Cilgerran Castle

Posted on September 23, 2016 by kathy

There are many medieval castles throughout Britain but Cilgerran Castle is unusual in that it was built with one side directly onto a cliff face.

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The existing ruin dates back to the 13^th century, although there was first mention of a structure on this site as early as 1165.

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Having withstood many battles and changes of ownership, the castle was left to ruin in 1400.

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The castle is in a stunning position high above the Teifi Gorge.

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We spent some time wandering around, admiring the workmanship of a past age.

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We could almost hear the clamour of chain mail echoing from the stairwell.

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The views over the Pembrokeshire countryside were spectacular.

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Across the gorge, Coedmore Mansion rested peacefully within the woodland.

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The gorgeous early 19^th century country house was, sadly, divided into flats in 1990.

Standley Chasm

Posted on September 20, 2016 by kathy

A short drive from Simpsons Gap, in the West MacDonnell Ranges, is Angkerle Atwatye, as it is known by the local Aborigines. The European name was given in honour of the first school teacher in Alice Springs in 1914, Mrs. Ida Standley. The walking track follows a creek

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dotted with spring fed pools.

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Ferns and cycad palms are a reminder that this arid region was once lush

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and the gum trees thrive in the moist gully floor.

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The red quartzite cliffs are magnificent,

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formed over millions of years as flood waters have cut their way through the Chewings Range.

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We finally reached the spectacle that is Standley Chasm,

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the 80 metre high walls guarding the natural alleyway.

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As we moved closer, the majesty beyond was revealed.

Benabbio church

Posted on September 16, 2016 by kathy

The Benabbio church, Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, was first opened in the year 1336.

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The beautiful stone buildings grace the piazza of the same name.

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There is a monument commemorating a thousand years from 983 to 1983.

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Behind the church is a former chapel which has been converted to a museum

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housing religious objects hundreds of years old. One evening before dinner, we were privileged to have a guided tour of the museum, not normally open to the public.

This statue was carved out of a hollow tree trunk in the 13th century

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and the back of this one is an old wooden door.

These two wooden statues, representing the annunciation, were carved in 1394 and are in surprisingly good condition.

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Some of the expressions on the faces within this altar were quite disturbing.

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I like the floor tiles with reference to brothers and sisters.

The church was beautiful with the late afternoon sun creating a peaceful ambience.

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The carved and painted triptych hanging over the altar was made in 1469.

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The church is floodlit at night, a tradition in Italy even out in the countryside and mountains.

Talley Abbey

Posted on September 9, 2016 by kathy

As we continued our exploration of Wales, we travelled through the stunning countryside

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of the Brecon Beacons.

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The view from this bridge in the morning light was gorgeous.

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We even found our dream renovation project.

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Llwyn-On reservoir is the largest of the three reservoirs in the Taf Farw Valley. Completed in 1926, the 150 acre reservoir is a popular fishing spot.

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