So, all I have to say about our Bed and Breakfast was that we had beds, and they had breakfast...and that's all I have to say about that. The breakfast was actually really good, and the host was really nice, but there was a bit of a mixup when we booked the place - the bathrooms were shared - not a big problem for some, but not our cup of tea at all. And, the adjective "coffin-like" came to mind when describing our room.

It was well-placed to allow us to get out of town quickly, though - which we did after breakfast. First on the schedule was the Giant's Causeway. This is one of those big attractions that people consider a must-see. It is a geologic feature on the north coast of Ireland made of hexagonal columns of basalt. It does correspond with a similar feature across the Irish Sea in Scotland, so there is a big element of mythology surrounding it's creation.

Carrie and I had taken Cody and Emma there on our last trip, but it was Pat and Les's first time. Since we'd been there last, they have built a nice visitor center, and had a nice setup for a guided walking tour. You walk down the hill from the center about a mile to the causeway. Our guide was the typically hilarious Irish guide, retelling the myths, and having a great time. Since I wasn't having to ensure a 6 year old Cody's safety, I was able to explore the formations, and walk all the way out to the sea.

After spending time there, you have a choice to buy a bus ticket to ride back, or walk. Last time, Carrie and I were much heavier, but didn't have currency for the bus, so we walked. Cody and Emma ran the entire way, and when we stopped for "pictures" (not to catch our breaths, or keep from having heart attacks), laughed at our out-of-breathedness. This time, we made the hike pretty easily. Les and Pat rode the bus, but we gave them grace, as bum knees and hips are some of the travails of elderhood.

Leaving there, we headed to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. This used to be a place that fishermen had to brave to tend their salmon nets. after walking down to it, we made it to the rope bridge to cross to a little outcropping in the sea. The day had cleared up nicely, so the pictures were amazing. Carrie's fear of heights didn't win the day, as she crossed over the chasm with the ocean and rocks below, and even made it back.

Back in the car, we headed off to a nature hike in Glenarrif Forest Park. After a discussion about which trail was the right one to get us to the waterfalls, Les and Pat decided they had hiked enough for the day, and headed back to the cafe to hang out and read. After Carrie realized we were on the wrong trail (by ending up circling back to the cafe), we decided a nice cup of tea and snack would be the better choice.

Duely satisfied, we left to head to the B&B. We had to drive through Belfast, though, and we arrived in Belfast right at 5pm. Traffic was worsened by the Tall Ships Festival. We could see the festivities right off the highway, and there were bazillions of people. Carrie and Pat took a phenomenal amount of pictures while I was basically parked on the highway. It was a bit like an urban photo safari.

After making it through the crowded area, we were still in the city, and saw some interesting, if threatening murals about different militia units in different areas of the city. There are still lots of reminders of the violent not-so-distant past.

We survived, and headed down another peninsula that was new territory for all of us. We found our B&B, and got recommendations for dinner. We had one of the better meals in town, and headed back to relax.

Our B&B hosts were very interesting - semi-retired theatre director/actor, married to a composer/conductor. I got to hang out a bit, and got to relate some of our similar experiences (mine nowhere near as big of a deal as him). Carrie was zonked out when I finally made it back upstairs, so I was quiet, and finally joined her in sleep.