Day 6 Sandy Haven to Westdale Bay

Stats:
34000 steps
14.25 miles
650 meters ascent
Ciders 2; G&T 1

Sorry this one is a day late but the WiFi at last night's B&B wasn't strong enough to download photos.
 Day 6 was a day to be planned with military precision as a result of 3 factors.  First, there was a rugby game between the Lions and the All Blacks in New Zealand which started at 8:30 am our time and finished by 10:30, a must-see, especially for Pete.  Second, there were 2 inlets along the path that could only be crossed at low tide with roughly a 2 1/2 hour window at each and they were approx. 2 hours apart.  If you missed either of these time windows, you faced an additional 4 - 5 mile walk.

So, after watching an exciting 15-15 tie between the Lions and the All Blacks at the local pub in the morning, we set off for our first low-tide crossing at Sandy Haven, which we made in good time.  You can see below the before and after photos of the crossing, the first when we arrived to Sandy Haven the previous night on the way to our B&B, the second when we arrived in the morning.

From Sandy Haven, we set off along the coast with some gentle ups and downs and rugged coastal scenery at a quick pace to make our next tidal crossing which alas, we also made.  Below, you can see Shelagh sitting in a home-made fishing seat along the tidal inlet.

Our gang making there way across the second tidal inlet crossing.

One of two beacons marking the coast for freighters.

This one is for John J., just in case you might be tempted ;-)

We continued on towards Dale, which was both our lunch stop and our stop for the evening.  After a brief lunch stop, making reservations for the evening at a good fish restaurant, we set off for the 3 hour journey around St. Ann's Head.

Lime Kilns outside of Dale

The Harbour at Dale

Shelagh and Cathy, contemplating their next move.

For those of you who watched the White Princess, you will remember this guy.  He was here!

Local cows on the cliffs of St. Ann's Head overlooking the sea.

More rugged coastline.

Vomit Point.  (honest!  see the sign below)

Dale Castle, approaching Dale now from the other side of St. Ann's Head

Westdale Bay.   That's as far as we go on the Path for today.

The town of Dale

Gates to our B&B for the evening

Gardens of the B&B

Potted plants in the window at B&B

Tonight's B&B was like stepping back in time and staying at an old Welsh mansion, owned by a British diplomat who had travelled the world and then retired to his family's estate.  The main house was massive and covered with vines and the estate camouflaged by enormous gardens.  Inside, the house was like a museum with antiques from former British colonies and all of the woodwork and leaded glass windows original.  Inside the long halls went on forever with bedrooms and bathrooms everywhere.  In addition to hosting us for the evening they had their 3 children's families visiting with them for the summer holidays, complete with kids, dogs and toys.  One family was living in Germany, one in Singapore and the other in L.A., all staying for anywhere between 3 to 8 weeks.  Surprisingly, the parents were totally relaxed with the chaos and made breakfasts, served drinks like this was their form of leisure.  Impressive.

We had fresh fish at the restaurant/pub in the village, then crashed for evening in our Welsh mansion!