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| The view from Glenariff |
I decided on this occasion not to visit Belfast but to
discover the beautiful countryside. To get to the countryside from the docks it
was necessary to use the motorway. This skirts Belfast (but afforded us a view
of some of its sites), continuing on towards the town of Antrim, passing
through some of the countryside and over Six Mile Water with Lough Neagh in the
distance.
Finally we left the motorway and headed north to Ballymena.
Something which we periodically noticed were that flags were flying at half
mast. The guide hurried to reassure us. Apparently it is illegal to fly flags
except on certain days of the year but, of course, some people want to fly them
anyway. The reason why they are at half mast is because it is quicker to lower
them if the authorities are snooping around! Well, that's what the guide told
us.
Turning north-east we were surrounded by forests, hills and
moors with its purple heather. Very reminiscent of the Highlands of Scotland.
We were heading for the Glenariff Forest Park. This is known as the Queen of
the Glens and is spectacular with a couple of fast flowing rivers, waterfalls
and quiet reflective pools.
Refreshments were provided at the Glenariff Tea House.
Either tea or coffee and a home- made scone. Plus, of course, the obligatory
gift shop. There was time to wander, take photos of the splendid views and, for
the more daring, a chance to meander in the woods and look for the shy red
squirrels. Nope, I didn't see any. Just, like everyone else, I got soaking wet
as a rather strong shower of rain decided to christen us.
Our return journey was down to the coast at Cushendall to
turn south and admire the magnificent coastline. There was one more stop at
Carnlough where, on the dockside are two war memorials. One is to the men of
Carnlough who lost their lives and the other is to *Percy the Carrier Pigeon. I
had just taken my photos when down came the rain again. Luckily there was a
Spar supermarket across the road and several of my fellow passengers could be
seen heading for it. Yes, we all did a bit of shopping and most of us ended up
buying a Mr. Whippy Ice-cream complete with a Cadbury's Flake. I hadn't had one
of those for about twenty years! Really yummy.
There weren't any more stops but we did drive through the picturesque
fishing village of Ballygally before turning inland at Larne and back to
Belfast.
* www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/carrier-pigeon.html
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