Where The Wild Iris Grows

With another pleasant day yesterday, we decided to return and have a proper look at the Giant's Causeway. The drive there is quite short, so we were quickly parked and starting the 20 minute walk from the car park down and around the headland to the causeway. The sea is very clear and blue and the rocks are dark gray with red flashes. Wild yellow irises grow in the rocks adding more colour. As you approach the causeway, the strange hexagonal formation becomes plain and extends out into the sea toward Scotland. If you go to Scotland the same formation is also seen there. When I get home I plan to find the story of the story of the Giant who legend says created the causeway and read it to Ngila and Beatrix and let then have the shells we found there.

We completed the circular walk up the steps to our car and continued along the coast to the east. As you go you pass through small villages with crofts clinging to the cliffs. Most are painted white, with the occasional rebel. Dorian had chosen the Rope Bridge as one destination so we stopped there next. I hate heights, so this was a challenge for me. There is another km walk here from the parking area to the bridge. This is very good exercise, this tourist thing. I could feel myself tense as we approached the steps leading down to the swaying rope structure. Only 8 people at a time are allowed on. My thought was, "Of course, that's because it might break, and send one tumbling down onto those sharp rocks down there." With considerable shortness of breath on my part, apparently none on anyone elses, we made it over to the island. It seems that the island was used in the salmon fishery in years past. The fish came over from Newfoundland and spawned in the area. The return was not as bad.
Several more lovely spots along the coast completed our day, and and we made it home in the light. Dotted through what I have just described were a very good lunch, a really good ice cream cone and afternoon coffee. Not bad, this tourist thing.