Chirk Castle

 

I’m living the good life, in a castle. Well, not quite, but I have been camped out near Chirk Castle, a beautiful castle with even more beautiful grounds.

And I took today off to rest and read and write.

Yesterday I walked across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the highest canal bridge in the world. It’s pretty breathtaking. And I just love all of the cute little canal boats that glide up and down the canals, they remind me of Toad in the Wind in the Willows, one of my favorite literary characters of all time.

As I was walking through the field yesterday, I spied a castle in the distance. My route didn’t take me by it, but I needed to use the restroom and refill my water, so I thought maybe the castle would be a nice detour. 

And it was. It’s a real castle with a dungeon and then another dungeon underneath that one. Spiral staircases, knights in shining armor—you name it.

But what I love more than the castle itself are the castle grounds. they are beautiful gardens and forests filled with flowers and cute little structures and statues and courtyards and pools, and one of the grandest views across the countryside. 

So I decided to stay here to rest. 

Today I read and wrote about Saint Kevin. As I’ve walked, I’ve thought my way through much of his story, but I find when I write that I need a refresher on my source material so I don’t forget anything essential.

I might spend tomorrow here too, if the writing goes well.  You can’t beat a castle for ambience!

My sister Monica had her second baby, Anthony, today. That makes grandchild number 13 for our family, what a day!