|
Day 11 - Mon, 03 Sep (continued…)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4901/...d0373d31_o.jpg
The northern coast continues to impress! White Park Bay. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4887/...d37872a5_o.jpg Looking northeast to where the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is located. It would have been fun to cross the bridge, but it was very crowded, and we wanted to push on to Belfast before the evening. On the way to Belfast, we stopped at the Dark Hedges. Signs directed us to a parking area since cars and motorcycles are not allowed to drive through the hedges. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4873/...4ee8193d_o.jpg The Dark Hedges. It was bright and sunny today, but the trees still do a good job of blocking out a good portion of the light. It would have been fun to walk through this area at sunset or on a misty morning. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4860/...451d2230_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4821/...fcf48d56_o.jpg A bit more menacing in black and white? https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4837/...de92b491_o.jpg On the walking path back to the parking lot we came across a village of sorts with tiny houses made for Smurfs or something that sized. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4814/...6f01d2a8_o.jpg Nice Smurf duplex! I would live next to Smurfette! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4917/...bcc581fc_o.jpg There was actually quite a lot of things to do in the area, but we had to press on to Belfast before the Titanic Experience closes. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4841/...0b82c14c_o.jpg This is farm country with narrow roads and wide tractors. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4842/...13d4de6c_o.jpg It was difficult to put down my camera with so much memorable scenery passing by. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4881/...126927de_o.jpg Bummer! We arrived at the Titanic Experience a half hour to late. Apparently, the last tickets are sold two hours before the closing time. Read the fine print! We’ll have to wait until tomorrow morning if we want to see the museum. We decided to spoil ourselves and book a room at the Titanic Hotel. No more bummer! Belfast, Northern Ireland is known for many things but arguably the most famous is the birthplace of the RMS Titanic. This modern architecture was created right next to shipyard, Harland and Wolff, that created this historic vessel. Besides being quite beautiful, it houses the Titanic Experience, a museum and interactive experience that takes you on a journey through the early 1900s. More about the Titanic Experience tomorrow… https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4845/...31ca1dfc_o.jpg A modern building shaped to represent the forward hull of a massive ship. The height of the structure is the same height of the RMS Titanic’s hull at 126 feet (38 m) high. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4912/...5a2d3d31_o.jpg The building and experience were completed on 31 Mar 2012. The same day the Titanic was launched in 1911. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4905/...a4fda598_o.jpg Modern architecture and sculptures make for a dramatic icon to the city of Belfast. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4894/...f1ae5f34_o.jpg Inside looking out is also dramatic with views of the city and shipyard. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4893/...a8c9f100_o.jpg The building's façade is clad in 3,000 individual silver anodized aluminum shards. It glistens in the sun and some locals have, ironically, nicknamed the building “The Iceberg”. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4832/...735b2109_o.jpg The texture of the shards and dark glass contrast nicely. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4868/...96ee37d8_o.jpg As a photographer who loves modern architecture, it was difficult to put my camera down. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4909/...ee6aca72_o.jpg Quite a striking and beautiful building that will bring visitors to Belfast to remember the great ship RMS Titanic. |
Day 11 - Mon, 03 Sep (continued…)
We checked into the hotel and then decided to walk around the city and get some dinner at the nearby shopping center.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4861/...35bdfde9_o.jpg That’s one fat pigeon! He was so fat and lazy that he didn’t move as I got near him for the picture. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4808/...b9cd57d0_o.jpg We decided to walk into the shopping area and grab some chow. Along the way we enjoyed sculptures and architecture of Belfast. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4903/...140f2134_o.jpg A fun sculpture titled Titanic Kit reminds me of the plastic models I used to build as a kid. This sculpture was made by Harland and Wolff, the Titanic's original builders. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4878/...8416258a_o.jpg Belfast has some very modern architecture. The Obel Tower is the tallest storeyed building in Ireland. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4860/...47190e09_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4848/...1723db84_o.jpg The Boat by TODD Architects and Planners is a mixed development featuring leisure, commercial, and residential areas all in one unique building. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4822/...4b00a88f_o.jpg Holy Mackerel! That one big fish sculpture! Actually it’s a Salmon; The Salmon of Knowledge is a printed ceramic mosaic sculpture by John Kindness and is a whopper of a fish at 10-metre-long (33 ft)! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4846/...c5303cda_o.jpg The outer skin of the fish is a cladding of ceramic tiles decorated with texts and images with each scale "telling a story about the city". https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4879/...f97b14ba_o.jpg The Victoria Square Shopping Centre has many restaurants and shops. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4827/...95e4f0dd_o.jpg The nice guy who was managing the parking garage gave us some dinner advise and recommended Cosmo. An Asian all-you-can-eat place with excellent food and service. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4836/...b5d2ef0f_o.jpg This was plate one of three! One of the best all-you-can-eat restaurants I’ve been to. The evening walk to the hotel from Cosmo was also enjoyable... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/...17c01f19_o.jpg The large dome covering the Victoria shopping center was lit up with purple lighting. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4845/...8d28ac4e_o.jpg An interesting shrine sculpture just outside the Victoria shopping center. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4812/...f9cc82a8_o.jpg Beacon of Hope by Andy Scott. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4917/...cabbcc54_o.jpg The Titanic Belfast lit up for the night. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4916/...17c01f19_o.jpg Close-up of the evening colors. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4911/...ea248b6c_o.jpg Our home for the night - Titanic Hotel Belfast. Tomorrow is a new day! We’ll be exploring the Titanic Hotel Belfast and the Titanic Experience in the morning, followed by a short ride to the Dublin area… |
Quote:
Cheers, Travis and Chantil |
Day 12 - Tue, 04 Sep:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4913/...86bd2ccf_o.jpg
Only a short 150 km of riding today since we spent most of the morning in Belfast. We enjoyed a relaxing morning touring the Titanic Hotel while taking in all the design elements and 1900’s era posters and pictures that decorate this unique hotel experience. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4803/...378d7df7_o.jpg Titanic Hotel has a well-designed logo incorporating an anchor into the letter ‘T’. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4855/...7e25ea6f_o.jpg Our room - 214! Even the room numbers are a classy shadow casting projected from a laser-cut metal plate. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4854/...64a7a3ea_o.jpg The front door looks like a slab of riveted iron. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4877/...81224ba2_o.jpg A nicely appointed room in dark, masculine, colors. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4892/...20999cda_o.jpg Nautical appointed lighting. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4833/...6330b266_o.jpg Posters from the early 1900s highlight the success of White Star Lines. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4836/...b24fa9c7_o.jpg Photograph of the launching of Titanic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4818/...873638fb_o.jpg The elevator is decorated with classy embossed coverings. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4842/...e7c44898_o.jpg A stairwell in this hotel is one that you actually prefer taking over the elevator. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4828/...9fe72b36_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4875/...7cda21c3_o.jpg Artists representation of the launching of the Titanic and the Olympic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4876/...836da765_o.jpg RMS Olympic After exploring around the hotel, we made our way to the breakfast area. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4893/...d0c66d99_o.jpg The Titanic Hotel knows how to do breakfast! This is the juice bar... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4820/...7bdb4ce8_o.jpg ..and a small sampling of all the delicious food. Cheese and grapes are good with any meal. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/...34d57c52_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4828/...95e0829e_o.jpg Some of the details of wall decorations of the hotel. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4843/...1d28c07d_o.jpg Art and pictures reminiscent of the best years of the White Star Line era. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4836/...156b664c_o.jpg Posters are proudly displayed around the hotel. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4809/...e6197b10_o.jpg Some of the furnishings that are in the lounge and bar area of the hotel. After breakfast we made our way next door to the Titanic Belfast. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4839/...bf3b880d_o.jpg The reflecting pool makes for an elegant and bold architectural structure. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/...4b874439_o.jpg No Photoshop filter – this is an effect created from the reflection of the Titanic Belfast. The Titanic Experience is a self-guided tour through 9 interactive galleries that explore the full Titanic story. Cost: £12.50 per adult. Well worth it considering that the experience lasts about two hours. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4896/...f3acd1ec_o.jpg The tour starts in the early 1900s with Belfast being a booming town. Many people are employed in either the shipyard or textile industry. It seemed like a great time to live in Belfast, especially if you had money. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4907/...7d565956_o.jpg If you had money you could invest in manufacturing. If you didn’t then you were working to make end meet – working long and hard hours. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4907/...dc44f9d9_o.jpg Irish-British relations were a point of contention in the early 1900s. Some would say they still are today. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4875/...442025d4_o.jpg A map of Belfast in the early 1900s. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4853/...66faba0f_o.jpg The tour did a great job of showing how difficult it was for the workers. 56 hours was the norm and under harsh conditions with little, if any, safety gear. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4837/...57279fff_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4821/...a7496ffa_o.jpg This part of the tour took you through the process of heating a rivet, tossing it up to the workers, and then holding it in place and hammering the molten steel into place before it hardened. A ship the size of Titanic used three million rivets. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4865/...d788b28c_o.jpg Monarchs of the Sea |
Day 12 - Tue, 04 Sep (continued…)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4823/...5abfd548_o.jpg
31 May 1911, the launching of the Titanic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4894/...a217bda6_o.jpg Original tickets to the launch event. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4861/...e563efd7_o.jpg This shows where Titanic was launched in relation to the Titanic Belfast building of today. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4847/...01dd18c0_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4883/...ba8462d6_o.jpg An expansive window shows where the launching took place in 1911. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4918/...cf5f5bfe_o.jpg A balcony, located between displays, lets you see the inside of Titanic Belfast from the upper floor looking down. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/...31b5e411_o.jpg Look at the size of these boilers! 24 double-ended and five single-ended boilers fed two reciprocating steam engines for the wing propellers, and a low-pressure turbine for the center propeller. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4830/...f9ddaac7_o.jpg The 2 outer propellers had a diameter of 23 feet and the center propeller had a diameter of 17 feet. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4872/...cce16f91_o.jpg An example of the White Star Line china used on the Titanic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4847/...18757296_o.jpg Sadly, the Titanic only visited three ports before crossing the Atlantic to New York. She never arrived... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4894/...af58f604_o.jpg ... because she struck an Iceberg at 11:40 PM on 14 Apr 1912. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4892/...1711645d_o.jpg By 2:20AM she sank below of surface. She was only outfitted with 20 life boats which was a contributing factor in the deaths of 1,517 people - 832 passengers and 685 crew members. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4853/...e147bda0_o.jpg The arrival of Titanic in New York City. Sadly, this never happened. Perhaps there is an alternate reality, where the Titanic successfully arrived in New York and delivers all of her passengers and crew safely to Pier 54. It makes me wonder what kind of future each of those people would have had? Experiencing Titanic Belfast, the Titanic Hotel, and the Titanic Experience provided the best opportunity to learn more about the tragic story of the Titanic. It also gave me an appreciation of the building process and the legendary shipping company White Star Line. |
Day 12 - Tue, 04 Sep (continued…)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4899/...9bcb2139_o.jpg
The TX4 is a purpose-built taxicab manufactured by The London Taxi Company. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4829/...7c1dae60_o.jpg After the Titanic Experience we went across the street to tour the only ship the remains of the White Star Line fleet. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4867/...849d86bb_o.jpg The SS Nomadic was built in 1911 as a tender to transfer passengers and mail to and from RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic. In shallow ports, a tender would be required to deliver passengers to the deep draft vessels like the Olympic and Titanic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4882/...3281395b_o.jpg A photograph of Nomadic heading to Olympic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4823/...697f975a_o.jpg An interactive hologram display tell the history of the SS Nomadic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4824/...02592b29_o.jpg Cubbies for luggage being transferred. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4812/...07f3768c_o.jpg She was well outfitted with different class sections that delivered you in style to the cruise ship. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4827/...0c7f07ae_o.jpg The Nomadic was used in both world wars as a auxiliary minesweeper, patrol ship, and for ferrying troops. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4880/...bd394af0_o.jpg These hulls have quite a history. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4886/...1ca54ace_o.jpg Some of the original sailors aboard. By the looks of the kid on the right, this was before child labor laws. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/...28f5daff_o.jpg I always thought that large ships like the Titanic were built strictly to shuttle the rich and famous from port to port in opulence. A vast majority of passengers were regular folks migrating to the United States. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/...3c06cef3_o.jpg Just some of the details of the Nomadic. Rust and all. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4813/...7ab2523a_o.jpg A unique colored orange was used throughout the bottom section of the ship. Perhaps it was chosen to hide the rust? https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4862/...bf5a4888_o.jpg The exhaust vents were not needed any longer once the engine were converted from their original steam boilers but they were kept to retain the look of the original. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4903/...5b0c3c2e_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4843/...e29507e4_o.jpg After Belfast we made our way to North Beach Caravan Park. We went for a walk on the beach before eating a light dinner and then going to sleep. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4918/...f6a57472_o.jpg A cloudy and cool September evening. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4854/...0577f44a_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4841/...bb3f47c0_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4880/...52c25613_o.jpg Two teen-age girls were laughing and enjoying the setting sun from the cliff above. This is our last evening in Ireland. Tomorrow we board a ferry for the Isle of Man... |
Day 13 - Wed, 05 Sep:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4822/...d328c826_o.jpg
A short ride to Dublin to board a ferry to Isle of Man, followed by a ride around the TT Mountain Course, then exploring the north side of the island. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4810/...a49e69e6_o.jpg We woke up early enough to catch the sun rising over the Irish Sea. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4881/...e9ed46b5_o.jpg13-2 by Travis Gill, on Flickr Ireland! Our ferry check-in closed at 10AM so we rode a short distance to the port in Dublin with plenty of time to check in. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4898/...cfafe56c_o.jpg Yikes!! The picture costed us €20 in toll fees! We wondered why so many cars were leaving the freeway. It turns out they were getting off to avoid the high toll fees (€10 per vehicle) of the Dublin Tunnel during peak times of 6-10AM. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4904/...2d182a5b_o.jpg Passing through the ferry terminal and getting our tickets. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/...34058081_o.jpg Waiting at the parking area for our time to board the ferry. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4809/...c18d8f20_o.jpg This custom trike arrived just before boarding. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4813/...8d5a1ae0_o.jpg Cool headlight. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4884/...687b28c0_o.jpg He seemed to be into the skull thing. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/...da817d65_o.jpg The mules all strapped down for the journey to Isle of Man. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4836/...38529616_o.jpg Failt Ort “Welcome” in Gaelic. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Limited is the oldest continuously operating passenger shipping company in the world, celebrating its 180th anniversary in 2010. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4832/...a55a3c4e_o.jpg HSC Manannan is high speed car ferry built in Tasmania, Australia. It was used by the US Army and Navy from 2001–2008 under the name Joint Venture (HSV-X1). In 2009 she was repainted, refitted, and renamed after Manannán mac Lir, the Celtic god of the Irish sea. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4914/...4c7867c7_o.jpg She offers a great forward deck with lots of windows for visibility. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4858/...52ab3c84_o.jpg HSC Manannan has four Caterpillar diesel engines and pump-jets to propel this vessel up to speeds of 42 knots, although efficient cruising speed is closer to 20 knots. It takes just under three hours to motor from Dublin, Ireland to Douglas, Isle of Man. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4874/...1cc0847e_o.jpg The cost of the ferry to and from Isle of Man was a bit expensive at €132.50 per person plus motorbike, but I was excited to ride the famous Mountain TT Course. Was it going to be worth it? https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4857/...dfc59030_o.jpg We made it to Isle of Man. Technically this is not a country but a self-governing British Crown dependency. It’s got a flag - good enough for me. We ended up making a new friend on the ferry! Monsignor John Devine was returning from his own motorcycle trip and offered to let us stay in one of spare bedroom at his congregation of Saint Mary of the Isle in Douglas. I asked, “How many Catholic Priests ride motorbikes?” His reply, “Not many.” John led us to the church where he quickly said hi, showed is the room and gave us a key, and then escorted us through the streets of Douglas to the beginning of the TT course. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4830/...d490425e_o.jpg At the end of the TT Mountain Course is the famous Grand Stand. Right next door are a police station and a gravesite. Coincidence? Those that survive the Isle of Man Mountain Course race get a speeding ticket by the police. Those that die are placed in the gravesite. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4862/...5bb8eb95_o.jpg The Mountain Course is one of the, if not the, most dangerous motorcycle race courses in the world. There have been 242 competition deaths in its 107 years of existence. It also happens to be the oldest race in motorcycle history. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/...3f529655_o.jpg The TT Mountain Course is 37.73 mi (60.725 km) long with 219 turns. All on public roads. Each year, the roads are closed for the Isle of Man TT in the spring and the Manx Grand Prix in the late summer. We were not here to break any records, especially on a weighted down, 47hp, single-cylinder, adventure bike riding on knobby tires. It was more about experiencing this legendary roadway. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4847/...f78f2247_o.jpg The course runs through the city of Douglas and the nine other towns and villages. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4893/...00f794c2_o.jpg Although much of the course is open two-lane roads. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4880/...a76de9e7_o.jpg Crash barriers for those that lose control after a sweeping curve to the left. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4886/...b1730cb4_o.jpg Cars, tractors, speed limits, and stop lights all do their best to keep your lap time down. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4830/...a9fe1dea_o.jpg Each of the sections is marked on the left. The miles are marked on the right. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4873/...614a740b_o.jpg I only ended up passing five cars, and was passed once by a Kawasaki sport bike rider. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4873/...64778c51_o.jpg A beautiful day! Even with traffic, stoplights, and slower cars it was still a great road with nostalgia in spades. On the longest straightaway I only felt comfortable reaching a speed of 72 MPH before braking for the next turn. Professionals reach speeds of over 200 MPH!! Insanity!!! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4826/...57c0c748_o.jpg My time, around the course, was 56 minutes and 47 seconds, with an average speed of 39.8 MPH, and a top speed of 72 MPH. Chantil wasn’t far behind at 60 minutes and 54 seconds. No close-calls or accidents, so it was fast enough for us. |
Day 13 - Wed, 05 Sep (continued…)
After we reunited at the Grandstand (finish line), we made our way back to mile 26 to explore a bit
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4915/...61a11834_o.jpg At mile 26 along the TT route is this building with a mural of Joey Dunlop on his famous No. 3 Honda. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4890/...7648f871_o.jpg A statue of Joey Dunlop astride his Honda overlooks the Bungalow Bend at the 26th Milestone area of the TT course. This bend is appropriately named "Joey's". https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4849/...8a044d15_o.jpg Joey Dunlop was the king of the TT where he won a record 26 races and 40 podium finishes. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4839/...23bf0a2a_o.jpg This area is also a memorial to those who died pursuing their motorcycle passion. Sadly, Joey Dunlop died on 2 Jul 2000 during a race in Tallinn, Estonia. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4819/...33b224e2_o.jpg After the TT course we explored some remote roads on the north side of the island. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4838/...f9933e97_o.jpg Wildlife refuge areas to the north were all but abandoned except for us. Miles of beachfront property all to ourselves. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4834/...d19eda3c_o.jpg This chalk marking points north to the next country on our list - Scotland! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4850/...ffa35413_o.jpg The Point Ayre Winkie Lighthouse recently sold for only £10,000. It sounds like a bargain however it doesn’t have a bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom. But it does have some great views! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4816/...5e946e9e_o.jpg It would be a cool house if it had electricity and plumbing. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4891/...1f37d4f7_o.jpg The beach was made of millions of these flat rocks. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4915/...e26690b0_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4903/...0f60cb76_o.jpg The newer Point Ayre Lighthouse is a bit further up the beach. The flowers around it were an amazing yellow and purple color. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/...ed330ae7_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4829/...d4d22777_o.jpg Making our way back south to grab some dinner. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4832/...cd6ae352_o.jpg For dinner we stopped at the The Famous Creg-Ny-Baa located between the 34th and 35th milestones of the TT. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4910/...95718f13_o.jpg A historic food stop for many a hungry motorcyclist. It was well after dark when we returned to our unique accommodation for the night at the Saint Mary of the Isle in Douglas Catholic Church. Tomorrow we will continue to explore Isle of Man and then make our way back to England via the city of Liverpool… |
great travelogue really looking forwards to your next instalments :scooter:
|
Quote:
|
Day 14 - Thu, 06 Sep:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4909/...cf550ae8_o.jpg
Our 24-hours in Isle of Man comes to an end, but not before we explore the south of the island. In the early afternoon, we boarded the fast ferry to Liverpool, UK, then rode to Preston, where we found lodging at patron services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Preston Temple. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4897/...aff4fcff_o.jpg Clear and sunny skies this morning! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4829/...7fd1c048_o.jpg Isle of Man is a beautiful island that surprised me with the amount of open land. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4846/...03b77fa1_o.jpg What about motor bikes? Let's check it out! What a surprise! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4833/...2d1b7e21_o.jpg We enjoyed a bit of what the English refer to as “Green-laning”. Not to technical but at least a change to practice our off-road skills which have been lacking since we left Iceland last year. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4845/...10842fc9_o.jpg Never expected to have a chance to ride off-road in the Isle of Man! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4845/...81eac4bd_o.jpg I would have been very content just spending the whole afternoon here, but we only had a limited amount of time to see more of the southern part of the island – gotta keep on moving on! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4881/...3532e1fd_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4839/...9523d614_o.jpg We saw many of these red call boxes, but none seemed to be the Tardis (Dr. Who). Perhaps we couldn’t find the switch?? Actually, after further research we were looking for the wrong box! The Tardis is a blue police box - not a red call box. Silly us! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4909/...bf201f86_o.jpg Riding under sunny skies and beautiful roads without any traffic. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4836/...25ff9b81_o.jpg The Thousla Cross in memory of seaman who lost their lives near here in 1858. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4916/...b2275a08_o.jpg Chantil enjoying the view of Isle of Calf, a small islands on the south of Isle of Man. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4885/...443b0bde_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4852/...001e2571_o.jpg We rolled into the quite seaside town of Port Erin to find some breakfast. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4834/...aff40884_o.jpg Nautical decorated homes along the beach in Port Erin. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4833/...bdb238db_o.jpg A quaint, country-side, postal box. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4900/...ae804840_o.jpg For breakfast, we enjoyed an English Breakfast (minus the beans; I don’t understand beans for breakfast) at the Cosy Nook Cafe in Port Erin. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4841/...cf3758b9_o.jpg Enjoying the beach air and sun. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4911/...7607939a_o.jpg A Morgan Plus 4 painted Corsa Red was parked in Port Erin. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4861/...1331e483_o.jpg Top down in a classic roadster would be great way to travel – perhaps when we’re older. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4822/...2750c01d_o.jpg I was surprised to see so many flowers this late in the summer. Must just be the beauty of the Isle of Man in September! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4819/...615ac3e1_o.jpg Yellows and purples! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4825/...6c396ae2_o.jpg Summer flowers and the Irish Sea. |
Day 14 - Thu, 06 Sep (continued…)
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4906/...c62dd6d7_o.jpg
A great day of riding and exploring. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4870/...9aa5a0ee_o.jpg Folks here use stone walls instead of fences to protects their livestock and mark their property lines. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4862/...74a8d923_o.jpg A memorial remembers a B-17 bomber that crashed at this location in the Isle of Man. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4817/...21bd74ff_o.jpg Remembering those who died. The Eighth Air Force accounted for half of the U.S. Army Air Force's casualties in World War II with more than 26,000 dead. The cost of WWII in human lives and devastation is very apparent throughout Europe – even 73 years later. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4811/...b10ca318_o.jpg Near the village of Cregneash is an impressive collection of fissures cut deep into the cliffs - appropriately named the Chasms. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4854/...7a175419_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4843/...c00caa70_o.jpg The Chasms was a nice last stop for us before we had to make our way to Douglas to catch the ferry. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4889/...bb29e098_o.jpg Sheep enjoying the warm afternoon sun. We made our way back to Douglas and then prepared to board the ferry. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4844/...41062d1d_o.jpg Time to board the HSC Manannan again... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4870/...8401c604_o.jpg …that will carry us and our mules across the Irish Sea to Liverpool, England. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4814/...dfcbbffb_o.jpg I asked if I could get a tour of the bridge and they invited me up to speak with the captain, first mate, and chief engineer. The first mate took me below to watch the jet pumps up close. Man, they are loud and the amount of water shooting out behind the vessel is impressive! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4914/...1e69ec40_o.jpg Making good time at 25 knots to Liverpool. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4918/...5c223707_o.jpg The dock is located right near the old part of town with their historic buildings. From left to right: Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building Port of Liverpool Building. These three building are known as the Three Graves. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/...e2514532_o.jpg Leaving another boat, bound for another country. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4844/...7a12083e_o.jpg Another icon to grace Liverpool was The Beatles who started in Liverpool during the 1960s. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4914/...fd548dbf_o.jpg The sculpture, Andy Edwards, did a great job of creating life and emotion in the sculpture. Here is a close up of John Lennon. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4866/...9daf3e3b_o.jpg Chilling with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4849/...d1b12c2f_o.jpg Edward VII, by Sir William Goscombe John, stand proudly in front of the Royal Liver Building. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4904/...b6932094_o.jpg We made our way to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Preston Temple just before dark... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4888/...46a894bb_o.jpg ...and the wonderful folks at patron services were able to find us accommodations even after their closing hours! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4847/...2d951836_o.jpg Tomorrow morning we’ll spend some time inside the temple. If you would like to know more about LDS Temples click on this link: https://www.lds.org/temples |
Day 15 - Fri, 07 Sep:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4875/...bce12fb0_o.jpg
Almost 300 km of riding today: Preston, Singing Ringing Tree, Kendal, Lake District National Park, Castlerigg Stone Circle, and Hoddom Castle Caravan Park in Scotland. We woke up early in order to have enough time to clean up our room and dress for the Temple’s 8 AM session. Afterwards, we walked around the temple grounds and then readied the mules for another day of riding. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/...79979eb7_o.jpg The Preston Temple is located on a raised circular plot of land with reflecting pools and flower gardens surrounding its entrance. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1906/...991e8ed0_o.jpg Unique stained-glass windows and flowered hedges. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1951/...0f96b36d_o.jpg Each of the side walls has panels showing the phases of the moon and sun. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4808/...62fb6164_o.jpg The stained glass windows on the chapel side of the building. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1966/...8c099d5b_o.jpg Photo capture from drone footage shot by John Melling. Chantil and I enjoy roadside oddities, so the next destination was a choice between either the Singing Ringing Tree or the Blackpool High Tide Organ. Since the tide was going to be low and there was a good chance of wind, the choice was obvious – Singing Ringing Tree. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1914/...c9230754_o.jpg Although it was raining all morning, it was starting to look like it was improving. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4842/...d04831fe_o.jpg The trial down to the Singing Ringing Tree is just a short hike from the parking area and is well marked. Burnley, England can be seen below the horizon. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4900/...10ec100f_o.jpg The Singing Ringing Tree is a wind powered sound sculpture resembling a tree set in the landscape of the Pennine hill range. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4808/...b634f8aa_o.jpg Designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu, the Singing Ringing Tree is a 3-metre tall construction. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4838/...35b6fc02_o.jpg The sculpture is comprising pipes of galvanized steel which harness the energy of the wind to produce a slightly discordant and penetrating choral sound covering a range of several octaves. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4805/...d3d7892a_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4878/...f0c8115d_o.jpg Quite beautiful in a natural setting such as this hillside in Pennine. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1906/...11bdc00c_o.jpg Few clouds and relatively warm for early September in Northern England. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4813/...60a0cefb_o.jpg We stopped at an Aldi groceries store where we enjoyed a lunch of cheese and green grapes while sitting in parking lot next to our mules. Some folks looked at us a bit oddly, perhaps our German plated mules kept them from asking questions? Kendal wasn’t on the agenda, but after a few hours of riding we pulled over at a rest stop and saw a sign that read “Kendal is much more than mint cakes!” Having never heard of a mint cake, we wondered what that was – so off to Kendal to discover mint cakes. Kendal was alive with cars, people, and tourist shops. We parked the mules and walked around looking for a restaurant that served their famous mint cake. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4917/...de766279_o.jpg The town of Kendal seems to have a lot of support for its military, specifically the Royal Air Force. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4888/...6699f9c5_o.jpg A monument to those who left Kendal to fight in the major wars of the 20th century. Each corner is draped with the Royal Air Force Ensign. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4885/...5d3e4d04_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4918/...8c463607_o.jpg Found it! Although, it wasn’t a restaurant that served mint cakes – it was a cigar shop!? Apparently, Kendal is known for its famous Romney’s Mint Cake factory – not a mint cake bakery or restaurant, like we expected. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4830/...69a27c71_o.jpg It’s basically a harder and much larger York Peppermint Pattie. Or should I say that a Peppermint Pattie is a smaller, softer Romney’s Mint Cake. Romney has been making mint cakes since 1918 - 22 years before a York Peppermint Pattie. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1955/...3ce21be8_o.jpg Kendal had a relaxing vibe even though it was a bit of a tourist town. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4806/...669775b2_o.jpg A narrow alleyway between streets of Kendal. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1956/...1f699648_o.jpg Along the fence were these poems from students of the local school. I especially liked this one titled ‘click’ by Anne Banks. She sounds like a photographer. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4823/...cd2da4ce_o.jpg This mural even had a Kendal Mint Cake delivery truck on it! |
Day 15 - Fri, 07 Sep (continued…)
Time to continue heading north…
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/...acc78a55_o.jpg Passing through Ambleside within the Lake District National Park. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4881/...31461a6d_o.jpg The surrounding hills and green forest and fields were beautiful, but it was very cloudy with drizzle and light rain for most of our time there. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1925/...9aeef104_o.jpg Enjoying the views… https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4829/...cd23fd0d_o.jpg …and the narrow roads… https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1946/...a9073edd_o.jpg …that got even narrower,… https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4883/...21d343be_o.jpg until… Fortunately, there was a passing area, but you can see what four cars and two motorcycles look like on these narrow roadways. I can imagine traffic in the summer must be somewhat of a mess here. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1925/...ea66d114_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4905/...7bc54947_o.jpg Next stop: Castlerigg Stone Circle. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1979/...8a09b109_o.jpg I was surprised how many of these stone circles exists in the UK. Stonehenge, of course, is the most famous... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4823/...54b4b8b1_o.jpg ...but I prefer the quietness and natural beauty of these lesser known ones. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1922/...f6c8913d_o.jpg Just a relaxing late afternoon with sheep grazing among the ancient rocks. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1933/...08fc42c9_o.jpg Just us, some grazing sheep, and the distant buzzing of the drone. We made it to Scotland and Hoddom Castle Caravan Park well after dark, but the camp host generously set us up in one of their camping pods, even though we were only staying for one evening. Well, we made it! We’re officially in our last country of this trip – Scotland! I’ve heard some amazing things about the natural beauty of Scotland, but I’ve also heard that it rains A LOT! We’ll see… |
Day 16 - Sat, 08 Sep:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4903/...01416c84_o.jpg
350 km of riding today as we made our way deeper into the north of Scotland. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4877/...cde6d413_o.jpg We had a great night’s sleep in the “hobbit pod” at the Hoddom Castle Caravan Park. Our pod looks much cooler with motorcycles parked next to it! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4817/...2cacedba_o.jpg A tiny home for sure. A small deck and porch. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4854/...df19ca9f_o.jpg We stayed in Pod 2... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4848/...c5ae9e23_o.jpg ...with keys for the pod bay door (ha-ha), a shared kitchen, and shared bathrooms. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4823/...38e15678_o.jpg Inside the pod are sleeping accommodations for four folks. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4892/...5984abd2_o.jpg Hoddom Castle provides a unique backdrop to this camping experience. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4884/...d9ab5b42_o.jpg It looks like much of the castle is in need of restoring. Perhaps visitors will be allowed inside in the future. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/...c3a00072_o.jpg A nice bridge with a pathway underneath takes you to the golf course. Of course, there’s golf - it’s Scotland! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4810/...64d2b204_o.jpg A few days earlier we bought some packages of Lego mini figures. We felt the packages and knew they contained the Lego brick costumes but had no idea that we got both the guy and girl until we opened them this morning! Woot! This is one of the few places we would have liked to stay for another night, unfortunately we’ve got a schedule to keep. Moving on to Glasgow, Scotland! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4903/...c734991c_o.jpg Fellow Glasgow Residents is a mural at the Ingram Street Car Park created by Australia artist Sam Bates a.k.a. Smug. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4835/...71c6a3e0_o.jpg The four seasons are represented in this mural. Close-up of the detail involved in painting the bee and dandelions. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4816/...aa19246b_o.jpg Imagine this parking lot without Sam Bates’ mural. It would be just a boring dirt parking lot. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4825/...52ca98c0_o.jpg Incredible detail and photorealistic quality. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4836/...9d91ceff_o.jpg I don’t know what King Pong Ping Pong is, but I want to find out! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4902/...3c302f6a_o.jpg A vinyl sticker that caught my camera eye. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4914/...33e88f02_o.jpg Inside the TRONGATE 103 is an exhibit... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4894/...ac3c1fe4_o.jpg ...called the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Unfortunately, it was a late afternoon showing and this would have put us too far behind schedule. The darned schedule! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4907/...ca62a183_o.jpg An interesting barber shop called Safe Hands with its famous skull and scissor mural. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4916/...e677c9dc_o.jpg Who is this man wearing a cone head?! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4877/...e3a9c829_o.jpg The World’s Most Economical Taxi by artist Rogue-One. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4878/...75e556ed_o.jpg Some random graffiti by an unknown artist. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4843/...7bc6c56b_o.jpg Honey... I Shrunk the Kids is another great mural by artist Smug (Sam Bates). https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4888/...3e7cb62b_o.jpg Rogue-One and Art Pistol created this mural titled Wind Power. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4884/...e7dfbaee_o.jpg Wind Power is in two parts. This close-up of this section is "downwind" the previous mural. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4905/...5d93fa8c_o.jpg Glasgow’s Gordon Lane is home to the... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4889/...5a5caec3_o.jpg Glasgow Panda by artist Klingatron. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/...cc9980d3_o.jpg Buchanan Street had a lot of shopping and sculptures such as this one. |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:28. |