Took a Breather, Then A Big Travel Day
Trip Start
Jun 16, 2008
1
16
29
Trip End
Jul 02, 2008
Dumbarton,
Scotland,
United Kingdom
Saturday, June 21, 2008
After running really hard for the first three days of our trip, we took a bit of a break Friday, catching up on rest a bit in the process. We are working out of four vehicles and we split up into four parties Friday and just kinda went in our own directions around the Dundalk area (where we stayed Thu. and Fri. nights). Vivian and I ended up on our own and really took it easy, just travelling northeast a hair and exploring the countryside in Northern Ireland (which officially begins just north of Dundalk). Almost all of our group was running on fumes as far as energy goes and we were no different.
We saw some pretty countryside and had honestly forgotten we were moving into Northern Ireland as we drove around (there is no indication that you are crossing into N. Ireland on the road). We stopped at a gas station to grab a quick bite for lunch (we have been eating heavy breakfasts and suppers, so lunch is not as warranted) and I tried to hand the attendant 20 Euros to pay. He was quick to say they didn't accept Euros there (which we had used the entire trip until that point) and then that little bell went off in my head and realized we were where we were. Pounds it is in the UK!
Today was filled full of travel over to Scotland.
Northern Ireland countryside
It felt a lot like Steve Martin in Planes, Trains and Automobiles, except we didn't fly (but did visit and airport) and did take a ferry. From our home at the Lynolan B&B in Dundalk (another nice spot to stay), we travelled north about an hour and a half to return our cars at the Belfast Airport and catch the Stena Line Ferry over to Stranraer, Scotland. The ferry was very nice, feeling much like a cruise line, and the ride over the North Channel of the Irish Sea was enjoyable. We played cards to pass time (Raymond, Viv's older brother, and I completely dominated her and her other brother, William, in spades).Our tickets on the ferry line were paired with a train ride from Stranraer to Prestwick Airport, where we would pick up our four rental vehicles for use in Scotland. However, when we arrived at port, we were told that the train had already left, so our 16-member party helped fill a bus, which we rode for an hour-plus up to Prestwick. When we arrived there, we still had to hop a train for about 15 minutes to get out to the airport where we picked the cars. From there, we droved about 45 minutes north, through Glasgow and into Dumbarton, our temporary headquarters for tonight.
On the bright side, it was a good day to burn on travel - it rained pretty much the whole day. Weather here reminds me a LOT of our trip to Seattle in 2001 - damp and cool, which is what we expected. We have had some beautiful days to enjoy, though, and hope there will be more to come.
Pretty church
For the most part we have worn a short, jeans and the pullover of our need each day. The shorts I brought have yet to jump out of the bag and I've only worn a short sleeve shirt once for the majority of a day. I see it's gonna be 90 and sunny this week in StarkVegas. Just can't wait to get back (ha!).Like I said, not much entertainment for you in this post, but I do expect a lot more over the next 2-3 days. Tomorrow, we will travel north towards Inverness, which is just above Loch Ness. So we will be looking for Nessie at some point in the next two days in addition to a lot of other hotspots.
Internet access is still fairly tough to come by, but I think we will have a little more over the remainder of the trip. Will do my best to keep you updated as we continue this extremely enjoyable journey!
One note I wanted to pass along: my good friend, Mr. Ned Tilley, informed me that the car we were driving in Ireland - The Skoda Octavia - is actually a Czech make, not UK. When I Googled it, it came up with a UK page. Anyhow, the car was awesome. We are now driving a Renault Scenic, a small mini-van...not as sporty, but a bit more room. Both of them are diesels and are enjoyable to drive. Hey, Riz, the Scenic is a 6-speed...the Mini can't compete with that.
Comments
Typical
It would be typical for you and Vivian to be the ones to see the freaking Loch Ness Monster. I would tell you take your camera, but I know on a trip like this it is all but surgically attached to your body.
Hope y'all are having fun. Gas prices in America still suck in case you were wondering.