Well, we managed to make our way up and down the winding path to the ruins of Dinas Bran Castle overlooking the town. I'd been hoping to wander through some romantic ruins and this site certainly fit the bill. The castle itself was burned in the 1200's as the English invaders approached, destroying all the wooden luxury accomodations but leaving plenty of rock structure. However, since then the rock structure hasn't fared very well and what's left is some very haunting remnants, a few crumbling arches and tower corners, and a magnificant view of sheep pastures for miles around.

One of the nicest places to hang out for a brew or a desert is the old corn mill, a lovely old stone mill, complete with working water wheel and heavy beams. From the terrace one can see the castle ruins high on the hill, occasional canal boats working their way above the town, and the river Dee cascading by.

We haven't found a local folk club at any of the taverns but I am enjoying the bargains at the used books warehouse.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble