"...because it rains all the time." - Irish Woman to David at the top of Slemish Mtn
The Gorgeous Green Island
To say that Ireland is green would be an understatement. This island is so many shades of green that is it impossible to describe with words. We started the morning with a traditional Irish breakfast - tea, coffee, fried eggs, sausage, bacon (actually similar to our "ham" cuts), grilled mushrooms, soda bread, toast, baked beans, oh yeah orange juice - so very hearty indeed. Today was Cori's first day at the Michelin plant so David spent the day sightseeing. He toured the city of Ballymena (where we are staying) and also a few surrounding villages - Gracehill and Broughshane. He was able to sample some local beers at a little pub named The Thatch Inn. It actually is true to its name because it is the only building in town with a thatched roof. Broughshane probably has some of the most beautiful flower arrangements we have ever seen. I am sure the rain helps, but maybe the ladies are slipping the plants some Guinness too?!?!? David also was able to enjoy some of the hiking/walking spots - Slemish Mountain and the Buttermilk Bridge Trail along the Maine River. He enjoyed the view from Slemish so much that he decided to do it again with Cori when she got off work.
The Thatch Inn
Flower Power!
Slemish Mountain is really what we would consider a hill (only 1500 ft above sea level), but the hike up to the top was a very strenuous one and the hike down was very slippery - roundtrip about 1.2 miles. The car ride to Slemish is winding, narrow, and surrounded by plots of grasslands with sheep and cows. Slemish Mountain is important to the locals because according to history St. Patrick in his younger years was actually held as a slave for 6 years in this area. He escaped but later returned to devote the remainder of his life to bring Christianity to the Irish. On our hike down we met a local man who says he makes the trek up Slemish Mtn everyday. He was going up the mountain as we were about half way down, then by the time we were 3/4 of the way down he passed us on his way down. Apparently he knows the best routes. Later when we were walking in town, we heard a honk and turned around to see our hiker friend drive by and wave. People here are sooooo friendly and caring. David was given a tuna and corn sandwich by some friendly ladies after his first hike up and back the mountain.
Irish Sheep
The views from the top of Slemish Mountain
We were pretty tired after the hike and went in search of some good food and drinks. We found both and have retired to our room at the Adair Arms. We are still a little jet-lagged from the trip and hope to get some sleep before the weekend. We have some fun things planned and are looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful place.
Cheerio from Northern Ireland!!
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