I am about to attempt a condensed version of the last seven days, as promised last night in my post about the garden upon coming home.
To be honest, camping isn’t my ideal way to spend a holiday – a bit too much hard work and lack of comfort. However, it is cheap (well, at a YHA site with membership during the week it’s cheap). And there was a fire pit where the children enjoyed toasting marshmallows.
The elders on the site also provided me with flowers to make cordial. The first lot I threw away as the trees were in the vicinity of this:
Hemlock has flowers which don’t look unlike the elder’s, and even though I made sure the flowers I picked came off the tree, I was spooked. I therefore chose a different site, made the cordial this afternoon, consumed quite a bit of it and am still alive to show you some of the sights on our travels.

Graph showing rainfall at Dyffryn Gardens in Cardiff, Wales. NB Wales is traditionally the wettest part of Britain!!

I have family connections to Monmouth…. apart from this sign, there was little to show this town is in Wales!

Skenfrith Castle, Wales – not intact. However, the grass inside was good for cartwheels and this little doorway to the outside was intriguing. I had to stoop to go through (I am 167 cm tall/just over five foot five).
Oh yes, time for elder flower cordial! We went elder flower picking this afternoon…
There aren’t many elders near me, so it was great to take advantage π. Enjoy your cordial!
Looks like a great week. The medieval raised beds are amazing.
I guess the beds must have been done in the medieval style with canes/branches for edging, in keeping with the house. They somehow look too modern, though.
I loved Avoncroft when I was there a few years ago. The Black Country Living Museum and Blists Hill at Ironbridge are also great to visit.
Thanks for the suggestions. What was the most interesting exhibit for you at Avoncroft?
It was a while ago now. I think the cider mill stuck in my mind!
I loved avoncroft when I was there quite a few years ago in a different life! Blists Hill at Ironbridge, and the Black Country living museum are also great to visit. I can’t remember the name of the Welsh buildings museum at Cardiff – St Fagans? That’s also fascinating.
Not heard of St Fagans but that sounds an interesting museum, too.
It’s in a similar vein, but with welsh buildings. I think they do living history exhibitions too.
Interesting!
What terrific photos, Helen. I’ve never been to Wales but hope to visit one day. I’m with you on the camping. It was fun when I was much younger, but these days I prefer my comfortable bed, warm food and a hot bath. I hope your daughter had fun.
I’m glad you liked the shots, Alys. My daughter definitely had fun π.
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