Back on the move

First mate has had a cold so we have been laying low in Bangor for a few days.  Following Friday’s laundry day, on Saturday Rob took a walk inland in search of a tackle shop, after help from Google, for fishing components which might actually enable him to catch a fish for supper.

Saturday’s morning tea was disturbed by a series of marching bands parading down the high street and along the sea front. There were several groups of drummers and the noise kept increasing and they marched again in the afternoon disturbing Rob’s taxi ride back from the tackle shop – retuning with more supplies and an electric toaster – we've been missing proper toast. 

On Sunday, Rob took a short train ride to explore Belfast for a few hours.  Nice city, the titanic area is impressive, Rob picked up a few books; a book of British Birds to help us identity the local fowl, a sea fishing book and a travel guide to the Highland and Islands.

Belfast Customs House + Fish

Titanic Museum + Harland and Wolff Shipyard 

Monday, our final Bangor day, Rob serviced the on-board toilet (this does not mean using it, but replacing rubber washers and valves) – not a particularly fun task but hopefully this will keep it in tip-top condition for the rest of the trip.

Today we undertook the short crossing from Northern Ireland to Scotland, a mere 23 miles from Bangor to Portpatrick.  The weather forecast was not great before we left, but it’s been a great day, not much wind but clear blue sky.  We tied up to an empty harbour wall by 12:30 and had a great walk along the cliffs this afternoon.

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