Carn Meini

When I put the photo of Carn Meini up in the Preseli Mountains as the 'changing landscape' photo, it is for me a most evocative photo of this area, I remember sitting with Moss on this ridge, soaking in the heat of the day and the stillness broken only by some ponies in the distance as they moved amongst the grass. But there is also a feeling of guilt, my emotions play havoc with my peace of mind, and I should be able to get past it.  In reality when I went back a third or fourth time with LS and American friends, Bucky and Loie I took them over this route just for the magnificent sight of Carn Meini, the place of the supposed bluestones of Stonehenge, though now we know of course that it was probably further along the ridge that the stones came from, or even the alternative theory that the stones were transmitted by glacial movement to the site of Stonehenge.

So why the guilt? well Bucky had wanted to explore the hidden springs around this area and I could have taken him a shorter route by Foel Drygarn, but I chose the longer route. LS and I did not descend into the valley with them, and as they took off I was already starting to worry.  We made our way back over a rocky terrain and indeed came to a hidden spring, the water trickling under the rocks making a pleasant sound and we sat and listened just being part of the moment, no Neolithic thoughts whatsoever!  Though this natural rock formation would put you in mind of long barrows.

Anyway we arrived back at the car, with a wait ahead of us, waiting for the two intrepid explorers to get back.  Whilst we were there we saw the farmer and family bring down the sheep from the hills, the collies being a lovely soft brown colour, all from the same family.

  

Watching the sheep stream down the hill was a bit like milk being poured out, and I began to get anxious, no sign of Loie and Bucky making their way back, so when two small figures did appear there was relief.  They had not been able to manage to get to the rocks, this because Bucky said that the bogs went up hill, not too sure about that but you definitely need a week to explore the area.

The wanderers return, thank goodness

Seen from a distance with the dry river of stone that winds round

Looking back towards the road and the other part of the moor were the Gors Fawr stone circle lies

gorse decorated with dew and spider webs at Gors Fawr stone circle

Bucky and Loie left for a further trip after three days, whilst with us we took them on a quick visit round Pentre Ifan, Carreg Samson  and the Coetan Arthur cromlechs.  At Newport where the last cromlech is situated somewhat foolishly amongst a small development of bungalows (but that is another story}  We visited a delicatessen in which was purchased an expensive bottle of Welsh whiskey, which taken back to the place we were staying was consumed by the three, I don't like whiskey, but the friendliness of the Cambrian Inn stays on in the mind.