We stayed in a youth hostel last night, and it wasn't a complete dump. Still not someplace I want to stay ever again, but at least it had a real shower. We had another short night of sleep and then we were up ready for today's Full On experience. We were supposed to get yet another coach and driver this morning, and it was supposed to be there at 8 am. Jim finally showed up at 8:25, putting us behind for the day, it's seemed like. Our hostel was at the top of a steep, narrow drive, and we had to drag our suitcases up and down the drive by ourselves. Not fun, since my suitcase now weighs the equivalent of a small elephant.
Anyway, the coach finally showed up and we were on our way to Penrhyn Castle. The Full On team was there to meet us and get us harnessed up for the rappelling. After a group picture and some safety info, they split us into two groups. I went with the first group, because I figured if I waited and watched, I would chicken out.
We went up the original stairs in the tower, until finally at the top we had to climb a steep ladder. I almost chickened out then, but I made it to the little waiting room at the top. Then I had to wait while they called 14 students and sent them over the edge. Finally, Dina and I went to the top of the tower. We had our harnesses checked again, and then it was up on the edge of the wall. Kiah, a hairy Welshman, was helping me. He got me up there, and then told me to put my feet right on the edge of the wall and lean back. I almost froze. I couldn't say anything or move. He assured me that it was safe and that he had me, and then finally I was able to take that first step. The descent took about 1 minute 20 seconds....and it was incredible.
Live life full on.
All of us accomplished our goals, except for Dina who is afraid of heights, and she even stood right on the edge.
After the abseiling (English for rappelling) we went to Chester, England. We had a traditional fish and chips lunch, and then explored the city of Chester for a few minutes (and I do mean a few....we had about 20 minutes). The Romans founded the city in 79 AD. We took a walk along the city walls that were built by the Romans, and saw an original Roman amphitheater.
We then headed for Warwick Castle. The traffic is insane, so we are moving very slowly.
Warwick Castle was so cool! We got there about 6 pm, just as the castle was closing, and were met by an actor who was training the Americans to fight in the War of the Roses. The kids were given a lesson in sword fighting, saw a longbow being shot, and saw the world's largest trebuchet shot. We had the place to ourselves, so Dina and I wandered around some and took pictures. It is absolutely beautiful there. We are coming back tomorrow morning to explore the castle.
Love you all.
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