Imogen Hits Wales

On a Monday a few weeks ago, we were hit by winter storm Imogen, which proved to be quite large even for the North Atlantic. 70 mph winds and 15-20 foot waves smacked the coast, bringing lots of rain and tree damage as well. So of course we decided that we should go out to the coast to witness the storm's power. It was very impressive and one of the largest storms I have ever witnessed. The sun alternated between poking out and going completely cloudy, so we got to see a lot of different moods as we walked.

Started at Caswell Bay, where sun was entirely hidden and it was quite misty

But as we went to leave Caswell, the sun began to pop out for our walk along the coast. Tide was very low, but would rush in VERY quickly, faster than we could run. 

Walking along the coast. To give size perspective, headlands are a couple hundred feet tall. Estimating that waves were 15 to 20 feet. Typically waves do not break at all in this area.

Looking back at Caswell and out towards the Three Cliffs area

Sun began to pop out through the mist and pop some color that matched some of the local wildflowers on the tops of the cliffs

Standing out on a headland on top of the cliff, looking over the huge seas when the sun started to shine hard

Watching 20 foot waves break against the giant cliffs. Can see the fine mist all along the coast that was constantly regenerated with each wave.

Moody view from the edge of a low cliff. At about 20 feet up and facing straight into the wind, this location was the windiest.

In the same spot, we were being drenched by the spray from the waves on the rocks. Spray was travelling a good 100+ yards to reach us.

Looking out into the North Atlantic 

More Coastal Storms

Walked out to Mumbles Lighthouse/Point area for the last minor storm and found a place where the waves would force spray straight up. It was fun to stand under it until I got soaked to the bone by one that just washed over the rocks instead of spraying the rocks. Figured I would take a video a bit further back.

Start of the Gower/Langland Bay

Earlier in the week we took a hike down to the Gower. The Gower is the broad name for the stretch of coastline along Southern Wales, starting just East of Swansea and running all the way to Llangenith. The Gower is known for its dramatic landscape of towering cliffs, sandy bays, and wild surf. There is a path that runs along the duration of the coastline, right on the edge of the cliffs, which offers some spectacular views. We started at the closest bay on he Gower, Langaland, and walked back out towards the Mumbles lighthouse. We got lucky and caught some sun, which led to some great lighting, even for iPhone cameras.

Looking to Langland bay from the smaller Rotherslade Bay.

Looking at the big boulder called the Tor at Rotherslade.

The view from the top of the 15 foot Tor.

Looking back at Langland from the coastal path headed East. Can see some surfers out.

The view from a cliff overlooking the coastline all the way to Langland and Caswell in the distance.

Arrival/Cardiff

Cardiff Castle

Took a quick visit to Big Pit and to Cardiff to see some sights. Big Pit was one of the most successful mines in all of the UK until its closure in 1980 after being mined of all of its coal. Had the opportunity to take a tour through some of the original mines and learn a bit about life as a miner and some of their systems and ways of life. No pictures as no batteries were allowed near the mine in fear of an explosion from a battery spark!

After Big Pit, we travelled to Cardiff to visit Cardiff Castle, which was properly built in the 11th century to replace a 3rd century Roman fort. This castle has seen repeated conflicts and sieges over the years between the Welsh and Normans, British, and WWII German forces. The entire castle site has been rebuilt by various owners over the years, and there is a fascinating clash of gothic, medieval, and modern architecture across the various buildings. 

The view looking up towards the keep, which was partially demolished and never fully rebuilt

The keep at a distance, surrounded by moat and with views of the ramparts and wall in the background

The Welsh dragon still flies from the keep of the capital city