Nothing like travel in the winter! I was supposed to fly Kalamazoo to Detroit, Detroit to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Manchester. Then a train from Manchester to Crewe, get my rental car in Crewe, then drive to my Airbnb in Wales.

 Well, on their way from Detroit to Kalamazoo, the pilot decided that he/she didn’t feel comfortable landing in AZO. Thankfully, I saw the boomerang before anyone at the airport even knew, so I was first in line to rebook my flight. The Delta redcoat said she wasn’t sure that the pilot would feel comfortable flying again in a few hours, so suggested I get myself to Detroit if I could. The roads weren’t great, but I got a one-way rental and drove from Kalamazoo to Detroit. 

I didn’t take any pictures of the flight, but because I was sneaking on a different plane, I ended up in a middle seat. Good times! Oh, and also my bag never left Detroit. But eventually, I made it to Manchester and got on my train. 

Stopped at a grocery store along the way to get some provisions, since my Airbnb is awfully remote. It was chilly out, but since it was just a short walk, I left my coat in the car. Jokes on me because the grocery store is also freezing! Apparently they just refrigerate the entire refrigerated section? I guess?

But eventually, I made it. It was after dark and I was traveling on tiny one track roads. But honestly, a little easier at night since headlights tell you if someone is coming. Charming, isn’t it?

Drove back to Pontfadog for dinner at the nearby pub. I met a lovely couple, Trish and Richard, who gave me a bunch of suggestions for my visit to Wales. Have to have them write everything down because Welsh pronunciations are impossible to understand.

Good morning!

Setting out in the morning. Beautiful day, tiny roads, adorable sheep.

Made my way to Betws-y-Coed. Betsy Coed?

Did I mention my bag is still in Detroit? There are a lot of outdoor outfitter stores in Betsy Coed, so I bought some socks and a few pieces of clothing.

Lunch. After lunch, I stopped at the local church Christmas craft sale and bought a pig and a blanket ornament.

Back on the road through Snowdonia National Park the views are incredible and of course the pictures don’t do them justice.

My destination was Caernarfon Castle in the city of Caernarfon. What a great castle!

Then back to my little abode for dinner by the fire, reading, Moby Dick, and four hours on the phone with Delta, trying to get my bag back to me. I think my persistence worked, because the bag seems to be on its way to Amsterdam.