Last weekend we collected Hannah and all of her belongings from the National outdoor water sports centre is Wales. As we said farewell to the Menai Straits, I knew that we had all grown to love the area so much over the last year. It will be interesting to see if we return there so other time.
Hannah had been there for a whole year. During that time she has sailed, windsurfed and paddled in some very challenging conditions. The tides there are almost unique, not to mention the famous swellies (whirlpools of sea water where different flows of water meet) and she has become a very competent sailor now.
We said our farewells to Hannah’s workmates, the stunning coast and spectacular mountains, still with a little snow on the top. We also said our farewell to Hope Church on a very significant Sunday as they merge with another local church. We can see how the seeds of another Welsh revival have been sown.
During our visit this time, we had a little outing and we were joined by one of Hannah’s colleagues who knows the area well. We went to Menai Bridge and saw the wonderful Glyn Davies gallery with its stunning collection of landscape photography. We also went a little further along the coast to Beaumaris, a charming little seaside town to have lunch and a little mooch around.
I also decided to take my running shoes and went for a 3 mile run. At 9.24mins/mile it wasn’t particularly fast but this was significant for me as I have hardly run this year, also I walked up a short, steep hill on y way back. The run itself was much better than expected. Sure I was tired in the evening but I do feel as if have possibly turned a corner with my health.
For each one of us we have become drawn to North Wales. In some ways, here in Bedfordshire, we are shielded from the harsh climate which we experienced through the seasons. We have been struck by the warmth and love by the folk in the church there. We all have so many thoughts to digest, most of all for Hannah as he gets ready for the next step in her career (south coast, still in the world of sailing).
Becky has now joined us as well for the Easter holiday having arrived by train, hot foot from university.
All in all a poignant time for us all.
