22 March 1756 – 28 March 1756

It continued fair till we came to Builth, where I preached to the usual congregation. Mr. Phillips then guided us to Royader, about fourteen English miles. It snowed hard behind us and on both sides, but not at all where we were.

When we took horse, there was nothing to be seen but a waste of white; the snow covered both hills and vales. As we could see no path, it was not without much difficulty, as well as danger, that we went on. But between seven and eight the sun broke out and the snow began to melt, so we thought all our difficulty was over; about nine, the snow fell faster than ever. In an hour it changed into hail, which, as we rode over the mountains, drove violently in our face. About twelve this turned into hard rain, followed by an impetuous wind. However, we pushed on through all and before sunset came to Dolgelly. Here we found everything we wanted except sleep, of which we were deprived by a company of drunken sea captains, who kept possession of the room beneath us till between two and three in the morning. We did not take horse till after six and then we could make no great speed, the frost being exceedingly sharp and much ice in the road. Hence we were not able to reach Tannabull till between eleven and twelve. An honest Welshman here gave us to know (though he spoke no English) that he was just going over the sands. So we hastened on with him and by that means came in good time to Carnarvon. Here we passed a quiet and comfortable night, and took horse about six in the morning. Supposing, after we had ridden nearly an hour, that a little house on the other side was the ferry-house, we went down to the water and called amain; but we could not procure any answer. In the meantime it began to rain hard, though the wind was extremely high. Finding none would come over, we went to a little church which stood near, for shelter. We had waited about an hour when a woman and girl came into the churchyard, whom I did not mind, supposing they could speak no English. They were following a sheep, which ran close to us. I then asked, “Is not this Baldon Ferry?” The girl answered, “Baldon Ferry! No. The ferry is two miles further.” So we might have called long enough. When we came to Baldon the wid fell, the sky cleared up, the boat came over without delay and soon landed us in Anglesey. On our way to Holyhead, one met and informed us that the packet had sailed the night before. I said, “Perhaps it may carry me for all that.” So we pushed on and came thither in the afternoon. The packet did sail the night before and got more than half sea over. But the wind turning against them and blowing hard, they were glad to get back this afternoon. I scarcely ever remember so violent a storm as blew all the night long. The wind continued contrary the next day.