May 26, 2025
Helo o Cymru! (Hello from Wales)
Today we drove into Beaumaris, Anglesey for a planned boat ride to see Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol)and some puffins. We used Seacoast Safaris and enjoyed the trip back and forth. We were nearly late getting to the boat on account of leaving later than we planned but we made it and got seated with the rest of the riders and a few dog passengers as well. I know it sounds cliche, but the pictures don’t do any of these places justice. We saw Puffins, Razorbills, Gulls and Guillemots. We also saw some Atlantic Seals bobbing their heads in the water off the edge of the island. And why didn’t anyone tell me how tiny Puffins are? I always thought they were the size of a duck or penguin. They are small little things. The boat cannot get too close because they fly away and you don’t want to disturb them. Their mating season is April-August with most activity in late April to June and once the little ones hatch, they spend around three years out at sea without coming back to land. All of these birds are divers and amazing creatures. While mating, their bills are bright orange and after mating they turn black or gray. The ones we saw in the water were black billed. They were quick to fly away so pictures and video wasn’t that great just using the phone. We saw them in person so that counts. Ynys Seiriol in Welsh, is located at the Northeast entrance of the Menai Straits and is the ninth largest island off the Welsh coast. You can also read more about the 6th century monk, St. Seiriol that is believed to be buried there.
On the way back through Conwy, we stopped to visit Conwy Castle. The castle, built in 1283-1287, was amazing and the views from the keep and the turrets transport the imagination back to that medieval time. It is difficult to wrap my mind around how old this place is. Centuries older than the country I know. It has not had very much restoration and the stonework is a marvel. The town was built in the shadow of the castle and is just a picturesque hub of pubs, shops and living spaces. The castle has an interesting history and worth a read about it. It was chilly and rainy and perfect Welsh weather for castle seeing.
We headed back to Llandudno and ate at Harvey’s New York Style restaurant which was pretty good and also humorous to see their take on American food. I got some water at the Tesco Express for my little fridge and also a small block of Very Mature Welsh cheese to try (it was so good). SL got ice cream at the little dessert place next door and we headed back to the train station to park and walk back to the hotel. It was raining so I didn’t make it back down to the beach.
Iechyd da o nos da. (Good health and good night) and I can say it but it will be said in southern phonics.
