We woke up to
another gorgeous day. The sun was shining, but it was cold outside! Almost down
to zero, but a warm and toasty 24C inside the van! Showered and dressed, we
drove back to The Gobbins visitor’s centre ready for the 10am tour. We were
waiting outside the doors when they opened at 9.30, but were told the 10am tour
was full. We actually didn’t see a 10am tour so think the 10.30 one was the
first of the day. We enjoyed a coffee
and scone before being taken to the briefing room, where we tested our safety
helmets, and listening devices. I ditched mine immediately. I didn’t want to be
climbing with wires hanging from me! I donned the helmet over the Norwegian
hat, but was told by another guide if I hit my head on overhanging rock, the
helmet would just slide off, so I took off my hat, and stuffed it in the pocket
of my jacket. I had 4 layers on top and 3 down below so I wouldn’t be cold! I
had two pairs of socks on too (they didn’t notice the sandals!); I just had to
try not to step in puddles. Easier said than done.
We had to walk
down a very steep slippery path before the walking tour even began, and this
was the worst part for me. My right knee was gone after the first few steps,
but I couldn’t give up now. Once I was down, and on flatter ground, the pain
started to ease. The going was tough, up and down stairs hewn out of the rock,
following the old cliff- path. Luckily,
there were substantial handrails that I could use to pull myself up with! It
was challenging but worth the effort. The scenery was breathtaking; we even
spotted some dolphins cavorting in the waves.
We reached the
tubular bridge, and I decided it might be a good spot to turn back. We were
told it was another 15 minutes of cliff-path to reach the suspension bridge,
which was probably more like half an hour for me. Then we would have the long
trek back. Another guide was sent to help me back to base. You are not allowed
to walk any section of this path on your own.
We really enjoyed
the leisurely walk back with Reece, the young guide who was sent to accompany
us. We visited the Smuggler’s Cave and stopped to take photos. We arrived back at the rocky path up to the
top unscathed. The stairs had been washed out during the recent storm, so we
took the alternate route. This is where tragedy struck- yes, I am being
overdramatic- but my ankle suddenly gave way under me, and I couldn’t walk.
Ross and Reece took most of my weight and I hobbled to the Jeep that had been
sent to collect me. Poor Ross had to sit
in the back with all the equipment as there were no back seats.
Back to the first
aid room at the visitor’s centre, where my ankle was iced and strapped. It was
really throbbing now. Ross pulled the van round and I pulled myself in and onto
the bed. Ross gave me a Magnum, and we set off. He said he’d just follow the
signs. We got to Whitehead Railway Station, before he realized he’s missed the
turn to the A2. I climbed back up front, as the bumps in the back were making
travelling extremely uncomfortable to say the least. I pushed my chair back as
far as it would go and put my foot up on the dash, and we were off to Dublin.
We stopped at Dundalk to get the van steam cleaned, and were treated to a free
cup of coffee while we waited in Annabella’s sweet shop. What a shop! We knew
we were back in Ireland by the friendliness of the people. They are just all
super-friendly down here! I spotted a Mickey Mouse onesie, just the right size
for Eli so Ross bought it for him. Poor Ross hasn’t had a chance to look for a
birthday present for Eli, what with the moving house and all in the last week
before leaving home.
Miraculously, we
managed to find our way back to the Bunk Campers depot (no thanks to the stupid
GPS), which wanted to take us further up the motorway, do a U turn and come
back. This is what we did when we were returning the first van we rented. The
gate was still open even though it was 6pm, and we drove straight in, and
parked in front of the Bunk Campers office.
Next task, dinner.
All we’d had all day was a scone and an icecream! And a lot of energy spent
climbing cliff-paths in the middle of the two! We polished off the rest of the
Melba toast, brie, pate and olives first. Ross then helped me cook the lamb
steaks, cabbage and bacon and roast potatoes. I lay down to take the weight off my foot and
was asleep by 8.
Off to London tomorrow!
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