The f stop blues (part 1)

matt, raj & sarah

Bank Holiday Monday...May Day. I had been meaning to get myself back round the north coast to do some more snapping for a while now, and being as today everyone was off from their respective work, college or school...this seemed like the perfect opportunity for a little crossover working-jaunt to the sea.

The sun was shining, the air was warm and the cameras were packed. We took a little detour via Tescos for supplys, then we were on the road.


Essential expedition "equitment"

Todays musical playlist was entitled "car sunny happy", which included al of the most sickenly cheery, upbeat and uplifting songs we could think of, such as "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers, "Bright Side Of The Road" by Van Morrison, "Some Fantastic" by the Barenaked Ladies, and the ironically titled "Down" by Pearl Jam.

We took the scenic route so our journey was that of a 3 hour one, taking us down many a long and winding road. Narrow roads are also very popular in those parts, as was proved when a Corsa (ehh...it was a small car of some description...coulda been a Corsa...'little boy racer" cars...they all look the same...i do however remember it was silver...) and a Jeep (yes i remember Jeeps...i like them...) got stuck side by side at one point. It took ages for them to edge apart, but we later saw the wee car stopped down the road a bit, with the driver and co. out looking distinctly pee'd off...so the Jeep must have managed to remove most of the right hand side from their car =/ eek!

By the time we reached Ballintoy it was lunchtime. We headed to one of our regular coastal haunts for some pub grub...a little local bar / b&b called the Fullerton Arms. If you're ever up at the north coast of ireland and need a good meal...this is the place to go. Seriously, it rocks. Umm..although they could do with updating their jukebox selection....and yes by this I do mean more than just removing Shania Twains Greatest Hits...although that particular gesture was much much appreciated. Really.


"Cheeeeeeeeese"

Right next door to the Arms is a little ye olde sweety shop (or candy store, for any of you foreigners out there). It keeps all sorts of sweets you havent been able to get anywhere else since 1985. We were able to introduce Sarah to the wonder that is "Alphabety Sweets", which are great for many reasons, not only because you can randomly form eatable sentances with them...but mainly because they're pure, unadulterated, sugar! mmmmm...

We purchased many forms of wonderful sugary eats and then headed on round the coast.



A very packed Causeway

When we reached the Giants Causeway it was blazin sunshine, and the place was swarming with tourists. I had only ever been up there during the off peak season, so I'm used to it being nice and peaceful......serene, if you will. Just the way I like it when I'm trying to take that perfect photo.

Today was anything but...eesh! I think I filled an entire 256mb flash card just trying to get one particular shot without someones unwanted foot, arm or head in the way! Grrr...people. Who'd have 'em! =P

Eventually I gave up trying and just crossed my fingers that I had managed to get something of use. The sky had darkened so we thought it best to head back to the car...

...which we did, just in the nick of time, as the skys opened and poured out the contents of the irish sea on us. Phew, that was timed well.


Ablve left: Raj & Matts terrible attempt at a "Rolling Stones" impression
Above right: Raj & Matt decide to lift a stone back into position


*wishing i had an ark*



The Raj & Sarah Collection


Us lot...in a car...

With the rain crashing down around us, we did the only sensible thing we could...

...yes, thats right...we went for ice cream! =)

By the time we'd finished gorgeing on yet more sugary substances it was getting close to tea time. I had txted mom to find out what time sunset was at (as I knew she'd be using t'internet while I was out), so the plan was: get dinner, eat in car on beach, watch sunset, and if rain stops take some photos. It was a reasonable plan. Unfortunately the weather wasn't having any of it and when we got to Portstewart the beach had been closed off due to excessive flooding at the entrance ramp. Poo. I was beginning to think I wouldn't return home with any decent photos for the original aim of updating the portfolio. =( *sniffle*

To be honest I'd never really been any further along the coast than Portstewart, but today I was feeling adventurous...and very determined to finally get some photos...so I suggested going a little farther to the beach at the other side of Mussendon Temple.

Yay! This one was open...and pretty desserted apart from a couple of fishermen up to their thighs in surf.

In the time it took for us to scoff down our dinner, the rain had dried up...for now anyways...

I finally got my photos =) Yay me! Yay the new beach! and Yay the rain for staying off for 10 mins!

We watched the remainder of the sunset from inside the nice 'n' dry car, then slowly headed for home.



I think Matt and I finally got in (after dropping off Sarah in Belfast, then Raj at the far ends of the northern ireland galaxy known as Ards) at around 2am or so...tired and ready to collapse after a long but fun "little crossover working-jaunt to the sea". =)

xx jo