Sunday we were asked to speak in the Dundalk Branch, so we traveled to Dundalk and enjoyed meeting with the saints in their little branch. After church, we went back to the McDowell's for tea (dinner))....Anna and Julius were there with us and they were celebrating their 1st anniversary so we lit a candle for them!! They are such a cute couple. She is from Latia and he is from Lithuania.
Monday, the McDowell's met us at our place and then we headed up the Antrim coast.....
It was another beautiful day and we enjoyed all the little fishing villages along the way. Not much traffic, which made it nice on the narrow, winding roads.
The countryside was beautiful everywhere you looked.
These little sheep wouldn't hold still for me to take a picture, but they were sure cute as they trotted off....all the sheep have been shorn now. And the little lambs have gone to market......
so sad....
Elder McDowell knocking to see who lives in this wee little cottage....
This is a big Island. Scotland is further off in the distance.
Our first glimpse of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. You can barely see it between the two rocks. That's our destination!
You can take a ferry over to this island.
I kept wondering if I would really cross the bridge when we get there!
It was about a mile hike down to the bridge. The trail was pretty steep in places, up and down...up and down, then down, down, down.......(I kept thinking every step down I have to come back up!)
The view was spectacular everywhere you looked.
This guy was enjoying the view of the people hiking by his field!
Here is part of the trail looking from the top.
The water was like a mirror, very still, and I couldn't believe how clear it was. We could see birds swimming under the water catching fish even this far away.
We're getting closer......
Sister McDowell was the first one across! This bridge has been here for 200 years. The fishermen first built it to catch the salmon that swam close to the rocks where there is a fresh water stream. It was just boards and rope for many years. Now they have put netting around it and have steal cables holding it up.
It is pretty high and still bounces and sways as you cross. I went across first and then took Birch's picture!
View from the rock island.
Proof that we all made it across!!!
Looking back at the mainland. I still can't believe how clear the water was!
Once across, we had to go back! This time I was brave enough to turn around and have my picture taken.....but I never really looked down! I don't think Jeff would have liked it.......too high!
We started back up the mountain, one step at a time....can't believe we really did it! Many people get to the bridge and chicken out. We have talked to many who have lived here all their lives and have never made it across! They were impressed I did it!!!!!
Back at the top! Finally!!
This is the cove where the fishermen used to have a little cottage where they fished.
After that adventure, we took a break and had our picnic lunch! The sun came out and we enjoyed every minute!
Back in the car, we headed towards the Giant's Causeway. We stopped at a little harbor along the way.
There was a large cave in the mountain, but you couldn't go back in it very far.
The men went exploring and were checking out this building.
They climbed up to the top. Can you see them????
Back in the car.... stopping along the way to admire the view and the beautiful sandy beaches.
The McDowell's. They are so much fun to be with. We are so glad we have them as friends and traveling buddy's.
Pondering?
Back at the Giant's Causeway. We all took the shuttle down the hill this time! Although Birch walked back up!
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The rock right in the middle of the picture is the Giant's boot. (use your imagination!)
Sunday was our 35th Anniversary. We celebrated Saturday by going to lunch at Ballydougan Pottery Shop. It's one of my favorite places to eat and shop. Elder Holt had never been there to eat so it was a treat for him.
It's quaint and the food is really good, all served on the pottery that is made right there.
We are always treated very well being from America. People love to ask us questions, where we are from, why we are here.....
Italian cream soda....that's a chocolate B on top of the cream.
Dessert, warm fudge cake with fresh cream, passion fruit cheesecake.....of course with fresh cream.... the main dishes were also wonderful!
Sunday night we went to the Weir's for our cottage meeting and they had a little party planned! They are such good friends and we enjoyed being there with them and several others from the ward.
We really didn't expect this, but it was fun!
We're hoping for another 35 years together!
