Oh, I forgot to tell you about our passports. Immigration between these countries is very odd.
Out for a walk in the woods near Kemptville, Ont.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Cancun, Mexico on November 11th.
Friday, July 14, 2023
Are we in the UK illegally?
We ended up having a busy day. First, we went and explored the town of Holyhead. For such a small place, it has a big, busy port.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Welcome to Wales!
Wales is not a new country for us. Back in 2012 we did a three week house sit near Hereford, England and we did several day trips into Wales. But this time, we'll get to spend a little more time exploring!
So, yesterday we took the Stena Line ferry "Adventurer" from Dublin to Holyhead, Wales.
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Last day in Ireland
What a great trip this has been. We've been in Ireland since May 8, so just over two months.
We've pretty much circled the entire island, been to an Irish wedding, climbed Ireland's highest mountain, and learned a lot about the history of culture and conflict here. And I enjoyed a few pints of Guinness!
We don't quite feel like we're ready to leave though.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Are you Kevin and Ruth?
Rainy day yesterday, but we made our way a few miles further back towards the Republic of Ireland border. We ended up parked in the fishing town of Kilkeel.
We feel bad that we haven't been able to properly explore Northern Ireland. I mean, it's really not that big of an area, but we ran out of time!
Monday, July 10, 2023
We don't think we've ever seen something quite like that.
Our time in Ireland is almost up! What a great two months it's been. When the weather is good, Ireland is a motorhoming and hiking paradise. I guess that's why we've enjoyed it so much.
But, we've simply run out of time! We didn't see nearly as much of the northern part as we wanted to. And, the weather has changed dramatically compared to the fantastic six weeks we had from the time we arrived.
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Nice walk around the lake, and getting caught up with our friend Cathy
Once again, we were up early and we drove right away to make it through the big city of Belfast before traffic picked up. We parked up at the town of Royal Hillsborough at Hillsborough Lake parking.
Good thing we got there early because it didn't take long for the early morning dog walkers and joggers to arrive.
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Good news, and bad news
First order of business was to get my eye fixed! I had an appointment for 9:20am in central Belfast. We had parked in an industrial area near the docks. Not very scenic, that's for sure, but it was free, and only a 3 km (1.8 mile) walk into the center of the city.
Arrived a few minutes early, and they took me right on time.
Friday, July 7, 2023
Gorgeous coastal hike at Giant's Causeway
You may have missed yesterday's post because we were late posting it. You can read it here...
And why were we late posting it? Because we wanted to get out to do a long hike and the weather in the morning looked much better than the weather in the afternoon!
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Welcome to Northern Ireland, country number 60 for us!
First thing, let's clarify the country count. Yes, we do count Northern Ireland as a separate country even though it is part of the UK. Some people do, some people don't. For our purposes, if we are going to count England, Scotland, and Wales as individual countries, then we have to count Northern Ireland as well.
Besides which, Northern Ireland has its own currency. Yes, it's the pound sterling, but it is different banknotes compared to the English pound. And it's issued by Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland. It is also not legal tender in the rest of UK... however it is legal currency and easily exchanged at any English bank!
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
There's always the possibility he doesn't sell
Tuesday was a bit of a washout... literally!
We woke up to pouring rain, and it stayed that way all morning. While we were waiting it out, we had a thought that maybe we could get some laundry done. So I found a laundromat that was walking distance from where we were parked, and the first time the rain let up a little bit, we walked over there.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Things are coming together
We've had a lot of logistical planning and things on the go lately. But it's all starting to come together.
Yesterday, I confirmed my appointment for the laser repair to my eye at a clinic in Belfast. And, they can do it this coming Friday!
Monday, July 3, 2023
Cameron's flights are booked!
The morning was drizzly and windy. Not very nice at all, but with a strong, fast cell signal we just stayed put and got caught up on some internet stuff. Besides, with a view of the hills out our window, the itch to climb one of them was strong, and we were hoping it would clear up after lunch.
I've been checking daily to see if prices have changed for the flights that we want for our grandson Cameron to come and visit us next month.
Sunday, July 2, 2023
Ireland's Hidden Waterfall
Just west of the town of Killybegs is Ireland's Secret Waterfall... or sometimes called Ireland's Hidden Waterfall. I just happened to notice it while I was searching Google Maps for things to do in the area.
Pretty easy to see why it has the name that it does. First, there's limited parking in the area. There's a roadside viewpoint that many cars stop at, but most people don't know to go for a short walk. There are no signs advertising this natural attraction. And, most importantly, it can only be accessed right at low tide.
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Rainy day at Donegal Castle
We've been lucky with the weather so far this Ireland trip, but after yesterday we're guessing things are back to normal for the rest of the trip. That's okay... we have raincoats and umbrellas!
Oh, yesterday evening I posted our June expenses... you can read them here if you missed the post... https://www.travelwithkevinandruth.com/2023/06/june-expenses-higher-than-budget.html
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