Autumn Landscape

AUTUMN LANDSCAPE

The early morning mist wafts its way along the valley obscuring the hills looking almost ethereal as it clears slowly and is dispersed by an invisible hand. Above the mist the sun is shining and soon will set the hill-side aflame with autumn tints. A broad green swathe of conifers drapes itself across the lower slopes reminding us of summer past and the eternal quality of their winter green.
Above the hills, hidden from the valley, is a shallow tree-lined lake, a sanctuary for a family of swans and the ice-skaters in winter, who try their skills on its icy surface. Now it sparkles, bathed in sunshine, reflecting in its clear, placid water, the little white, stone church, still used occasionally by a few dedicated worshipers within its whitewashed walls and wooden pews. In the distance, on a fine, clear day, the majestic grey stone mountain peaks can be seen along the horizon, sometimes snow capped, rising serenely against the blue winter sky - a silent witness to the altitude.

The panorama stretches for miles, from the great peaks to the lower hills, down the long valley of tree clad slopes to the fields and mountains in the north. At the foot of the valley the river meanders its way down south, only to change its mind, sweep in a great double bend, change course and flow on again. Once its waters had filled the giant wooden wheel of the old, ruined mill, stirring it into life before rushing on, as if to make a special journey, before going its appointed way. Now, a silent witness to the industry of a bygone age, the eerie sign in the shadows warns " Danger, keep out".
The little row of grey stone cottages with their mullioned, windows and grey stone tiles, stretch along the banks with their gardens by the water's edge. The old toll house, long since made redundant, keeps sentinel at the bridge entrance, while at the other end, the village inn guards the entrance to the village, daring anyone to pass without repast in front of its huge log fire.
Opposite is the old "Boat Inn", where once boatmen had tied up for a "quick one" and a gossip. Once the railway too had taken travelers through the heart of Wales, past the old Station house, now renovated and laid out with a garden, where the tracks, just visible, provided a path for walkers among its tree lined overgrown way.
From the castle above the village, the whole panorama stretches out and all of creation seems a breathtaking witness to an unseen power. Now, men have turned their backs on the wonder of creation and focused on the achievements of science and mankind, only to lose all sense of awe and reverence for God, its Creator. This paradise, this place of peace, this "Beth Shalom" with its unspoiled beauty - you can view it all from here - and Rejoice!

"Shalom"

These pages are from the Llyswen & Boughrood - A Visitor's Guide to the Area
By Sylvia Williams - Click here to purchase an original copy of this charming booklet.