Saturday 10.13.07

I am utterly amazed at the number of sheep, cows and fence rows in this country.The countryside is a patchwork of field after field.You don't find many big clumps of trees, more than likely because they were all cut down in the 12th century to build homes and fire.When you have inhabited an island as long as the Irish you are bound to use up some of the resources.America take heed!

My earlier sightseeing adventures with Hilda and John took me to the more coastal and farming lands of the south but farther east and the north coast of N. Ireland.Today as you can see when you click on the full view of the map we ventured to the bottom end of N. Ireland.Just to the boarder where North meets the south and the mountains rise up from the sea.

The Mourne Mountains are the highest peaks in N. Ireland and are a baron set of humps mostly devoid of trees and full of rocks jutting out of the ground like pimples on a sixteen year old.Unlike the fields in other parts of N. Ireland that are separated by neatly manicured hedgerows the area around the Mourne Mountains boasts the most impressive display of fence crafting I have every seen.All the hedgerows have been replaced by rows of rocks all stacked upon one another in a method called dry rock fencing.There is no mortar in between holding the rocks together just their shear weight and build.Many of the fences are probably centuries old and have withstood many a cow rubbing marks on their hide.Even the thought of a 15th century farmer building these walls around his fields sends shots of pain up my spine.Now I understand why rugby is such a big sport here.With all the muscles built from fence building they had to flex them in sport!

The trip to, through and around the mountain region was amazing.Lots of winding roads and more small villages with walled harbors!I found that my favorite villages were located in this area and our hikes up to some of the peaks for panoramic views filled my lungs with clean crisp mountain air very different from the north.Along the way we spotted several inhabitant and long since uninhabited castles.I swear I was born in the wrong time period.I should have been a lord sitting in one of these castles overlooking my fiefdom!The castles were truly extraordinary.Their views were amazing.

We had lunch in Newcastle on the water of course and just across the narrow bay we could see the most beautiful resort and spa.Charleston place would have a run for its money.I have made a note to stay their on my next visit.Slieve Donard the highest peek in the Mourne Mountain chain was an impressive site towering high above Newcastle.As we left a tremendous cloud completely enveloped the steep slopes and made it almost invisible.A very impressive sight to see an entire summit disappear in the cloud and not even the summit so much as the ENTIRE mountain.I think you will enjoy this days photographs!

So after another one of Hilda's amazing meals we settled in with cocktails in hand to watch England take on France in Rugby!Holy cow I am addicted.Now that is a sport.I was very impressed with the talent, stamina and fortitude it requires to play the game and am looking forward to the next semi final of the world cup to be played tomorrow!I am sure wherever I am next weekend I will make it a point to watch the final…It is the World Cup of Rugby after all and England is playing in it….yes that means England beat France.

So another exciting day as you can see from the photographs!I am off to The Church of Ireland for morning services and then a little tennis, newspaper reading, and Rugby watching in the afternoon.I am looking forward to a relaxing Sunday and then it is back to motorcycle hunting!