Our adventure around Ireland came to a close today but what a blast it has been. We left the campsite early today and said goodbye to the farmer on whose land the site rests. He was busy feeding his chickens, ducks and guinea fowl in the farmyard. A scene from a Constable.
We headed south along the A2 for the short drive into the town of Carrickfergus. Dominated by its castle on the shore it was a sleepy monday morning here. It started to rain. It did not stop. But for us it was a chance to grab a decent breakfast at Springsteens American Diner. Give them their due, they did do an amazing, if not the healthiest grant you, breakfast with non stop coffee. Debbie popped into Sainsbury’s next door whilst I took the dog for a walk around the marina. Clearly Carrickfergus was a place of some importance in days of yore. With a Scotch[sic] quarter and an Irish quarter (the other two quarters were missing?) this place has history. Alas we could not stick around to find out what it was.
The road down into Belfast passes through the suburbs found in any town around the globe. We checked into Stena Line for the Cairnryan sailing. It is a route I have never been on. We were first to arrive for the 15:30 sailing. Just as we started to board it really started to pour with rain. Debbie spied the gusty wind conditions and popped a seasick tablet in her mouth just in case.
She need not have worried. The dog stayed in the van and took up residence in Debbie’s front seat. The crossing was quick. 2 hours 25 minutes berth to berth. When we returned to the van the dog was still in Debbie’s seat curled up until we opened the van door. You would think we had been away for hours by the greeting we got.
We are now set for the night in Ryan Bay campsite just to the north of Stranraer. It is lashing down with rain. It is time to do nothing but get our books out. It is a filthy night. We arrived into Ireland in dirty weather. We left Northern Ireland in dirty weather. The beginning of the Scotland Sojourn seems likely to continue in the same vein.
Tomorrow we have a 280 mile drive north. Why? You will have to wait until tomorrow for that.
Todays Distance: 65 miles including the ferry crossing.
Total Distance: 1698 miles.
Woodend Wanderer 