Flint to Ffynnonggroyw 4/26/26

 Good morning!

"King Richard II had a faithful Greyhound called Mathe, who followed his master everywhere. It is said that Mathe would go to no one but the king, and that he would greet his master by jumping up and placing his front paws upon Richard's shoulders. Then, a fateful day arrived. Richard’s cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, came to Flint to capture the King and take the crown. As Henry came into the castle, Mathe turned from his master for the first time and instead, warmly greeted the newcomer. When Henry asked what this meant, the King told his cousin: "The greyhound maketh you cheer this day as king of England, to which dignity you will be raised; and I shall be deposed. The greyhound possesses this knowledge naturally; therefore, take him with you. King Richard knew what Mathe’s actions meant. It seems the dog's loyalty was to the crown, rather than to the man who wore it." 

(from the sign)

A painting of King Richard.

Today’s hike turned out to be just over 13 miles, but at least it was varied between trails and pavement.

The sailor’s belt buckle said, "Lest we Forget 1914-1918". In case you have forgotten your history, these years were “The Great War,” or World War I.

Courtaulds was at the heart of Flint for over 70 years, providing work for hundreds of families over several generations. Aber Works opened in 1917, producing rayon.  yarn, an artificial silk made from wood pulp. Soon, the company needed to expand to meet the ever-increasing demand for rayon. The old 'Alkali Works' by Flint Castle was ideal, as it had abundant water supplies, locally mined coal, good transport, and a proven local workforce. It was hard work in the noisy factory where everyone had to learn to lip-read, but there was a tremendous camaraderie. People went straight from school at 14 or 15, and for many, it was a job for life, with a long-service award after 30 years.

The factories have closed, but the area has been sanitized and made into a green space.

I saw many of these gates along the walk, each unique to the area.

Although you cannot see Ireland, the locals call this the Irish Sea.

More scenic trail.

Shades of Outlander, it is a stone circle.  I walked over and stood inside, but I didn’t hear any buzzing, nor did I land in a different century. And I definitely didn’t see Jamie.

A Boat Grave Yard.

The tide was out, so this listing boat must be waiting for high tide. I couldn’t imagine it was part of the graveyard.  It didn’t look decrepit or rusted.

I first thought this was a scallop shell, like the ones on all the Caminos in Spain, but it actually represents Cockles. Cockles have been harvested from the Dee for centuries using a technique that has changed little. The cockle season lasts from July to December and is back-breaking work. The fishermen use a wooden board called a tamp to dislodge the cockles from the beds. They are then scooped up in a riddle with a one-inch mesh so that the small ones drop through.

(from the sign)

Blacksmith's Old Tavern.  You rarely see one with this type of roof anymore.

This church sat up on a hill, and I thought it was so picturesque

I love British humor, or in this case, Welsh humor.  The question is “What happens if you leave your dog poo or "stick and flick"? "Are we too delicate as Americans to stick and flick dog poo?

The sign goes on to say: "Rangers and Volunteers trim and cut along footpaths for you and your 

4-legged friends to enjoy. Please remove your dog's mess so we don't end up covered in it!

THANK YOU!"

Pretty straight to the point.

Today’s destination.  I am sure that it is common pronunciation. Woohoo!  My feet were killing me.

I was feeling a bit snobby about the hotel’s menu. I have already had so many good meals. It was 6:00, and the restaurant was empty.  Not usually a good sign. The male receptionist was also bartending and taking food orders. I thought that a pizza sounded safe. And it was surprisingly excellent, with a thin, crisp crust.  I ordered a pepperoni and jalapeño with a drizzle of honey sriracha.  The sriracha was fire-extinguisher hot, but I couldn’t quit dipping into additional sauce. Practically addictive.

Tomorrow I head for Rhyl, which is where tht I am staying tonight.  My taxi will take me back to Ffynnonggroyw, and I will walk back here. Nice not to have to pack.

So as they say, that is all the news that is fit to print.

Goodnight and God Bless.