Day 52
Giant’s Causeway late on
Today’s ride was more rolling hills through wonderful countryside and again virtually no traffic. We were tantalisingly close to river for most of the morning, finally we diverted hoping to see it, no luck so Tom got the drone out!
Just before we got to our camp site we passed the Dark Hedges, a rural lane lined with ancient beech trees. So stunning, that even though we hadn’t seen a soul for hours, it was busy with people awestruck at what nature had created for us.
Our campsite, Charlie’s Hideaway was simply perfect. It has everything a weary cycle tourist needs, especially if the weather is bad tomorrow as forecast. Quiet, clean, friendly owner, large individual shower rooms, but the icing on the cake, a small hut with a table, chairs, WiFi, plugs galore, fridge, washing machine, sink and the LUXURY of a kettle. The sheer joy of being able to have a hot drink without setting up the stove is hard to explain, just wonderful!
Tent pitched and we were off, our destination Giant's Causeway. A 25 mile round trip but an easy blast without the bags. Our first evening ride but so worth it. Tom's pictures will show how stunningly beautiful it is. Nature though can be dangerous at times, as we walked towards the stones called the Organ due to their resemblance to a church organ, there was a rock fall. We watched in horror as about 20 people ran to safety. No one was hurt but it was a reminder how fragile life can be. A moment’s hesitation and it could have been a different outcome.
We spent several hours there, the hundreds of visitors slowly left, but many still lingered, like us awed by this stunning wonder of nature. A top highlight of the trip so far no doubt. You must go and see it if you haven’t yet, but do go very early or very late to avoid the crowds.
