Monday, October 4, 2010

Day 34 - Portaferry

Well Dad has made it to Portaferry. Been a hard day ... with gale force winds and at times head winds ! Dad got into the Barholm hostel about 4.30 and then the rain started and it was still raining at 6.30 when I spoke to him.

Dad had a good night last night. He found the Crown Liquor Saloon. I tried to find him on the webcam but it was only working in the restaurant and Dad only went it to have a pint as he'd picked up a Subway for tea.  Dad had a wander around looking for a pub with music but it was relatively quiet on a Sunday night and in the end Dad was back in the hostel for 10.00.

This morning Dad headed out of the hostel and over the River Lough. He then had to cycled along the A2 passing Harland & Wolfe and George Best airport. He stopped off in Hollywood for a bacon buttie and a coffee.  From there it was back on the busy  A2 to Crawfordsburn and onto Bangor.  Dad cycled around the Harbour and along the sea front. It was then onto Groomsport and the sea-side resort of Donaghadee where Dad stopped for lunch.  He then continued on the A2 which was now much quieter but he was cycling into a head wind and a strong one at that. It was also uphill so it took Dad 3 1/2 hours to cycle 22 miles. He passed through Millisle, Ballywater, Ballyhalbert and into Portavogie which Dad assumed was the most easterly point of Ireland.  It was then on through Cloughy and into Portaferry.

Dad booked into the hostel and it was quiet busy so Dad took the key and went straight up to his room. When he looked through the window of his room he could see a fire in a building across from the hostel. Dad went back downstairs and informed the warden who rang 999. Three fire engines turned out and where still there two hours later.

The hostel is very nice and Dad has been sitting in the lounge watching the ferries come and going into Strongford Lough.Tonight on the menu is cup-a-soup, chicken curry and green beans, followed by grapefruit and banana and custard.

Tomorrow he is heading for Kilkeel.

3 comments:

  1. Awwh bless Jack when I told husband last night Jacks plans for today , he thought it would a tough day. Glad he can rest an hostel is comfortable. am now reading the events out to husband who has recently taken an interest. Am sorry we could not see him at any stage and cheer him on.
    He really is a remarkable man.
    Thank you so much for all the up dates.

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  2. Another eventful day. Was it a warehouse fire? Hope all was ok.

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  3. Carole you and your husband probably know that area well. Glad you are enjoying the updates, makes it all worth while writing them.

    Angi - yes Dad thought the fire was in a warehouse. Hopefully no one was hurt!

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