Well the cycle ride from Portadown to Aghatirourke wasn't too bad but, to be honest, I wasn't up too early this morning. The short rain showers around 6.00am were no excuse but I eventually got up at 10.30am. I deserved the rest and enjoyed reading Douglas adams' Life, the Universe and everything. Mind you I kept waking and heard a cuckoo, a whitethroat and a willow warbler from the snug confines of my sleeping bag.
Packed up the tent after breakfast and hid all panniers etc under a hedge before making my way to the top of the plateau. Not many birds around on the way up and even fewer at the top.
Met 2 peat diggers, John and William, who were busy stacking cyclinders of peat in small wigwam-shaped piles for them to dry out, ready for using as fuel.
Once down to collect my belongings and over lunch a very close male hen harrier came floating overhead. Superb bird and one of my favourites, it landed some way up the limestone slope beside a large hawthorn bush.
Now at Enniskillen, in the library. The Cathedral was closed and I now await a phone call from the BBC. Radio Ulster want to interview me tonight and we need to organise a rendezvous point.
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On the way to here yesterday visited both the Catholic and the Anglican Cathedrals in Armagh.
In Roslea, after scooting through a small bit of the Republic of Ireland, met a family whose daughter wore the best shirt I'd seen during my time in Northern ireland - an Aston Villa shirt. Beautiful! [Thanks Shayna! And thanks to you as well Vincent. Great handshake.]
After quite possibly the worst chips and gravy I've ever eaten, I went through kinawley and saw that there was a large number of children enjoying themselves playing Gaelic football. Stopped and watched and met Brenda and Ender, both of which were the coaching experts for the local team [!?]. It was fabulous to see the children's enthusiasm and skill in playing this game that's a bit like Aussie rules football. Kick the ball, hit it, throw it and score points or a goal.
Right time to check out where next and hopefully have a good swim in the local pool.
Oh to be in Gwent! Mind you I don't need it. I saw the first one up on Midhope Moor, South Yorkshire, when my ex-wife jane walked with me over the moor to see the mamora's despite being rather pregnant at the time.
All the very best everyone,
Gary
glad to hear you arived in enniskillen safely. you are not having much luck with the chips and gravy in n.ireland. try the chicken gravy with the chips its called a super chip its delicious. hope interview goes well. take care and God bless.
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