Game of Thrones Set

As I mentioned in my last post about Game of Thrones, a black ship has been visible on set recently. Some excitement today when we drove by and saw sails unfurled on it.

Just Keep Moving...

Conscious that autumn is arriving, the nights getting longer and days getting cooler, a bright and dry start today drove me to get the bicycle out again. We're lucky enough to have easy access to the tow path which runs by the canal from Newry (County Down) to Portadown (County Armagh) and villages along the route give ideal opportunities for start points and destinations. I went from Scarva to Poyntzpass, which took me via Acton Lake.

It got me wondering - what inspires you to get out and about, take some exercise, enjoy the sights? Is there something about your local area you particularly enjoy or wish you had better access to?

More information can be found on the cycleni website:
http://www.cycleni.com/110/newry-canal-towpath/

Mount Stewart

Another National Trust owned house in Northern Ireland. This one is on the Ards Pennisula and is located in an area with a micro climate that provides for a spectacular garden. The house is undergoing a huge renovation project.

Scrabo Tower in Newtownards, built as a memorial to Charles Stewart.

The Sunken Garden (side view of house).

Italian Garden towards the Dodo Terrace

Spanish Garden

Italian Garden

Tir nan Og - the family private burial ground which looks over the lake.

Game of Thrones Set

I've noticed some activity at the nearby Game of Thrones set. A black ship can now be spotted on the set and with the arrival of two cranes again it looks like series three is in filming. I look forward to series three and to seeing if we can spot that black ship.

To Spurtle

I got to use my new utensil at the weekend and enjoyed a spot of spurtling. A little of the inspiration for the character of Caitlin, in The Glass House, came from my love of gardening. My veg patch has been a sorry affair this year but the rhubarb was the one thing in it that didn't mind the wet, humid weather. In a bid to use up some of the abundance of stalks I spent Saturday afternoon making a rhubarb crumble and a rhubarb and ginger baked cheesecake, together with some rhubarb and strawberry stewed to mix with ice-cream and topped with fresh picked blackberries. So, out came the spurtle to stir the bubbling fruit and, from the belly rubbing and contented sighs that issued from the family that evening, it seems the spurtle was a success.

North Coast

I've made more than one post, referring to a previous one entitled 'North Coast' and now that I look back through I can find no trace of it. I'll blame gremlins in the system but more likely they're in my head.

So, to rectify my mistake, this is the post I thought I'd made with some older pictures taken around the North Coast.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

The Giant's Gate at the Causeway

Portrush Beach 

Dunluce Castle (which I believe was used in the film Your Highness)

Castle Ward

A house and estate in Strangford, Co Down owned by the National Trust. Has cycling trails through woodland, fields and along the shore. I mentioned the house in a previous post as I'm fond of its dual architecture (internally and externally).

View to Portaferry

Out across Strangford Lough

Temple Water 

The farmyard

A view of the Mournes on the coastal drive back via Ardglass

National Trust - Castle Ward