On Sunday, the rain stopped for the first time in months. Inspired by this, I suggested that we go to Carlingford. Trips to Carlingford are always regarded with some suspicion by the troops as I continue to be unable to lay the ghost of the worst outing ever.
However, the omens were propitious. With only a brief stop off at the church to see whether the Princess’s handbag had been handed in (the sacristy was closed, I will now remove the tension she enjoyed all afternoon – highlight facing the prospect of telling the woodwork teacher that she had lost her locker key – by telling you that the bag had in fact been handed in and we were able to pick it up after evening mass) we made good time. It’s always a bit longer than I think – I timed it this time, it took 80 minutes which is 20 minutes longer than I always announce the drive will be.
We were well prepared with boots and wet gear. One of us, and not the one you might think, packed one hiking boot and one city boot.
However, he is not a complainer and although he fell over (source of great amusement to the children) and had to walk up a path that had become a stream, he was cheerful.
We have really become much better at walking. We had a map of the looped walk. It was perhaps a bit on the short side but everyone was cheerful. The views were absolutely amazing. There was snow on the Mourne mountains across the Lough.
And after our walk up the mountain, we went back into the town and had dinner in the pub.
I think the children might go back voluntarily but perhaps I am indulging optimism too far.
In other weekend news, the Princess made risotto for dinner on Saturday night and it was delicious.
Went on a walking weekend recently in the Ardennes with some of our old colleagues. The saison du gibier was pleine but the friendly local syndicat d’initiative helpfully (so unexpectedly) gave us not only a map of suggested walks but also a list of the dates on which certain walks would be closed for hunting. Having selected one of the longer walks we discovered half way along that, though marked on the list as open today, it was in fact closed with no obvious alternative except to retrace our steps and start again. Still, there was a certain satisfaction in having our prejudices confirmed after all. More recently was walking in flood-stricken Lancashire with my brother, wading through fields knee high in water and surrounded by swans and geese enjoying their new habitat. The fields adjoined a sewage treatment plant by the river but I trusted the distinctive smell in my nostrils was still coming from the plant proper and not the water around my legs. A happy New Year to you and Mr W and the brood and thanks for my lovely card.
I am not sure which tale I prefer, the wading in sewage or the ultimately unhelpful syndicat d’initiative. Both in their way, very appealing. A happy new year to you and T also.
At the risk of inducing mutiny in your family, if you can see the Mournes from Carlingford, perhaps next time we visit Newcastle we should attempt to meet in the middle?
That would be lovely! Will you let me know when??