Camping

Despite being extremely ill last week, I naturally decided this weekend would be the most appropriate time to explore the outdoors of Northern Ireland and take advantage of the glorious (by Ireland standards, of course) weather.

I finished my shift Friday, and after reflecting upon my well being (fair to quite fair, I determined) I deemed it a good idea to join Eamonn and Chris in their swimming adventure. We grabbed wetsuits from the Recreation Store room and headed towards the sea. The beach was absolutely packed with families due to the warm weather, but probably for good reason there was no one in the ocean. After several minutes of persuasion on Eamonn's part, the three of us were about 30 feet out and body surfing in the freezing water. It really was only horrible for the first five minutes, and then once everything went numb the experience was quite enjoyable. The best part may have been the shocked onlookers on the beach...
Naturally my Raynauds disease took over (LOVE that I have a name for this) and we determined our 15 minute sea jaunt should come to a close. Soaking wet, we headed back up the cliff and opted for hot showers and tea in the living room.

On Saturday, Eamonn and I were feeling quite restless and wanted to get out of Corrymeela for a while. Without much planning, we packed up backpacks, a tent, sleeping bags, some sustenance, and began walking towards Fairhead. I've never been proper camping before, so it was quite an adventure. We walked around and up Fairhead for about three hours, and then began the journey towards Murlough Bay, which is in my opinion one of the most beautiful places in the area. After:
-4 hours hiking
-Many, many stops for "the view!"
-Eamonn yelling at me for eating all the marshmallows on the walk
-Grumpiness
-Return to happiness
-Scaling a cliff and pitching a tent in a forest by the sea
-Making a bonfire
-Realizing we forgot a tin opener and bashing open the tin of baked beans with natural materials

We enjoyed a lovely supper of toast, baked beans, and roasted peppers on the open fire. It was quite glorious, if I do say so myself. Sleeping in a tent wasn't exactly the lap of luxury, but there is something special about waking up uncomfortable and a little cold, but being able to hear the ocean waves, rustling of trees, and "MEEEEHHH"ing of wee sheep across the cliffside.

There are some moments I feel like I never ever want to leave this place, and I think freezing my bum off and being uncomfortable with a sore back in a tent on Murlough Bay at midnight was definitely one of them...