September 15, 2012

  IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GIANT

 A fantastic experience this week was visiting the Giant's Causeway, the windiest place in Ireland (perhaps the giant's breath is making us aware he is still out there somewhere).  Sixty million years ago, the Giant's Causeway was created as the result of intense volcanic and geologic activity, causing the cooling and shrinking of successive lava flows. The result was a geological wonder with over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. The recently opened new Tourist Center provided information and comfort, and just outside were the walking trails. All of this made for a great afternoon.

The day started off quite rainy but by the afternoon was only cloudy and mid-afternoon the sun came out as I followed two different trails, onl along the cliffs and the other to the bottom of the hill to the Causeway itself. All of this while, I was listening to the audiophone describe the formation of the Causeway and the story of the Giant, Finn McCool, trying to keep the camera steady without being blown away.


The Giant's Causeway is steeped in myth and legend. Carved from the coast by the might giant, Finn McCool, who left behind an ancient home full of foklore. Local people believe that between the hexagons, the mythical features carved out in the rocks and the tumbling sea, there's real magic. You will see it if you come to this place, stand on the stones and uncover the legends. You can read the story of Finn and how he foiled the bad giant from Scotland, Bendonner, or I can tell it to you sometime (wikipedia/suite101.com/article/the-legend-of-finn-mccool). Finn's foot was 93 feet long, so you get an idea from the pic of his boot in the middle pic below.

On the way home we stopped to look at the great scenery.  We saw the Rope Bridge but we did not walk across it; I would like to do that, but not on a windy day. Below, me with Isabelle, Liz and Mara

On Thursday a group of blind people and their leaders (12 people) came to visit from Surrey, near London. I was thrilled to be invited to join them, and it was a wonderful afternoon of music and storytelling followed by a very nice meal. I made a small video with my camera. Nice people.

Friday it was rainy again, and Liz took me to Cushendall to visit the craft shop there, which was great and was something nice to do as it did rain all day long.