Friday, October 11

 The morning started with a brisk hike on the coastal path (Ruth, Teresa, and I). We wanted to get a good coastal walk in before going en masse to one of the scenic Welsh villages. We drove to the parking area near the trail access and went to our right, toward Little Haven. The weather was perfect—brisk, cloudless, with air clear as water, smelling of damp earth and growing things. There was no tree cover, so we had wonderful views of St. Bride’s Bay almost the entire walk.

Near the center of the picture is an old stone structure

that appears to be the base of an unused defense tower.

You can see the houses of Little Haven in the distance.

We stopped to explore the promontory by Little Haven and met a woman who told us there had been Northern lights in the sky last night—quite an amazing display. We’ll have to look outside tonight, when it is supposed to appear also.

Ruth on the promontory by Little Haven.

On the way back, we passed a field with Welsh ponies, all trotting in a row. Sturdy little beasts.

Invigorated, we returned to the cottage and ate a good breakfast. Then we packed up the car and (all except Teresa) climbed in and headed off for Narberth, a small village in the middle of Pembrokeshire. The main attraction was the group of antique stores and gift shops that abound on the High Street.

This store was amazing—lots of rooms full of fascinating items. 

I bought a box covered with shells, and Ruth almost bought a lovely lily lamp.

Hungry, we were tempted by sweets….

…but decided on sandwiches from the butcher’s shop—beef, chicken, and pork. Yum!

This chicken sandwich was flavored with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

After visiting an indoor craft market and looking in vain for a farmer’s market, we found a British Heart Foundation thrift shop (always good), where I bought a scarf and Gayle a large carry purse. Ruth and I also were delighted to sample six different kinds of “moonshine” (grain-based liqueur with intense flavors), which we purchased for use as an after-dinner drink. We ended the day with gelato in sugar cones that were a highlight (note the happy smiles).

Dinner was roast chicken, fried potatoes, and salad—so wonderful. We were so tired out, we forgot to bring out the moonshine, but instead drowsed and chatted by the fire Teresa had built for us in the main reception room.

A warm and cozy end to a busy but wonderful day. Good night!