Wales: Llechwedd Slate Caverns

On our last day in Wales we stopped by the Llechwedd Slate Caverns near Snowdonia National Park and took the two underground mine tours. These slate mines are no longer used for mining, but have been a tourist attraction since the 1970s. The guided tour took us through mines that were first dug in the 1840s and demonstrated the mining techniques they used back then. Jack and Lucas loved riding on the small train through the tunnels, wearing their hardhats.

(L) An underground lake inside one of the mines. (R) A large cavern leading outside. 

(L) The yellow funicular took us deep inside one of the slate mines. (R) Slate shingles on a rooftop. I can't believe all of that mining effort was mostly for creating a single product- shingles. As with other kinds of mining, slate mining is very hazardous; many people were killed in these mines during their 130+ years of operation.

Wales: Snowdonia National Park

We spent one of our days in Wales driving through Snowdonia National Park, which has some of the highest mountains in Wales (not very high compared to the Rockies). It's only about 3 hours away though, so it was great to see some beautiful, mostly green mountains. As I wrote previously, North Wales was so enjoyable because there are so many unique things to see in close proximity. I really wanted to take the train ride to the top of Mount Snowdon (or hike), but we opted for the Thomas-the-tank-engine-like ride along a lake which was cheaper, shorter, and more exciting for the boys. 

(R) I think Jack was posing for this picture.

(Above) Riding the train.

And now here are some photos of the amazing views in Snowdonia. We were fortunate to have partly sunny and dry weather. It's been an unusually wet lately in the UK.

(R) It was extremely windy up in the mountains. We wanted to go on a hike, but the wind practically blew the kids over. Jack wasn't a fan of it. 

(Above) An old stone cottage in the valley.

(Above) That's me

(Above) A trip wouldn't ever be complete for the boys without an opportunity to throw some rocks into water. 

Wales: Llandudno

Hotels in Llandudno were inexpensive so we went for one right on the beach. The area was really idyllic, with Victorian buildings lining the beach, and rocky cliffs in the distance. One of the boys' favorite activities is throwing rocks into the water. So this rocky beach was a paradise for them.

(Above) It was too bright outside so Jack wouldn't open his eyes for this pic. I tried several times to get a shot with his eyes open.

(L) Arriving at our hotel. Jack and Lucas insisted on each pulling a suitcase. (R) Asleep, at last.

Wales: Llandudno Coast

During our 3-day trip to Wales, we based out of Llandudno, a beach town located at the far north end of Wales. As we drove to the edge of the town, we came across a road that moved right along the rocky Welsh coast and had amazing views. It reminded me of Big Sur in California.

(Above) A wind farm located just off shore.

(Above) Conwy Castle is visible at the far right end of this photo.

We stopped at a small park at the summit of the hill that overlooked Llandudno. There were a few shops, a small museum, and a playground up there. While Harmony and Lucas napped in the car, Jack, Grandma, and I headed to the playground, which had a wicked slide.

(R) Lucas napping in the van. Lucas always wears his sunglasses on upside town.