From Coast to Coast

It will soon be time to say goodbye to the beautiful coastline of Southern Wales. We have been staying in a Lewis family home on the edge of the Gower peninsula, where everyday we undertake a stunning walk around the cliffs. We are never alone, for this walk is extremely popular, be it with locals or holiday makers; students from the nearby Swansea University; individual runners or running clubs, amateur photogrphers, and the like. I love the friendly greetings and occasional interactions we experience. Yesterday we stopped to watch a photographer who was focussing his telephoto lens beyond the rocks. "What have you seen?" we asked." Seals ," he replied as he pointed out the exact location. What I had taken to be glossy seabirds, floating on the surface of the water, turned out to be the profiles of seals, who quickly dived, only to reappear elsewhere.

I shall sorely miss this walk when we have returned home. But why, when I normally seek out solitude and tranquil places? I think the answer lies in the magnificent sea beyond us. In spite of the crowded coastline, humans can tread no further, and the sea offers space and seemingly infinite freedom. Here are some scenes of the seascape that we have enjoyed in the past few days.

Whilst parts of this coast are wild and deserted , some beaches are already buzzing and crowded as people take advantage of this amazing weather(as described in my last blog.) Yesterday we went shopping in our local village of 'The Mumbles.' This is situated on Swansea Bay with its enormous tidal reach. In recent months new sea defences have been constructed , and a beautiful wide promenade leads from here all the way around the bay to the busy city of Swansea. It is used exclusively by walkers and cyclists of all ages. But here at the Mumbles further development has been taking place, and the promenade is filled with tables and parasols from local cafés, where people can relax outdoors, over drinks and coffee. Indeed there is a Continental air, where yucca plants, palms, and scores of olive trees strongly remind me of our home in the South of France. British habits are changing, there is no doubt about it. Climate change is real, and its effects are showing.

In three days time we shall be heading back towards our own olive trees and days spent along the coast of Languedoc. But I know that my thoughts will often return to Wales. We have made our home in France, and that is where we wish to remain. But should we ever have to return to these shores, this corner of Wales is where I should like to belong, although I was born near Newcastle, in the north of England. We have ties to this region, having come here for family holidays ever since our boys were small. Moreover B.'s links go back even further, for it was from Swansea that his paternal grandfather set out to forge a new life in Africa , leaving the family drapers ' business. Here are some pictures of the Swansea he left behind. A tram line once ran between the Mumbles and Swansea in the very place where the modern new sea defences and boulevard have since been built.

And so it's goodbye to Swansea and the beautiful, wild coast of the Gower peninsula, which holds so many memories and associations. "A la prochaine," ( until the next time. )