Dilwyn

"But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you've got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not."

Cat Stevens - Father & Son

Cheating again, so many lovely photos to choose from around Dilwyn that I put together a little card from the day. Drove Dad to visit his sisters in Dilwyn, the other side of Hereford. Weather hot and sunny with plenty of blue sky and the usual interesting clouds at this time of year.

The drive past Abergavenny was quite spectacular with Skirrid looming over the road, picked out in the bright sunshine. Buzzards lazily prospecting, circling above as we drove past Pontrilas Sawmills and the enormous logging lorries hauling tree trunks for trimming. The heavy foliage provided some shade along the country road to Hereford, then we were into hop fields and apple orchard country. Dad recalls places and people, cousins who lived along the way - and the more gruesome News of the World story of a young woman who disappeared around Hope who he never heard about again. It's a journey down memory lane.

We arrive and visit A first, a coffee to let go of the journey and a catch-up chat. She mentions the installation of a Labyrinth behind the church, where my grandfather built the heavy stone retaining wall against the roadside. Before we know it J has arrived to chauffeur us to the crown in the village for lunch with C. Another hour and a half of effortless catch-up over lunch.

I decide to walk the Labyrinth while J and C take Dad back to A's. The Labyrinth is good for me, the feathers loosely scattered around are symbolic reminders of a journey I began in 1997, and continues today. A meditation in the church afterwards sets me up for the journey home. A full day and some stunning views of the country during our travels.