Welsh Falls

Cenarth Falls

Wales is a country with mountains, scenic valleys, and some pretty persistent rainfall.  The result is an abundance of waterfalls, and rapid water courses which are a marvel to observe.

My youngest step-daughter attended university in Mid-Wales, and on our many visits there we saw some really nice examples.

One of these was at Cenarth in Carmarthenshire. In parts of the South and Midwest of America, small communities are sometimes referred to as “wide spots in the road.” Well, Cenarth is the exact opposite. It is a place where the road narrows to cross a valley bridge. It is at the bridge that one can take in the falls and the natural beauty of the place.

Cenarth

The falls are small, by some standards just glorified rapids, but the overall effect is beautiful and relaxing. The bridge is a nice piece of architecture as well, though some of the views of it (bridge not falls) were obscured by the vehicles of fisherman. The parking is a little expensive especially if stopping only briefly for a few photos. To be fair to the attendant, he was willing for us to pull in and pull out again, but as we decided to take some pictures we paid and stayed. There is an “honesty box” for payment as well, for when the attendant is away. There is a nice little shop with Welsh spoons, etc next to the bridge as well. In the end, it was worth a couple of quid for the view and the experience.

Cenarth Bridge

The Salmon Leap is nice little cafe located in a period stone building right next to the bridge and the falls car parking area.  The cafe is attached to a very nice shop of the same name which offers Welsh souvenirs, and some really good quality gifts and handbags. The cafe offers teas, jacket potatoes, chips and baked goods such as Welsh cakes. The hot chocolate and tea we had was very good quality and the Welsh cakes were tasty. There is a limited amount of “transport cafe” type seating inside, but very nice tables outside with views of the falls and the bridge. It was very nice to sit in the natural views and enjoy our drinks. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

 

A more impressive falls is at Devil’s Bridge (Pontarfynach). It is in Ceredigion, and is another settlement which clings to the mountainsides, overlooking the valley below. We have passed through it on several occasions, and stopped for views and for drinks as we travelled. Fortunately I was vaguely familiar with it, as on one occasion while traveling on a dark winter’s night my GPS directed me to take a left turning, which would have plunged me into the valley. It didn’t seem right, so I disregarded it, and am here to tell the tale.

I have not taken a photo of the falls myself, as my late daughter, who was a talented photographer had taken some amazing shots of it. In keeping with her wishes, I will not share them here, but instead am posting a stock photo by another photographer.

 

Devil’s Bridge Falls from West Wales Holiday Cottages

There are a couple of tea rooms and a souvenir shop at Devil’s Bridge.  We usually stopped in for a hot drink at The Woodland Tea Room.  It is at a scenic spot and and has convenient parking near the Devil’s Bridge and falls.  The shop is colourful and has touristy souvenirs, and local Welsh products. The tea room itself is clean, and offers a chance for a rest and a drink. The coffee was rather average, and the welsh-cakes were a little bland compared to others I have had. As a cultural experience, however, it was okay.

 

Travelling to Wales from England will either bring you into the south near Cardiff (which has a few valley falls), or through the Brecon Beacons, or Snowdonia.  The latter two routes bring you into contact with several falls just off the roadway.  Below are just a couple offered without comment.

Padre

 

Notebook 2: The Lord’s Book

source: Life, Hope & Truth

This is the second in a pair of notebook inspired pieces.  This one on a more spiritual topic, loosely inspired by the Lamb’s Book of Life.

The Lord’s Notebook

The Lord too has a notebook,

Its pages gleaming white,

In it are recorded –

The things we do – wrong and right

 

His book is never idle,

Entries are recorded every day

Until the day of reckoning,

Our debts then to pay

 

This book it is the keeping –

Of His one and only Son,

He knows those who seek Him,

And whose paths have from Him run

 

When accounts come to be settled –

Before the Father – the book will be laid,

My page by Him examined,

The entry shall read – “Paid!”

 

Padre

 

Notebook 1: My Notebook

source: Pinterest

This is the first of a pair of poems based on notebooks.  This one on the practical, if under-used bound pad used by me in my daily endeavours; and the second on a more spiritual theme.

My Notebook

 

Slim little volume,

Battered and frayed.

Often forgotten and neglected –

Not glanced at today.

 

The little book where notes are taken:

Chores of my attention required,

Ideas for poems and speeches –

“Things to do” and thoughts inspired.

 

Yet, the little notebook

Near me  – it will stay,

To capture my fleeting thoughts,

So they never fly away.

 

It is a book of promises –

Of those to give or keep,

Dreams to catch, beside my bed –

When awakened from my sleep.

 

Padre

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evening

photo: Padre

Blood Orange sun descending,

Through clouds of purple hue –

Borders of worlds meeting

Come into my view

 

The first, a battle royal

Throughout the day I spied –

Sand and sea clashing

With every wave and tide

 

Gulls making one last sorte now,

Before taking nightly rest –

Smaller birds have inland gone

To find their roosts and nests

 

Night they say is falling

But it is light that’s in decline –

Soon Nox shall cover all –

With her inky wine

 

Homeward – I’ve borders of my own to cross –

Quitting this shore and deep,

To depart from the waking world,

To enter blissful sleep

 

Padre

Sunshine Blogger

 

I would like to thank LIBARAH for nominating me for a Sunshine Blogger Award. I really appreciate the kindness of both the nomination and your support for my blog.

As part of the process, Libarah has asked the following questions:

 

1. Whom you are close to more Mom or Dad?

It is far too difficult to answer this one, as each has their own special place in my life.  But I am also separated from both of them by so many miles, that the relationships are not all I would hope them to be.

2. What is your favorite food?

I am a fish fan, and really enjoy dishes like gumbo.

3. Who is your idol of life?

As cliche as it might seem, I do have to say Jesus, though I am far from being a mirror of His model.

4. What do you consider your greatest weakness to be?

I am easily wearied, and procrastinate all too much.

5. What does your perfect day look like?

A perfect day is one where I can lie in, and cuddle my wife, and just soak in any quality time together.

6. Do you consider yourself a good friend?

I try to be.  I think I am loyal, and strive to be kind and supportive.

7. What is your favorite thing to do?

I like good food, and the company of good friends.

8. Have you ever been heartbroken?

Yes, and dread when it shall come again.

9. Would you rather be rich or famous?

This is another difficult question as, I really don’t aspire to either. I would rather be loved and happy, than wealthy or famed.

10. What does the meaning of  love to you?

Love is to surrender yourself to the good and happiness of another or others.

11. What makes you feel most loved?

Being accepted for who I am, despite my flaws and shortcomings.

 

Padre

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The Sunshine Blogger Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blogging sites.

2. Answer the questions.

3. Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions.

4. Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts.

5. List the rules and display the sunshine blogger award logo on your site or on your post.

My Nominees:

Zizywrites

Sewskimo Gertz

Perfect Chaos

Santé Bon Viveur

Aksharbet

The Burning Lamp dotcom

Life On The Lake

Shirle Bedient

PINCH ME GOOD!

Edesia’s Compendium

The Curly Christian

The Questions:

1. Why did you start your blog?
2. Has it achieved what you hoped?
3. What role does faith play in your life?
4. Would you rather be an important person or a respected one?
5. What things are the most important in a friendship?
6. What one thing would you change about yourself?
7. What is your favourite film?
8. And what is your favourite book?
9. If you had to give up the book or the movie, which would it be?
10. What recipe brings back childhood memories?
11. What would be willing to risk for one you love?

 

 

 

Prayer Among the Candles

 

“God, go with you” had been uttered –

Now I stood alone,

In a dim corner of the cathedral –

To face God on my own.

 

I stood by the flickering tapers,

Far from all the rest,

And there I offered up my prayers,

Or tried my very best.

 

I was filled with the memory,

of things for which I should atone,

“Grant me mercy,” was my only plea –

As He smiling, nodded from His throne.

 

Padre

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Haunted Wordsmith Challenge

Memory, best, “go with you”

Hong Kong

American Warship and Chinese “Junk” Meet in Hong Kong

Today’s prompt from Sammi Cox has given me an opportunity to reflect back on some journeys of my youth. The word prompt set one of my old photos in mind, The Meeting of East and West.

Here then is my take on the challenge “Fringe” and the word count of 34:

Forty years have passed now,

And so has old Hong Kong.

Two worlds there came together –

Meeting at a fringe.

East and West entwining,

Cultures flowed and merging there-

And were forever together hinged.

Padre

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The Door

 

What lies beyond this portal –

This dark forbidding gate – iron-shod?

Some stairway bright – reaching upwards?

Or down to where bravest dread trod?

 

Are its vault like timbers guarding –

Some treasure wonderful to keep?

Or an archive so steeped in power,

That sages would die for just a peek?

 

This doorway mighty – is all this,

All this, and much, much more,

For it leads upwards to glory

Where great treasures and secrets are stored.

 

How then shall one enter?

By some mystical password of old?

What strength might it take to just budge it?

Is it by some fabulous key of gold?

 

To open, no magic words are needed,

Nor elaborate key fobs or charms;

This gate is open to all who near it,

Like welcoming out stretched arms.

 

The door is but a simple church gate –

It is open for all to come in,

Its treasures and secrets stand ready,

For all who enter to win.

 

Padre

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I challenge you . . .

“Italian” Themed Tuna Salad

 

image source

This is another of my “special” themed tuna salads. It is really nice in wraps, but is a good salad topper as well.

Ingredients:

• Tuna 2 160 g tins (in oil)
• Red Onion 1/4
• Tomato 1/4
• Black Olives 6 pitted
• Oregano 1/4 tsp
• Garlic Mayonnaise 1 to 2 Tbs to your preferred creaminess
• Pesto 2 two 3 tsp according to your taste
• Parmesan 2 tsp grated

Method:

Drain the oil from the tuna, and fork the fish into a medium bowl. Dice the onion and tomato and add it to the bowl. Slice the olives and add them and the oregano to the bowl.  Add the mayo and pesto and mix well, then add the cheese and stir again.

Padre

 

Visage

I stare at an image greater –

Than Homer’s “Rosy Fingered Dawn.”

A vast illumination –

The very face of God.

 

Was this the self-same scene –

That met the eyes of Saul,

On the fateful journey  –

On the road to becoming Paul?

 

Glorious shining visage –

A light beyond compare;

What should fill me with trepidation,

Instead removes my every care.

 

So, I’ll stare at the image greater –

Than Homer’s “Rosy Fingered Dawn.”

And hold in my heart forever  –

The very face of God.

 

Padre