December 3, 2024
rucksack foodie

In The Big Smoke But Dreaming of Green

Richmond-upon-the-Thames
Richmond-upon-the-Thames

In the Big Smoke (London), existing on the necessities performed in the ” today” so that i may enjoy the “tomorrows”. I find my sense of creative-self choked by the urban cloud. Though lovely to be with my dearest and oldest  friend enjoying walks along the Thames, dinners in the garden and long talks over glasses of wine foretelling of our future retirement estate in the highlands where gaudy jewelry with matching wellies, epic Pimms-soaked sunday brunches and daily adventures of eccentricities will rule our shared Georgian manor house…
I long for green rolling countryside, blue skies filled with sea winds, and my rural disposition.

Busy days in The Big Smoke (London)
Busy days in The Big Smoke (London)

…which reminded me of a lovely weekend this past april spent driving along the picturesque Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. A land of stark contrasts; who’s beauty found in natural wonders and ancient remnants of lore far supersedes the ugly recent past of troubled times.

Enjoy these pictures below of that fabulous weekend exploration and promise to blog more soon, next month ICELAND!! Until then go visit The Rucksack Foodie Facebook Page for more frequent travel updates, tastes and sights!

Larne to Ballycastle, along the coastline offers some of the most picturesque and inspiring views to be found on this poetic island.

Torr head, Northern Ireland
Torr head, Northern Ireland
Driving along the Antrim Coast
Driving along the Antrim Coast
A hilltop memorial to a troubled past overlooking the sea
A hilltop memorial to a troubled past overlooking the sea
Eternal green
Eternal green
Torr Head
Torr Head
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, a bit touristy but fun to say you did it!
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, a bit touristy but fun to say you did it!
Dunluce Castle, skip the entry fee and hike down below to the sea for a dramatic sit
Dunluce Castle, skip the entry fee and hike down below to the sea for a dramatic sit
Medieval headstone in Layd Church yard, tucked away on a hidden hillside leading down to the sea... Very mysterious feeling and enchanting place
Medieval headstone in Layd Church yard, tucked away on a hidden hillside leading down to the sea… Very mysterious feeling and enchanting place
Ancient Layd Church, a sacred place long before these ruins where new.
Ancient Layd Church, a sacred place long before these ruins where new.
An idyllic spot to spent eternity. Layd churchyard overlooking the sea.
An idyllic spot to spent eternity. Layd churchyard overlooking the sea.
Stopped for a refreshment in Bushmills
Stopped for a refreshment in Bushmills
Belfast City
Belfast City
Architectural gem in Belfast
Architectural gem in Belfast
A bit of late night craic with the band in Ballycastle Northern Ireland.
A bit of late night craic with the band in Ballycastle Northern Ireland.