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Published: September 10th 2010
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Monday 30th August to Sunday 5th September 2010.
Monday 30th August 2010
Woke up to a beautiful day, cool and sunny and so far no wind. Into town on the 9.12am bus. Then did the open top tour of Belfast . Was good, cool, got off at the Ulster Museum and University walked around both. The gardens were small, the museum was good so then back on bus 2 hours later to the famous Crown Pub for a beer . See photos. Met and chatted to people from Gloucester NSW. Walked some more and into an interior shop - upmarket stuff but brilliant - Gaye purchased earrings, necklace and bracelet. Did some food shopping and home to cook tea - now we have a lovely stir fry chicken complements of Gaye and sitting planning tomorrow.
Tuesday 31st August 2010
Woke up earlier than the alarm, packed up and headed off for Antrim Junction One shopping centre - arrived about 7.30am.
I left and started riding - a little lost at first but then picked up the ‘Lap the Lough’ road marking. At one point was attacked by 2 german shepherds, so had a forced sprint - lifted front wheel
to avoid dog and sprinted. After about 10 minutes a rider came up beside me - also named Tom from Belfast, so sped up. Went from 22kph to 30kph and we chatted for about 30 mins. He then turned right and I went left into Antrim to report dogs. Eventually explained where it happened, and left it with local authorities - so 4 hours and 86kms later, back to home and found Gaye.
Had lunch and then off to Owl World again. It is run totally by volunteers - it was worth it as all the owls are abandoned pets. They need more money and have no financial assistance from anyone.
We then left there for Chain Reaction. Bought rack, seat, post, helmet cover and Garmin GPS - £300. Gaye said it was my Xmas present.
We then left for Larne - bought a set of dumbbells and yoga mat.
Now at side of road on coast, free camping, magnificent view - worth $millions. Had to massage Gaye’s neck and shoulder - too much shopping. Off to bed at 9pm - feeling physically good.
Wednesday 1st September 2010
We left the seaside parking bay and headed along the Causeway
Belfast Crown Pub - Silver Plate 30.8.10
This is for striking your match on to light it. They were all along different areas of the pub Coastal Route. Stopped at the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. Did the rope walk (800 metres above sea)- stayed for about 2-3 hours as there was lots of walking track. Took lots of photos. Then off to The Giant’s Causeway - a World Heritage Site. Also lots of walking and photos. Drove to Bushmills for the night and stayed at Ballyness Caravan Park. Very impressed. It was rated the best park in 2010 by AA. Piped music in bathrooms and very clean and well set out. Can highly recommend it.
Thursday 2nd September 2010.
In the morning we did a tour of the Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licenced distillery in Ireland. Had a drink and a walk around the town.
Then drove through to the ruins of Dunluce Castle - lots of photos and movie. A very romantic castle.
Then onto to the Skerries Caravan Park - they charged double price as the North Ireland International Air Show is on this weekend . They only had 5 showers and ladies were always queing up. Can’t say that we could highly recommend it.
Gaye is reading a novel, so things will happen when she stops reading.
Friday 3rd September 2010
Loaded
up the back pack and headed to White Cliffs Beach, then back along the beach to Portrush. Took about 1 ¼ hours, then went and looked at best free camp spot - see photo. Then walked some more.
We found a pub called ‘The Blue Ducks’ - we had to go in as that was the name of Dad’s (Ray) army unit in New Guinea during WW11. Only the barman and his mate both had done Uni, he mate passed - the barman failed and now back doing Politics and Crime - an all-in-one course !! - only the Irish.
Out of there and walked around town - went to library for internet to check on emails etc. Did some shopping and then home by 5pm. Legs and feet are shot and we are slightly sunburnt. Now into the beer and nibblies.
Saturday 4th Sept 2010
Walked into Portrush. Had a look around at some shops ;and then went around onto the boardwalk to wait for the Northern Island International Air Show to commence. Waited for a while as they had on performances by the Navy. It then started to rain fairly heavy so went into the pub for
1.9.10 Rope Bridge
800 metres above sea level a drink and nibblies for a while. The weather was still no good so we went around and found a Bistro that provided a huge cheap meal, so we had a late lunch there. About 3pm we ventured out, the sun was trying to break thru and we watched the show until 5.30pm.
Walked back to the caravan park. Tom was feeling cold and weary so had a snooze. Gaye read book for a few hours and then went to bed. Tom woke up, got changed and went back to bed. Didn’t bother with dinner - still too full from lunch.
Sunday 5th Sept 2010 (Father’s Day)
Well it’s 4.10am and Gaye’s phone message goes off. It’s Sharmi wishing Tom a Happy Father’s day. We go back to sleep until 7.30am. Meg’s SMS to Tom came through about 8.15am and I rang Dad about 9.10am.
Headed out about 11am via Portstewart and called into Coleraine looking for a ‘3’ shop to top up the internet, but they were closed on Sundays. So off we go again and still travelling along the Causeway Coastal Route which is still fantastic scenery. We stop at Bishop’s Gate to see the Mussenden Temple.
Now on the outskirts of Londonderry and free camping for the night.
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billy the b......
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I am enjoying your blog , you will both come back fighting fit if you dont run out of bike tyres, love to you both.