Kalinka1's Adventure: Episode 14 Bangor to Scotland

Episode 14 Bangor to Scotland.

We were reluctant to go to Bangor, the last time we were there the scars of the "troubles" were so ugly that we were not keen. We had also had amazing fun when we moored up downtown next to the "Titanic Center" right in the heart of Belfast's dock lands. We ended up going into Bangor because its worked out best for everyone. For us to jump and keep going north, and for John and Carol's pal Ruth who lives close by and was going to join us for a breakfast the next day. We cleared customs and mailed off their form with all our passport numbers. It was explained that we will not need to clear in when we get to Scotland and when we leave its simple, just leave. Ruth found John and Noel at the marina office and we had a great visit over breakfast. Ruth was to host John for a night before catching the train back to Wexford. We had a great fry up breakfast, then Ruth took us shopping. The shopping list was not like Ruth's regular list at all. We figured we needed to stock up on whiskey and wine as this is not cheap in Iceland so that was how the shopping list started. We did a massive shop and then back to the boat. John and Ruth headed off to Ruth's house and we were on our own. The train tracks run the shore line in Ireland so it is a very beautiful run and hopefully the windows will be clean and the day clear for John's return to Wexford. The other wonderful feature is that seniors travel by free in off peak times so the transit is well used.

550 slip marina had plenty of boats. This one did a circumnavigating, we never did get to chat to them whey must have a been staying ashore. We enjoyed a barbeque with fellow Canadians Shawn and Alice on their big power boat. They had moved from a farm north of Toronto and he had been working in advertising in Oakville - the commute alone would burn you out. They are having an interesting time living and working in Bangor. Alice has a brother in the area also nursing so I think that was what influenced the location decision.

Big comfortable boat that Shawn is renewing the calking of the teak decks. A labour of love that job is. We had great company and wonderful feast that sadly we could not get together again as Shawn came down with a cold so we had to give a wide berth. We were waiting till Monday for the wind to settle down and change direction.

Topped up the fuel and that for the two stroke outboard before departing.

Belfast loch has loads of shipping in and out so going across it we had to be paying attention and giving way.

Passing "Black Head" and its costal walk.

In and out of caves with boardwalk/bridges

The end I think is on the RHS of the photo. I think it would be an interesting walk. May be when we are back with a rental car we could explore this.

Beautiful part of the world.

Fish farm outside of Glenarm

Harbour entrance

Glenarm, along side 19:00 hrs., 23 miles.

One pot wonder, perfect end to a pleasant day.

The next day we would be departing at about 5pm for the best tide. I was an hour out on my figuring as we got the date muddled looking at the tide charts. So in chatting with the harbour master asking where we would be able to find a breakfast roll he offered to drive us to the next village. He also stopped so Noel could pick up a stiff deck scrub brush. What a friendly place.