Kitchen Acquaintance

There will not be much in the way of culinary prowess emanating from this ill-equipped new kitchen until I get more organized... In the meantime, a nice looking salad:

The accompanying lamb chops were delicious, but not exactly photo worthy. So I ate those myself!

Belfast City in Brief

The Crown - Belfast's Oldest Pub

Not a more perfect location for a frothy Guinness

It's even finished off with a shamrock!  

Below is a portion of the tile mosaic at the entrance to the pub. 

The interior is ornate as well - the bar, the walls, the furnishings - even the ceiling, 

yet it is not delicate but rather a fortress of its own. 

Merrymakers can sit in wooden booths quite separate from the group adjacent as each booth has a door.  

It's really a shame I'm not fond of beer. 

However I was fond of the city.

 Quite so in fact that I must have spent all my time gawking rather than taking any further photos!

 A small baby bootie project waiting to be completed:

D&BM pictures b

The harbour of Belfast. 

The photos all make it appear distant though in reality it was nearer somehow.

The view can be seen in about a 45 minute walk from the car park. 

Walk directly up on the paved path and at the tower take a right along the boardwalk. 

No wet feet this way either :)

Cows outnumber trees. 

The mosses are plentiful and springy underfoot.
This particular one was just so soft and vibrant I had to take a photo. 

D&BM pictures a

 

Here I am. Being goofy. It's difficult taking a picture of yourself, by yourself, 

but I had to prove I actually went, right?!

This is the beginning of the trail. The hillside isn't particularly dramatic, though the cliffs as viewed from Belfast
(the other side) are quite lovely. It's easy to have a happy disposition in the sunshine and fresh air!

Divis & The Black Mountain

Location: Belfast, over looking the harbour
Mission:   4.0 miles
Terrain:   3/4 prepared 1/4 other
Time:       2.3 hours for Lough and Summit Trails 
including a visit to the Summit of Black Mountain 

My first hike in Northern Ireland on my first day in my new home was a pleasant one 

and the weather held fantastically, even permitting the sun to shine most of the adventure. 

I stayed warm with the exercise, a long sweatshirt with 'glove-lets' and a hood, plus a scarf. 

I went solo, as usual, though I'm still holding out hope for company one of these days, 

and remained so along Lough Trail and the unprepared portion of the Summit Trail. 

Considering how much rain is expected to fall during every month I would suggest completing 

this loop in a trusty pair of Wellingtons because my trainers were submerged multiple times 

despite my best efforts at keeping dry. 

The stock of the nation seem to enjoy the fresh air and a walk as I do. They came out in droves after work while the sun was still remarkably high in the sky. This latitude is further north than I've ever yet had the pleasure to spend an appreciable period of time in soaking up the long hours of daylight.  On the paved section I was joined by many natives throwing a friendly "hiya" toward me 

(not to be confused with the karate chop "hi-ya!" as there is no emphasis on the 'y'). 

The shrubbery reminds me of muskeg: lumpy surface with standing water, almost imperceptible hiding beneath. Most of the low foliage is heather which is due to bloom purple in the summer months. I saw an archeological formation of rocks representing a gathering place dating to first early AD said to have been used by hunter-gatherers and not so long after came upon a flint stone. There isn't a tree in sight on this hilly area however I did pass alongside quite a few cows.

Lobster Rain Jacket

In a week I'll be testing out the effectiveness of my new jacket in the rains of Northern Ireland.  

Did you know their rainiest month is July?  I did not.  

Once I learned this odd and somewhat lamentable fact, 

I thought a raincoat in a happy colour would be key to maximum enjoyment of the season.  

At least at the same latitude as Prince George (or Edmonton, or Denmark...) 

I should be enjoying plenty of daylight!

The uberbright and cheerful jacket comes from Eddie Bauer.  

The fit is perfect - roomy but sharp and the sleeves are just the right length.  

The jacket is a shell with a soft interior which is basically just the underside of the fabric.  

And the hood has ample room.

Now all I need are BOOTS!!!

A new cover was found :)
Next is a course on the awesome capabilities of the iPad.
The sessions are free at the Apple Store, just sign up on line!

Wow I cannot believe I went to Miami and never took a single picture, of say a palm tree, 

but I did get one BBQ picture of this delicious salmon pinwheel.  

I may have to recreate this at home - delicious!