and hardly any Sunshine

Abbey Cwnhir, Abbey of the long valley was founded in 1176 by King Cadwallob so Madog. 

In 1535 Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of The Abbey.  It was sold into private hands during the reign of Elizabeth I and most of the artwork disappeared except for a few drawings. 

Bed last night at Mill Cottage was like beanbag chair that bounced like trampoline with each move.  Trying to sleep was difficult with such a soft bed.  On my back I am bent like the letter "V", 

Dogs barking constantly after 10 pm, and each dog caused a couple more to join the conversation.  

The e-library book I had requested back in March finally was available for downloading.  Girls of Atomic City.  It was a good thing as there was no tv in my tiny room, and no tea/coffee making facilities, and no heat, and no bathroom (only the shared one with the brother-in-law, down the hall and turn right). Netta, my hostess said good night at 6:30 after I finished eating and was sent Off to Bed, with nothing to do.  Fortunately there was wifi so Gary and I were able to visit and then reading (snuggled deep under the down comforter).

Learned about the House Martin birds that had lived in Saint Mary's church, for practically forever, and had been nesting up in the ceiling wood beams until a few years ago when the church congregation decided to remove the nests and installed heavy wrought iron screen doors.  Now there is a sign that says "welcome to our church, but please close the screen to keep the birds out".  Netta was upset about the treatment of the birds, and said when she was the church warden she used to out newspapers down to catch their droppings.  One winter while vacationing in Cairo she saw a row of House Martins lined up on a bridge and was convinced they were the Welsh birds that used to live in her village church in the summer. 

Baptist Churches, so it isn't all Church of England

Wind Farm

No finale for me for "Call The Midwife" or "Mr Selfridge" on PBS.org.  Thought I could watch online some evening while sprawled with the feet elevated, but when I tried to watch was refused because I was not in America :(  Will have to wait for my return to native soil, and the land of wonderful PBS. 

Packed lunch was made for me at Mill Cottage as there was no where to purchase food during today's walk.  Good tuna sandwich. 

Roadside memorial for an accident victim.  Maybe a child because of the stuffed lamb. 

Dampness seems to be a Big Issue everywhere here.  On BBC 1 there was a news story about how many people/children have to live in damp environments in the UK.  Back at Longtown I learned that my hosts had to remove all the ancient stone floors (1500's) and put down something underneath to protect from dampness.  In the process some of the old stones crumbled and were not salvageable.  Last night I learned that Netta and her husband Brian go away for at least three months each winter to a warmer climate to escape the general  dampness of Wales.  They have spent a number of winters in Cairo, south of France, Spain, the last few years in Greece.

Snowbirds are the people in the northern tier of states in America, and also Canada who migrate to Florida, Texas, and Arizona.  I am wondering if this makes the Welsh who depart for warmer lands "Dampbirds".

Another memory from my stay on Longtown was the very crooked bedroom.  The floor must have sloped 5 to 6 inches or more from one wall to another.  Certainly gave the home character, but I kept stumbling all the while there and even bruised my arm when falling into a door frame.  While FaceTime chatting with Gary that night he asked if the picture on the wall above the bed was crooked. I got up to look. No the picture was level, but I was sitting on a slope. 

Lloyds Hotel tonight's home

Breakfast was home made granola with an extra bowl of various seeds and nuts to be added, along with fresh fruit salad, followed by scrambled eggs on toast. As This Hiker was forcing the last mouthful in to her body Netta came back and wanted to know if I would like a croissant. Of COURSE I wanted a croissant, but had to turn it down as it was too late in the game/meal.  Big disappointment.  I LOVE a real croissant!!!!!

When getting ready to go out the door with rain suit on and backpack on back, I was asked if I wanted to fill my water container.  Thanked Netta and said I had it already full from the bathroom tap.  Learned that was Rain water from off the roof.  Oh well, I drank roof water last night.  

This morning I got a private newsfeed on Facebook that reminded me that two years ago today I reach Robin Hoods Bay on the North Sea. That seemed like such an accomplishment. Now I am very happy to have another opportunity to walk a long way on this island. 

Today was reminded of "A Childs Christmas in Wales" as the valleys and hills and homes were walked past. 

Old Market Hall in Llanidloes 

Ate a very tiny apple on the verge (road edge) and stretched the back which seemed extra tight today. 

Continuous rolling hills up and down all day and all taller than Rib Mountain. 

Had to pass through a farmyard opening and closing gates and 5 dogs came running and barking out of no where. They kept circling me as I crossed their territory, barking and snarling. Big dogs!  Dogs with big teeth!  Don't bite me I kept saying and tried to keep the trekking piles out as a weapon, but also to keep the hands away from those big fang. 

Donner Kabob with salad 

Clothes drying on the magical hot pipes

Walking in a sauna suit it seemed today.  Misty, rainy, some sun. Left the waterproofs on, but it sure was steamy inside.  Did the "shower stomp" with all those clothes once arrival at the Lloyd Hotel was reached.