Snowy Easter in north Wales

Easter weekend started a day early with a trip to Bangor for a family wedding - James cousin. They got married in an amazing barn on the Vaynol estate. It was a lovely medieval style wedding, hog roast and homemade food. They had a harpist playing at the reception drinks which was lovely- the whole day had a homemade and friendly feel it was a pleasure to have been invited to be part of it. They had a silent disco which was hilarious- I didn't get involved as tired wills needed his bed but I'm assured that they had a fab night dancing in headphones until the early hours. I felt for them a bit as it was bitterly cold but the guests seemed to enjoy it despite the chill.
The next morning we headed through the mountains to trawsfynydd to visit our special friends Llinos, Euron and little Rhys.
The drive itself was amazing! Bright sunshine reflected in the glistening snow capped mountains and twinkling streams and waterfalls. I love this part of the country, so wild. Smoke rising from chimneys in little stone farm houses and baby lambs bouncing and leaping in the green fields where the snow had melted. The daffodils were out too, beddgellert was beautiful, it always is, but set to the backdrop of snow was more captivating than ever.
I always feel overwhelmed and excited by the sheer expanse of the place- the mountains are immense and the swathes of valleys of farmland and coed - bits of the forests that still remain. It feels like an ancient place, if you ignore the pylons that stretch across parts of the land- it would look just as it did years ago.
I drove for some time, settling William in the car one day before I came across any other cars, no people either. No billboards or streetlights or shopfronts- just wilderness- it makes me feel alive!
Our friends live in quite a remote part of the national park- on the side of a hill surrounded by mountains-with views of lakes and farms. From the back of their house you can hear nothing but bird song and children playing on the little park at the end of the road.
The days were bright and crisp and the nights were darker than any we get at home and filled with starlight.
We had a lovely few days with our dear friends, laughing at the kids, and stupidly gross jokes! They really treated us to a holiday there, home-cooked food, comfy beds and entertained us with some beautiful walks, around lakes and woodlands.
Sadly William was totally shattered for most of the time so wasn't up to his usual energy levels but he struggled through it and enjoyed the break for the most part.
I think his favourite parts were meeting the chickens and throwing stones in various streams and mini waterfalls. And the pancakes for breakfast of course!! His little mate Rhys looked out for him and even gave up his bed- so sweet x
Diolch Cariads for all that you did to make us welcome for refreshing our souls with your laughs, jokes, food and hugs- and for sharing your little piece of heaven with us three.
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