A Day Away

As of lately things have been a bit haywire, so it was nice to get away for a few hours to a secluded spot with little Lola and Mark, who tagged along for the trip, and surprisingly he was happy enough to run around the ruins and climb along the banks of the lough. The sun was out, I sense I might have to dig out the SPF50 any day now, and we spent a few hours at Cranfield. One canoeist was paddling far off into the distance, and he was the only human presence.

A mysterious cat lurked at the foot of the old graveyard and wouldn't come over to greet us, it wasn't even fazed by Lola's growling. Some birds hopped around and we let Lola off her leash to run across the fields, until one minor mishap happened and she became stuck in some brambles. I sat on the rock of St. Olcan's tomb watching Mark and Lola explore the marshlands.

And then we decided to go home, stopping off at the Lough Shore park on our way through. It was quite busy with children and animals, and Lola, as per usual, went nuts, so we brought her home.

But I haven't been able to settle all day. I can't stand being indoors and I'm feeling restless. Hopefully tomorrow is another nice day and we can head off somewhere, or maybe just spend the day in the back garden.

Portglenone Forest

As with many of our trips, this trip to Portglenone Forest happened on the spur of the moment. Mark directed me through Randalstown along the country roads which had stunning views of the Lough, to the ancient woodland, it was quite a drive but worth it, that is, if trees are your thing.

I know nothing about Portglenone Forest, except that I've never been there..."Portglenone Forest continues a history of mature woodland cover since ancient times, which protects the woodland flora and fauna. As such, the 26 hectare main area contains extensive colonies of ancient woodland flower species - Bluebell, Wood Anemone, Wild Garlic and many broadleaves and riverside walks. The swathes of bluebells in spring are especially remarkable, as is the Grove dedicated to Dr. Augustine Henry." More at Discover N.I.

We walked through the forest, taking the path which led over a wooden bridge along to the River Bann. Lola was her usual charming self and tried to attack any dog which passed us, which can be quite tricky when we're out for the day, we hate to leave her at home but we also hate having to restrain her. And, because of this, we had to have a look at the Bann and then walk away, people were fishing with their dogs next to them and we didn't want to disturb them.

The sunny weather has gone, (just my luck, I've been at work all week) and it was getting chilly in the forest. Mark told me the forest has a waterfall but we couldn't find it, I think he is getting it mixed up with another forest. Well, the forest itself is quite like Randalstown Forest, just trees upon trees, but it is better laid out with a lovely winding path, views of the fields, and a nice pond.

Tomorrow we are going to Botanic Gardens to visit the Victorian Palm House which grows all kinds of weird and wonderful plants, and then we'll stop off at the museum.

Cranfield, revisited

I'm going through my endless stream of excursion photographs from this winter, and I am noticing how grim and awful the landscape looks in winter. Although, it seems when we visit Cranfield the weather is always quite gloomy, which does add an overall atmosphere to the photos! You can visit my previous post (which has more info & photos) about Cranfield here.

Mark observing the Healing Well

The healing well has an eclectic mix of rags

Lola shares our excitement

Family portrait

Cranfield from afar

Looking out onto Lough Neah

The healing well

The slippery steps leading from the church

Ruins of Cranfield church