Saturday 11th June
After a long cycle, with a strong wind behind me for a change, from
Ballycastle, had reached Glenarm when after 2 soft tyres camped beside the sea
and the coast road.
June 12th 2010
Cycled on to Larne, could not go swimming in the baths there due to refurbishment, watched the local football and shopped. Then on the way through Glynn, stopped when I saw a Vintage tractor and engine rally in aid of disabled riders. Paid my £3, chatted with the girls on the entrance desk and spent a few very pleasant hours looking around, photographing the cars, tractors and motorbikes and meeting people.
Thanks to the girls on the refreshments counter, especially for the Florentine cake! Thanks also to Gladys Elliott for her very generous donation.
Met the farm's owner, Ian DJ McKee, who made me feel most welcome and listened
to the music provided by The Grousebeaters. Their male lead singer had an
unusual stage presence, having most of the time the look of Albert Steptoe!
At the back of the rally's ground there was a large lake adjacent to the Lough
and on it there was a Whooper Swan. I would imagine that it was an injured bird
that had not gone back north with the others after winter.
Got to a point opposite Magheramore Island and try as I might, I could not find
any of the reported Roseate Terns there. Another case of where a telescope was required.
A dog competition! A lovely time watching people passionate about their dogs.
I got to Carrickfergus and, after advice from the local constabulary, who
accompanied me for an hour or so to see that I was safe, I had a meal at a pub
and watched the England vs USA World Cup match. A geriatric slug could have saved
that one! Watch the match on YouTube to see what I mean.
There had been a large pageant that day in Carrickfergus. Shame I had missed it.
It was for the 60th anniversary, the Siege of Carrickfergus in 1689 by the
Duke of Schomberg. The two police officers, that accompanied me, joked that he
was the reason why they were wearing body armour and carrying guns.
http://www.carrickfergus.org/events/item/16/the-siege-of-carrickfergus-and-historical-pageant/
It was almost dark after my meal and I eventually camped on a lawn at the back
of a church! My usual rules applied and I am sure that no one would be able to
tell that I had been there. I even straightened up all of the grass flattened
by my backside next morning.
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