Saturday 19 September 2009

The Drum Manor Triffid

Off to Cookstown this weekend searching for the elusive Blackthorn. We spotted some down in Fermanagh but there were not many; I suspect we were parked beside a sloe bush in Cookstown then so we will have to check...

Yip, it was a sloe bush - so we now know of two new sources (in addition to the Nendrum tree), all we need is the first frost and we can start picking.

Encouraged by this first bush, expected there would be more nearby so I wandered off through the forest. Found loads of mushrooms - or toadstools.and what appeared to be blackthorn but with no berries. Next to the field just above the site, a hedgerow formed the boundary between the forest and the open space - a mixture of hawthorn, holly and blackthorn. But still no berries, not even haws.

Kept walking through the trees as the light began to fade. Came across this wondrous tree sprawling with branches all akimbo. In the twilight it looked most impressive but despite various attempts with and without flash and even in the clear light of day (this picture), I couldn't replicate that moment I first encountered it.

Saturday 12 September 2009

Castlewellan

It seems like a long time since we were away, but its only a couple of weeks.

Zoomed quickly to Castlewellan planning to take the bikes up the long path over the hills.

As preparation, skirted the lake as usual and caught this amazing view with the lake almost as still as glass with near perfect reflection of the trees and hillside.


Next day we set off up the hill this time with Erinne's picnic backpack getting its first airing. After the entrance to the Arboretum, the starting hills were extremely steep forcing us to walk only. The first viewpoint was a welcome recovery point. But it seems my recovery rate is not what it was - not much further on, a group of visiting Poles made fun at my expense as I stood gasping for air. Soo embarrassing!

Finally made it to the top, even up to the trig point.

Along the ridge to spectacular viewpoint looking across the forest, the lake and beyond with Slieve Donard just visible in the distance. Very difficult to get a photo to do justice to this sort of view.

After this is was downhill all the way and it did not take long to descend, the hills were steep with bikes racing at dizzying speeds - began to make notes to self about buying a helmet.

Abbaye de Saint-Savin

Abbaye de Saint-Savin from the river-side garden T he church bells announced 2 o'clock and there was already a sizeable crowd of fol...