It's good but it's not right
Having being non stop on the trip so far, we just dropped down a gear today. That also was the case with my running, hip pain back in all its horrible glory, so plans of an extended run shelved, and did Couch25K around a graveyard with Chrissi and Carys. News of the London Marathon cancellation has added to the lack of interest in returning to form or fitness, and just need to transfer my Vale Ultra place now for October to remove any last idiotic plans to do that instead. Can then focus on finding some fun in running again, a bit like yesterdays brief moment in Portrush.
My suggestion for the day was to visit the key attraction of this part of Northern Ireland, Margherafelt, which was the birthplace of Seamus Heaney, Bellaghey. I'd noted one of those brown tourist signs marking out an exhibition/arts centre by way of tribute to the fella, and it meant we didn't need to extend ourselves too far in time or distance.
What a little gem we uncovered, one of the few things not recommended to us on this trip, that we can now recommend to others. A fabulous little arts centre, warm and welcoming with a 15 minute introduction to the background of the Nobel Prize winning poet. From there we were able to trace his history, and had some headphones where we could listen to him reading out his poetry as aligned with various influences or milestones in his life of his family's life. Very much poetry that provided a commentary to the world he knew, much of it referencing this very specific part of Northern Ireland. He went to Grammar school in Derry with John Hume, so the synergy at the end of this trip to where we all started both physically and politically was pleasing (to me at least)
What was equally pleasing was the cracking Belfast Tea and Pear/Caramel/Blackcurrant scone I had in the cafe afterwards. A very rich menu it has to be said and I'd suggest perhaps a bigger meal worthwhile if you had the time. Check this place out is really good. http://www.seamusheaneyhome.com/
Took a drive back to Lough Neagh, this time the Antrim lakeside, which was perhaps a bit more set up for a nice walk along the edge. In doing so we hit a few more of the themes that have underpinned our travels out here, stumbling across more parkrun routes, and Game of Thrones film sets. The swarms of midges and flies (as we were warned) perhaps the reason this beautiful scenery perhaps not taken off in quite the manner it should.
A little bit of time back at the Air BNB packing up for the next leg of our journey, investigating some different restaurants. The one downside of the Air BNB is the lack of pub/restaurant within easy walk, but with many still shut, options would be limited. Also with the Eat to Help Out deal in full swing everything in the area pretty booked out, but I did get us in to the first restaurant I spotted on our drive east to west on our first morning. The Elk in Toomebridge was an interesting way to see things out, nice surrounds, variable food, I went high risk with a pub curry and it didn't work out. The others seemed to come off better, and my starter of spicy chicken worked well. The odd miss on this trip, but it has been mainly hits. albeit hits from the 80's....
-Carys-
A bit more of a quiet one today - which was strange since we've had a blur of busy mornings over the past few days. I haven't run in a while, so went out to do a Couch to 5km session from my phone with mum and dad which was nice enough. The park we went to was a lot smaller than expected but made do for our little jog around and back.
No need to rush out, so we took our time getting ready, but when we eventually did leave the house, we drove to visit the Seamus Heaney museum, a poet I hadn't heard of, but turns out when we went into the building, his poem 'Digging' was one we'd studied in school before, which i recognised straight away as it felt very familiar.
I found the museum really interesting, it was quite short and snappy but the information was spread out well and each poem gave a great analysis alongside it. You could also listen to Seamus himself reading the poems which was a lovely touch, because as our guide mentioned, listening to poetry is a lot different to reading it.
We made use of the nice cafe they had at the end of the exhibit, dad and I both opting for a scone - my original choice of raspberry and white chocolate was unavailable so I went with the pear, blackberry and salted caramel instead. Enjoyed it thoroughly, washed down with strawberry milkshake, and it was all great, until I felt extremely full 20 minutes later. maybe I ate a little too quickly.
With not many other plans, we headed round to a different side of the lake Loch Neagh, hoping there might be a little bit more to do there. They had a long walk along the lake, though we just gave ourselves a little taster and walked out for 10 minutes or so and back. I didn't fancy anything in their cafe hut - still felt very filled up from my previous snack and drink, so just sat while mum and dad had an ice cream and Bryn had a coke.
Drove back home, and had a chill for a while, with food not booked till later on. We left around 7:10 to get for our half past booking at 'The Elk'. Mum had mentioned how the menu seemed to lack any vegetarian options but it was all fine when we got there.
Had a lovely garlic bread starter cause when do I pass up the chance for garlic bread. Main was vegetable fajitas, my only option but I'm glad it was because it was lovely. I couldn't finish it, but I had delicious steaming vegetables in wraps with sour cream, salsa and guac, and chips on the side. It was ideal, and I wouldn't have picked it over macaroni cheese - another favourite - so i was happy to try something new.
Home now and need a good nights sleep for our early start tomorrow to leave Northern Ireland. Sad to be going but glad we've got the great memories from this trip to have forever.
