Afon Glasyn & Llyn Dinas

Today was a choose-your-own-adventure for the three of us who would not tackle Mt. Snowdon.

We started by following the road past the copper mine we visited yesterday, and then continued on a trail along the Glasyn River.

We passed through land that has been preserved through donations to the National Trust: for its wildlife and natural beauty, for its connection to historical legend, and beloved by the people.

I was pretty sure that we would be hiking this same trail, as a group, tomorrow. I persuaded my comrades to explore a short side path leading to a small waterfall, as it seemed unlikely that we'd veer off the main trail as a group.

It was an easy walk alongside Llyn Dinas, where I was captivated by a house across the lake, nestled at the base of the mountainside. What would it be like to live there? [Dream on.]

When the trail turned away from the water, we headed back. Stone walls are ubiquitous in the countryside. The effort to build them had to be back-breaking (and time-consuming)—but here they are, still standing. No wood to rot, no wires to rust or break—essentially maintenance-free.

Continuing into town, we visited St. Mary's Church. The windows weren't limited to traditional religious imagery: here we found Sir Galahad and St. George.

After picking up a few things in town (more ibuprofen, for me), we headed back to the inn where we're staying. Along the way, a tree with wavy branches caught my eye.

I've been excited to see many unfamiliar plants, like this brightly colored specimen in the St. John's Wort family.

I managed to walk a full 6.2 miles without too much difficulty (because it was essentially flat). I wasn't disappointed to miss Mt. Snowdon (especially after one of the group quietly confided that she enjoyed the Glyders more (fewer people, compared with Snowdon).

Tomorrow is our last real day of hiking, and I am not gonna miss out. I will walk.