Day One

After solving the problem of fitting 11 bags into the minibus, we traveled for 3½ hours to Wales. Our first stop was Rhondda Valley Heritage Park. The old colliery, which first opened in 1870, has now been converted into an industrial museum. We started, after meeting our very Welsh guide, Howard, by tracking two families lives and how the coalmine had effected them. This gave an insight to life in the coalmines and a glimpse at their history. We were then taken down, or so we thought, into the coal mining tunnels. We learnt how the coal seams were blown apart, in order to be mined out, with a life like re-enactment, and the system they used to extract coal from each seam. We then simulated a ride back up to the surface, only to find ourselves at the surface the whole time; we hadn't been below ground at all!
We then visited Aberfan to interview residents about the quality of life in the area, addressing issues such as employment, facilities etc. We also learnt the tragic spoil heap avalanche of 1966, which slid into a school, nearly killing a whole generation.
We then enjoyed an exciting visit to the play park and started to make our way to the graveyard. We took a look at how the lack of attention in the coal mining industry had such a devastating effect on the people.
We then drove to Heol Senni, in Brecon Beacons National Park, to our house; which had no hot water for two whole days! How did we survive?

Day Two

After a lovely, head numbing cold shower and a much warmer breakfast we drove to Port Talbort. This huge integrated steel works, 28 km², produces 5 million tons of sheet steel a year but only employs 1,400 people. All stages of turning iron ore into steel are processed at the plant, from the arrival of the raw material in the deep water dock, to exporting coils of the metal across the country. We learnt the Health and Safety rules and regulations of the site, then got kitted up in oh-so attractive uniforms, for our tour. Unfortunately we missed the conversion of molten iron into steel but we did get to see the steel slabs being stretched out and woven into coils. Then it was to the cafeteria for a lovely lunch with big, chunky chips...and onto Cardiff Bay.
We saw the effects the building of the barrage had on the natural life and landscape and the difference the regeneration project had made to the dilapidated docks of Cardiff. I thought that although each building was fabulous in their own right, they didn't tie in together well.
Tesco's was our next stop, to stock up on, well, food for a fortnight! And then went back home. That night we watched a few movies and got into bed quite ‘early' to get lots of rest for our next adventure.

Day Three

In the morning we set off to Argoed to meet Bec and get kitted out for our caving expedition. We then went to the waterfalls, leaving our gear in the bus. We set off along the track through very pretty glades by a river. We learnt a bit about the geology of the area, then we came to the huge waterfall. The hard rock that jutted out, supporting the waterfall created a ledge as the softer rock, sandstone, underneath was eroded away. The steep sides of the valley were beginning to create a gorge. We climbed over the rocks, which were more slippery than expected, and got to stand right behind the waterfall. It was quite exhilarating but we did all get very wet (thank God for waterproof trousers).
We then had lunch, sheltering from the mizzel in the minivan and got changed into our interesting all-in-one outfits for caving. With our hard hats at the ready we set off for the mouth of the cave. A river fed through the limestone caves and we set in trudging through the water in our wellies and got our first taste of caving, how should I put it, it was a very tight squeeze! After exploring and sliding down some different slides we learnt how the caves were formed and saw the fossils that were created, the limestone had originally been under the sea! Although I surprised myself with being able to do it, I became slightly more claustrophobic when Bec mentioned the caves often fill with water when in rains a lot, had she looked outside? We then found out the healing properties of the mud that had been washed into the caves, and got a free facial!
On our journey home we learnt that the hot water was finally fixed and I was lucky enough to have the first hot shower! Bliss!
We had a geography lesson that night, intriguing to find out who could actually read a map! And watched Ace Ventura with a cup of hot chocolate and popcorn, lovely!

Day Four

Today we got up bright and early for a hike up a mountain, Pen-Y-Fan, the highest point I South Wales. We met up with Bec and, thankfully, hiked up in beautiful sunshine. We saw the Tarn and learnt how they were created, it brought geology to life, and saw the obelisk dedicated to Tommy Jones, who went missing in 1900, to be found dead at the top of the mountain aged only 5.
As we got to the ridge the wind kicked in and we were thankful for our warm layers, although we did feel a bit over dramatic as there were some up there in shorts! Mad Welsh men! We found a sheltered corner to hide away in for lunch and then carried on to the top. The views were fantastic but it was also very windy and cold so we came back down again quite quickly, and kept crouching down like Bec taught us!
We said thank you to Bec for being so great on the 10 mile hike and went back to the house for a nice warm shower and some tea.
That night we had another geography lesson about the Brecon Beacons and then watched Little Miss Sunshine after Caitlin and I attempted to make pancakes!

Day 5

We got up and enjoyed a relaxing breakfast, packed and cleared up the house. Abby and I expertly packed the minivan and got a few more photos in before setting off home. We arrived back to school at 2.30 to wish our mums happy Mothers Day!
Thanks to Mrs Brennan, Mrs Munt and Bec for making the trip so enjoyable and interesting, hope you had as much fun as I did!

(A few more photos...)