I have just had an amazing five-day holiday in Criccieth, North Wales with the coach tour operator KM of Chesterfield. (I
would recommend them). We
left on Monday morning and arrived in the afternoon, after having a lunch
break. The hotel, George 4th was welcoming, the staff were courteous, pleasant
and friendly, nothing was too much trouble, and the food all week was excellent.
During the week we visited Portmeirion, which is so colourful, if you love
walking, which I do, there are plenty of walks but if not there are cafes and
shops and of course you can explore the village.
The famous TV series, The Prisoner was filmed there, fortunately no huge bubbles appeared to stop us from
escaping. I
thoroughly enjoyed my time there and took lots of photographs to aid my memory.
We then went onto Porthmadog for a look around the harbour and the shops, and
me being me couldn't resist the Costa cafe. Back then to the hotel and a very
tasty evening meal.
The
next day was our own to do with what we pleased and I went up to Criccieth castle in
the morning (more photos), the views were wonderful, it was a little windy up
there so not a good idea to go near the cliff edge, but I did enjoy exploring
the castle and taking in the views.
After lunch I had a walk along the beach, I
can't resist the beach, rain, snow or blow. The clouds hung low on the distant
horizon over the hills, I so wanted to get a decent picture of it but I'm
afraid my hand shakes to much when I zoom in and I didn't have a tripod, never
mind maybe next time. The air was fresh and crisp and I set off with renewed
vigour to take in all the sights, sounds and smells of this wonderful piece of
coastline. The water coming down from the mountain suddenly appears from the
side of the wall and flows into the sea, lovely clear water.
Thursday saw us set off to Porthmadog again for
a ride on the steam train, we had to wait just over an hour when we got there
and so I decided to look around again, unfortunately it teamed it down with
rain and I got wet through. I went in the train station café for a hot drink
and to try and dry off a little, this I believe is where I left my lovely large
scarf, by the time I realised it was missing it was too late to do anything
about it. I always enjoy a ride on a steam train, I think it’s because I went
on them as a child. We saw a lot of sheep all very well cared for, Phillip Keller in his book, Lessons from a Sheepdog, and other books tells the reader quite a lot about
rearing and looking after sheep and I remembered some of the things he said as I
saw all these sheep, and how to spot a good shepherd and a bad one by the state
of the sheep!
Friday morning we had an early start back, but
not too early that I couldn’t have one last walk along this wonderful peaceful
shore.
All in all it was a wonderful experience which
hopefully I will be able to remember and treasure for quite a while. But there
was just one drawback, which most people wouldn’t have bothered about, it was
the mobile phone signal, and internet signal. Although I did find it hard I did
manage occasionally to get on line and let my family know that I was well and
having a wonderful time. I thought about this, technology is wonderful but it
does let us down. But I can honestly say that in all the time I was there,
there was never a time when I could not reach my heavenly Father. I do not have
to rely on man’s technology for that or even myself, I rely solely on the Holy
Spirit, who helps, leads, comforts, and disciplines us. There is not a time in
the day when we get a busy signal, or an unavailable signal, God our heavenly
Father is the same yesterday, today and forever and He neither slumbers nor
sleeps, the psalmist David said: Psalm 139:7-10
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
