September 2004
We had two sets of visitors in September, Vera Adler from Budapest, Hungary, and Kassie's grandparents from Montreal. It was a busy month, with school resuming for Kassie, courses for Jeanne, and John's workload as heavy as ever. Still, we managed a few day-trips to nearby sites.
Llangollen
Llangollen is just over an hour's drive away in Wales and, like our other visit to Wales this year, the weather was absolutely gorgeous. The streets of the tiny little town nestled in the Dee Valley were teeming with people: shopping, sightseeing, and generally taking in the spectacular river view. We managed a trip through the valley on the Llangollen Railway, as well as a visit to the nearby 13th-century Cistercian abbey. Sadly, we didn't have the energy to climb to Dinas Brân Castle, where the Holy Grail is believed to have resided and beneath which reputedly lies a cave full of treasure. Luckily, Llangollen isn't far away – we're already planning a return visit.
Bolsover Castle
At the end of the month we drove through the Peak District, on twisting, mist-shrouded roads which proved trying to at least one passenger in the back seat. After a brief walk through the picturesque town of Buxton, we drove on to Chesterfield to the 17th-century Bolsover Castle. Despite its embattled appearance, the castle was not designed for defence but for elegant living and specifically for the entertainment of the elite, including King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria. Also located on the castle grounds are the Riding House, one of the earliest Riding Houses in Europe, the curious Venus Fountain Garden, and a family discovery centre with an interactive model castle. The drive home proved much more comfortable (after I'd popped a few pills quickly purchased from a local chemist).