We discovered that the archaeologists were actually our neighbours on the campsite with their two tents and the tell-tale Dyfed Archaeological Trust white van. We wished them good luck for the days digging.
After a leisurely start and a visit to the local shop, we caught the Coastal Cruiser bus from the village to Pembroke. As the only passengers, we had the undivided attention of the bus driver who would have made a good taxi driver. We heard the whole of his life story and all about the career choices of his sons. They were definitely a military family. There was also a rather one-sided discussion or rather a monologue on the failings of the Labour party and details of the Conservative gains in Wales during the election.
Jane spotted the Tourist Information Office as we passed and the driver kindly stopped to let us off as soon as he could. We picked up a Town Trail leaflet and set off on the tour.
Pembroke Castle is very impressive, its current structure dating back to the 12th century sits over a cave with evidence of human occupation over 12,000 years ago. In between there was probably a Celtic stronghold subsequently obliterated by the castle. At high tide the sea lapped up against the castle rock on two sides and this has subsequently been closed off so that fresh water permanently floods this area forming a nature reserve. A lock has been built which means that, in theory at least, boats could still reach the once bustling dock beneath the castle from the sea. We spotted swans, ducks, cormorants and herons but failed to see the otters that were supposed to live there. We continued the tour, which was interesting although Pembroke is not as pretty as Tenby.
We had a different bus driver on the way back and this meant a quieter journey!
Photos: Pembroke Castle.
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