WELCOME BLUE BELLE – GENESIS OF A RELATIONSHIP

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Ray Boas

It has been a few hours over two weeks since I returned from Northern Ireland after crossing the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2.  I got itchy a few days ago, and now have some of my travel  information collections spread across the porch to plan the next sojourn or two, but as I have told you, each day is new, and I never know what will happen.  So, let me tell you what has happened the past few days.

Remember I told you that Black Beauty and I visited Sports Car Services on 15 June, and John told me about a customer’s MGA in the dairy barn?  After I looked at it I chatted with David, owner extraordinaire of Sports Car Services, and he promised me “right of first refusal” saying that the next weekend he and Patrick may have the time to get it started after its 18 years of hibernation.  The following day, Saturday, Black Beauty and I travelled over 200 round trip miles with them to the sports car show in Lenox, Massachusetts, and while I was there I studied all the MGAs and talked with one MGA owner at length.

I have become very adept at keeping myself busy each day with at least one different project or errand.  Doing so makes the days productively go by while also providing a sense of accomplishment.  One thing I decided to do last week was sell the library steel shelving in the middle of the garage and push hard maximizing useable floor space.  The shelves got sold and space opened up.  Before I knew it Saturday was here, “gee,” I reminded myself, “I wonder if David will remember to call me when they get the MGA out of the barn?”  Afternoon came and I had not heard a word, “why don’t Black Beauty and I take a spin over to West West after an errand in Bellows Falls!”  Perfect, and off we went cruising down the back road to Saxtons River to then cut over to West West.  But parked in front of The Dish on Main in quaint Saxtons River was an Austin Healy 3000.  I pulled alongside and parked with 99% surety that David would be lunching inside having road

First roar to life in 18 years

tested a customer’s sports car.  I was correct and sat and chatted with David and his son, Patrick, as they finished up.  We then headed back to his shop arriving around 3PM, and David asked, “would you like to see if the MGA will start?”  I thought he would never ask.  We pushed her from the barn into an open bay in the shop, and Patrick went to work.  I know the sequence from watching my Dad with Model Ts and As – plugs, fuel flow, check carburetors, clean out old fuel, points, etc.  Patrick was methodical, and within 2 hours David was backing her out and off we went.

 

And off she goes, David turned her over to me a mile down the road

The MGA held the road and performed very nicely.  The clutch pedal position indicates a near-term replacement, and in checking the usual trouble spots in the frame it will need some attention.  As a result, David recommended I offer the family something less than

Cockpit of an MGA

what he originally evaluated the car for to allow for these repairs.  A few other items needing attention (front shocks, tach cable., L.O.F., brake fluid) he would take care of now for his customer.  He said he would contact them.

But, “why” you ask do you need another sports car? “Why not?” I will reply.  The MGA is now a running, acceptable 15-foot driver.  “15-footer?” you ask.  That is a car that looks great from 12 to 15 feet away.  Yes it has been repainted (light blue over the original Alamo Beige) with some bondo repairs, but it is complete and ready to go for 62.5 percent of what I paid for a non-running Black Beauty before she was showered with work, money and love – not to mention 8 months time.  A perfect “knock-around” car for good and inclement weather – I just could not resist, and to be truthful cannot lose in the long-run.

Last night David got back to me, “your offer is accepted and they are mailing me a bill of sale, bring me your check.  But when we went to replace the shocks we found the trunnions shot thanks to a lack of lubrication,” don’t worry he continued, “I’ll take care of that too with no cost to you, just pay for the new battery.”

Blue Belle and Black Beauty meet for the first time on 23 June

Before I started working in the yard today I added Blue Belle (name came to me the other day) to my insurance policy effective tomorrow.  Then I finally began in the garden area outside the shop that I have not touched in four years – it needs major surgery.  Next I disassembled the fountain and moved it in preparation to making the space outside my porch into a garden area for veggies and flowers – yes I will start small with the two raised beds I bought on the way back from Lenox and also assembled today.  Oh, projects and progress with positive visual results – so rewarding.

This morning, 27 June, front end surgery and discovery of a usuable hood (top)

The bill of sale on Blue Belle probably will not be here in time to get her registered before the weekend, but Black Beauty and Blue Belle should be peacefully sleeping together tomorrow or the next day.  Oh, forgot to mention, Blue Belle is younger than Black Beauty by two years – 1960. Now some shunpiking deserving of repetition can be completed in different wheels.

Empty and waiting

 

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DECOMPRESSION – 15 and 16 June 2012 – BLACK BEAUTY DAYS

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Ray Boas

Well, I am back and recovering. Not from travelling but from the hacking in my throat that I caught from a couple little kids walking by me on a train last Saturday in Ireland, and from an extremely swollen and inflamed finger triggered by full Irish Breakfasts even thought I knew better and cut back.  Time to tackle the root problem.  Wednesday I spent the day helping Barbara start moving her warehouse for Costume Ladies, and we were to continue on Friday.  Sarah and I got about an hour moving in Friday morning (well, my van is full of costumes and heads still) but Barbara got busy in the shop, and our work was over for the day.  So, with absolutely no book orders what should I do?

I have wanted to spend time outside with flowers and a small vegetable garden, but have not felt like starting again since Cathy died.  Last year I put it off since most of July I was in Italy with the kids, but I have had a sign on my desk for many decades, “The Best Way to Get Something Done is To Begin.”  Time to begin, let me go and buy some flowers and vegetables. “But, Ray,” I said, “it is Friday, and Fridays are always fun and frantic at Sports Car Services.” So off Black Beauty and I went over the hills to West West in VT.  Yes, it was hectic as they were finishing up a customer’s MGTF to take to the Berkshire British Car Festival in Lenox, Massachusetts to try to sell on Saturday.  “Why don’t you go with us,” Butch asked.  Last year I had registered for the weekend but cancelled when I decided to stay and work on our production of IF I WERE BRITISH, plus I am not really a “hang around” a car show field all day person, but I was tempted as I would be with friends – isn’t that what it is all about.  Then John told me, “this customer has an MGA too for sale, and it will be a bargain.”  We went up to the dairy barn to look.  A nice “driver” and my eyes perked up.  My dad bought an MGA for Shirley when they married and I enjoyed driving it one summer while home from college.  I have been looking for another Model A having sold my roadster thinking I could not drive two cars at once, but I was wrong.  But, an MGA is not as impractical for a second (or third) car than a Model A – that is called rationalization, plus the MGA’s price is what I paid for Black Beauty before pampering her with lots of money.  I will shorten the ensuing conversations summing up that David has given me “right of first refusal” once they get the car ready to go for the customer.  Both the MGTF and MGA were laid up in 1995, but Patrick got the MGTF started right up and then John rebuilt the brake system (something to do after 18 years of sitting).  So, who knows, maybe in a few weeks we will have a naming contest for Black Beauty’s garage mate.

On the way home I have three options to look at flowers/veggies but realized I should talk with Jason at Harlow’s having known him and his expertise for 10 years.  Jason set me straight, and I have started my work gardening outside the porch for Ray’s full enjoyment.  My plan is to remove the fountain (David and Mari would like it, and we found the right spot Monday night) and put two small raised beds in the space and a small pool with my large cast iron frog spitting water into it.  Friday night I planned it out, figured how I would make the beds with cobblestones, but then said, “Ray, make your life simple to start, buy some raised bed kits.”  (another Rayism – “If you created the pressure, you can also eliminate it).  Quick check on HomeDepot.com came up with the perfect solution for $35 each, but Keene was out of stock, however 16 were in Greenfield, Massachusetts. No problem, I can get them Saturday evening on the way back from Lenox.

I met Butch (in an Austin-Healy 3000) and another couple in an MGB (both cars no fun due to roll up windows – MGA still has side curtains) at 8 AM in Putney, Vermont, and we travelled over Vermont backroads to North Adams, Massachusetts over Route 2 to Williamsburg, and then down Route 7 (remember my favorite road in the USA – except for the section through Pittsfield) to arrive in Lenox.  I am assuming you have your Vermont and Massachusetts maps out now, more likely you will have these than a road map of Ireland).  We arrived at the show on the grounds of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox

Part of the show field

which is a lovely venue for a car show.  I grabbed a quick sandwich and toured around the cars.  Now when I went to shows with my Dad, usually the cut-off was 1930 with nothing newer, so it is very hard for me to adjust, but I enjoyed looking around.  To be truthful I spent most of my time with the MGAs talking with one owner at length.

BLACK BEAUTY on the field in all her glory

The rest of my time I sat in the shade at David’s booth visiting with his friends and watching the world go by.  I enjoyed myself, but it was being with them that made it enjoyable.  In conversation they mentioned one car on the field that cost 1.5 million

If you have an extra 1.5 million dollars

dollars, and let me share what I learned.  The owner, Mike Kittredge, has over 100 cars and a staff to maintain them.  He had maybe twenty cars on the field, mostly newer things, but I learned the connection.  A few months ago I was shunpiking in Massachusetts and stumbled into Kringle Candle Company in Bernardston in a lovely location.  I did not stop, but made a mental note.  Ends up that in 1998 Kittredge sold Yankee Candle, and that now explains why the attached car museum was no longer at the flagship store which Cathy and I visited even before moving to NH.  Mike’s son Mick for a 2009 college marketing course created some candles, and soon he and his father started Kringle Candle which has several nice buildings and a restaurant.  It is in an area where I like daytripping, so I look forward to going to the restaurant in an 1800 farm house.

Inside the Farm Table Restaurant

Well, that is one of the “need to know” facts you get from me.

Butch and I headed back up Route 7, and then cut across Route 2, The Mohawk Trail, to Greenfield.  By the way, The Mohawk Trail is the first scenic road in the country and another of my favorites and a pleasant sports car backroad.  I got two raised bed kits in Greenfield, we hopped on I-91, and I left Butch in the dust.  Still without a working speedometer I was taught a simple calculation for what my speed in overdrive is roughly based on RPMs, and I cruised comfortably at 72 MPH on this great section of Interstate.  Great because there is usually no traffic and you have it to yourself (except out of nowhere some New York idiot passed us doing at least 120 MPH – glad he saw us).  I got home shortly after 7 PM

I am waiting to hear from Barbara to move more costumes, have lots of paperwork to tackle, and will continue to enjoy this Sunday on my porch working and writing.  As always, yours, RAY

 

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LAST POST FROM IRELAND – 10 June 2012

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Ray Boas

Alright, now I have to get serious and finish up.  I have Thursday and Friday afternoons, and at dinner realized Saturday to also fill you in on.  I am going to be brief since you have a flavor of the success of this trip.  I had worked from my Rick Steve guidebook for a rough outline way back when, and with suggestions from Paul on Queen Mary 2, I had a packed 6 days in Northern Ireland.

Once I left the Giant’s Causeway on Thursday I went directly to Londonderry with the intention of parking in the garage next to the TI (Tourist Information) as Rick Steves recommended.  I arrived with minutes to spare to get on a tour bus covering both sides of the River Foyle seeing all the neighborhoods, and murals etc.  You would not have even considered visiting Londonderry (or Belfast) prior to maybe 15 years ago because of the “Troubles” following Bloody Sunday 30 January 1972.  I am still trying to digest and understand the political situation in The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland going back to the Great Famine, the 1920s, WWII and uprisings starting in the 60s. Political, yes, but the sides also have religious lines Protestant VS Catholic and Loyalists VS Nationalists, Home Rule, etc.  Too much to get into here, but my visit to the Tower Museum within the city walls built which were built 1613-1618 helped my understanding.  I enjoyed my walk around the top of the walls, visited Austin’s Department Store which was established in 1830, and on the way back to the car had to make a purchase in Poundland.  For emergency use I got two packages of Cadbury Chocolate Cookies for a pound, and two bottles of juice for a pound. Heading back to Portrush I followed the scenic coast, but sadly in rain diminishing the views, but I drove on the beach along the way and had dinner in Portstewart before getting back to my B&B.  As a resort town, Portrush, and the surrounding area has been spoilt with condominiums and caravan parks.  Miles of mobile homes, all alike, are lined up waiting for their holiday merrymakers.  Besides the beach, golf is big in the area (the Ireland Open begins the end of the month in Portrush), and there are storefront after storefront filled with amusement machine games.  Real honky-tonk, and a change from what was originally a Victorian seaside resort.

From atop the Londonderry Wall – you know me and “window views”

 

I filled you in previously on my Friday morning at Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, but the rain continued on for most of my drive along the Antrim coast.  I found the little road Paul told me about to Torr Head.  Where is Black Beauty when I need her?  (for my new blog friends, Black Beauty is my 1958 Triumph TR3).  The perfect hillside road barely wide enough for one car, cliff with drops to the ocean on one side, fields with sheep, and curves to challenge the most skilled driver.  Not even enough room to stop and take pictures.  Continuing down the coast it was sad to see the little seaside towns with most of their business buildings boarded up.  In time I decided to cut back over one of the Glens back to the motorway so I would have about three hours at the Ulster Folk and Transportation Museum between Belfast and Bangor on A2. Pauline suggested that I start with the Folk Museum which is similar to Sturbridge Village or Greenfield Village in the states.  Many buildings have been relocated to set up both a village environment and a rural environment.

A street in the Ulster Folk and Transportation Museum village

I particularly enjoyed an early 17th century poor farmers dwelling showing the original beam architecture that is formed as an inverted ship’s hull. The Folk village is very well done, and I was fortunate to be at the right spot at the right time to catch a ride in a reproduction 1904 Bus (up front with the drive) to tour the rural area, which because of the time to walk I had decided not to do, but this was just perfect.  I then headed across the A2 to the Transportation Museum which houses trains, buses, street cars, automobiles, and a great Titanic exhibit which I mention on my Titanic Day page.

Arriving shortly after five in Bangor, Pauline graciously welcomed me at Hargreaves House to what has become one of my all time best B&B experiences.  She goes out of her way to take care of her guests with recommendations, etc. as I observed she was also doing for a young couple I met at breakfast the next morning.  Saturday I took the train into Belfast and caught the Belfast City Sightseeing bus, one of those hop on, hope off affairs with commentary along the way. The route included all quarters of Belfast including the areas of conflict and Troubles and we travelled around the Peace Wall (with some gates still closed) and viewed many of the murals on buildings and on the wall (which is actually even longer and higher now than during the conflicts).  So much to learn!  I got off to tour the Ulster Museum on the grounds next to Queen’s College, but only devoted time (2 hours) to the history area, again trying to learn about Irish history, the Troubles and their background going back into the early 20th century with the division of the Island and England’s control. Oh, did you know that the Luftwaffe attacked Belfast three times in 1941 killing well over 1,000 people and causing extensive damage, however missing their target – the shipyards.  I had dinner in Belfast before returning to Paulines’s, and when I returned she and I and Ambrose chatter for several hours comparing country notes and solving the world’s problems.

So, in a small nutshell, that is Thursday and Friday afternoons, and Saturday.  What is next?  I don’t know.  In September I will be going to a photography course on the Isle of Shoals, both of which have been on this list, but you know me, I will wake up with a thought, do some research and plan a trip.  In the meantime, thanks for travelling with me, and good night from Ireland, which this view from Hargreaves House in Bangor, Ireland.  As always, yours, RAY

Good Night Ireland from in front of Hargreaves House B&B

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A TITANIC DAY – Sunday 10 June 2012 — 100 Years plus almost Two Months

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Ray Boas

I still owe you Londonderry and driving to Belfast, but that will be my last post that I will work on next, but first again with a video is my Titanic Day.

I walked up to the train station in 10 minutes, allowing 30 minutes to get there (I now cannot get enough train travel).  NI Railway is fantastic to travel anywhere in Northern Island, and I could have today all day for 6.50 pounds – on Sunday that is what you pay for unlimited travel (unless the fare to where you want to go is less).  When I took the train yesterday fares are 1/3 off, if departing after 9:30, but today I traveled before 9 to make the 10AM opening for Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic Visitor Experience which opened on 31 March.  Tickets have to be purchased/reserved well in advance, and my hostess, Pauline, at Hargreaves House   is so gracious and caring that she made my reservation awhile back for the exhibition as well as my tour with Susie Millar of Titanic Tours Belfast   who is the great grand-daughter of a Titanic crew member that was lost with the Titanic.

TITANIC BELFAST  is in the shipyard area, which now named Titanic Quarter is undergoing a wonderful redevelopment for offices, residences, entertainment complex and the like.  This effort is similar to what I have seen with US Navy bases that have closed through the US.  The exhibit is well done and tells a progressive history of Belfast developing its industries, the building of the ship and its launching and fitting out, followed by the maiden voyage, sinking and the aftermath.  The exhibit concluded with myths and legends and then a movie of the ship and debris field.  My only disappointment was the lack of actual objects from the ship, but at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum,  that I spent almost 3 hours at Friday afternoon, there is a fine exhibit with recovered items, and extensive ephemera of White Star Line and the building of the ships and life on ocean liners – just the “old stuff” that I enjoy.

I videoed the last two thirds of one of the most fascinating things I saw at TITANIC BELFAST to share below (expand to full screen)  which is a panoramic recreation moving up from the engine room (not shown) through a dining salon to the grand staircase ending at the bridge (sorry again for the watermark on the image – I will buy the software).

 

I spent 2 ¼ hours in the exhibition, but if I had not finished another book on the Titanic before I left I would have had to spend more time.  I then had a nice lunch there and met Susie to tour with her and a couple from Australia.  The insights she provided on her family, life for the shipyard workers, and the like comes from her extensive time researching and hearing the stories and her involvement with the Titanic Society.  So, below are a few images from her tour that I have captioned.

The Drawing Room – Titanic’s Plans were drawn here

 

Susie on right in the shipbuilder/designers office

 

Original Pump House and Dry Dock for Titanic

 

I then travelled back to Bangor and walked to the Bangor Castle, had a few moments in the museum before it closed and then strolled through the extensive gardens at the Castle and had an ice cream.  Rick Steves was correct in saying that Bangor is the place to stay when experiencing the Belfast area, and I highly recommend the same.  I will post this, have some dinner, and then work on my last post filling in the holes from Thursday and Friday.  Then it is time to repack my bags and get ready to leave in the morning.  I love travelling, and I love being home too.  I am ready to get home.  Catch you again later, yours, RAY

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CARRICK-A-REDE ROPE BRIDGE – 8 June 2012

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Ray Boas

Instead of doing a full post today (now I have two days to write about – Londonderry yesterday and today’s journey to Belfast) I decided to share a video with you of crossing this bridge that you may not get an opportunity to do.  I have not done a video since January in Yellowstone, and wondered why I still could use my introductory “free software” to convert my MOV file to an MP4 file, but then in previewing discovered that since it has expired a watermark is displayed – sorry. It also took me over an hour to remember how to use the software and find the converted file, but I love learning, and will have to purchase the software and do more videos in the future.

I arrived at the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge a tad after it opened, again before others showed up. There was light rain, but this is another must do experience so it did not matter.  I must say that the National Trust does a tremendous job in presenting and maintaining their sites.  In Ballintoy, Ballycastle, the bridge for over 350 years has connected the mainland with a small outcropping of rock enabling fishermen to get closer to catch the Atlantic salmon on their westward journey past Carrick Island.  The sixty foot long bridge is 100 feet above the sea.  I basically had the experience to myself, but hiking the kilometer back to the parking lot I could have practiced my Japanese asking photography questions from the busloads of tourists toting big Nikon and Canon cameras and lenses.  Are they cheaper in Japan?

I must also apologize for not pointing the camera down to the sea to give you an idea of the depth.  Actually I was watching my steps and videoing – hard to do more than two things at once, at least for me.

So, all for now from Bangor, Northern Ireland, 30 minutes east from the center of Belfast, and it is 11PM and the sun has finally set over the water.  As always, yours, RAY

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GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – 7 June 2012

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Ray Boas

 

I wasn’t going to write a post today, but as I was crawling around The Giant’s Causeway I decided to prepare a slide show of what I experienced.  It seems as though I am collecting World Heritage Sites now along with countries and continents (only need two more continents), and The Giant’s Causeway is a must.

Two years ago I was introduced to Finn McCool when Jean K. asked me, Jim S., Carolyn N., and her husband Jan to act out a reading of this popular myth at a middle school assembly.  His causeway reached from Northern Ireland to Scotland, and some of his other exploits explain the Isle of Man and the large fresh water lake in the middle of the country.  But I won’t spoil it, please discover more when you have the time. 

I arrived this morning before nine thirty and paid for my parking and headed down the long path.  I was way ahead of the crowds that appeared two hours later when I was leaving.  It was an overcast day which partially kept groups away, but I planned it just right to be able to take some images before all the basalt pillars were filled with people (the rains started as I was leaving lasting the rest of the day).  The actual area covered by the pillars (maybe an acre or two) was much much smaller than I had anticipated from all the movies and images I had seen – done by adept photographers and marketers obviously.  The scenery on the ocean is sweeping and grand.  The footpath heading up the cliffs unfortunately is closed at The Organ due to landslides, so I could not explore that area.  What has always fascinated me about sites in Europe is the lack of handrails, fences, etc.  OSHA would have a fit with a tightly packed path 3 feet wide that drops off on one side without protection, but everyone is respectful and careful.

I left the causeway about 11:30 for Londonderry, and returned to my B&B at 9 PM.  It was a full, interesting and educational day which I will share later on.  Tomorrow I head down the Antrim Coast to Bangor to then spend two days in Belfast.  But I thought you would enjoy touring the Giant’s Causeway with me, and hopefully the slide show displays in sequence.  Good night, as always, yours, RAY

 

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FIRST FULL DAY IN NORTHERN IRELAND – 6 June 2012

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Ray Boas

 

Here I am writing away from Portrush in Northern Ireland.  Yesterday (seems like months ago) I did get up before 6 AM to go topside on QUEEN MARY 2 to sail into Southampton waving at the QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 and QUEEN VICTORIA.  To my surprise everyone else got up also to wave the Union Jacks we were given for the unique arrival and news media.  Don’t ask how clever I was to get the picture below, but see if you can pick me out on the 12th deck portside waving away.

We had to vacate our cabins by 8:15 and my assigned spot to wait for debarkation was in the Royal Theatre.  There was some delay but I was off by 9:30 heading to my bus for Heathrow.  The one gliche I had was the flight I planned to Dublin.  The Cunard representative told me to allow 6-7 hours to catch a flight.  I wondered about that since it is only 1 ½ hours from Southampton to Heathrow.  I knew better, but was overly cautious, and was afraid to book the 2 PM flight, so choose the 4 PM instead.  Ends up I could have made the 12:15.  Cost to switch flights was prohibitive, so I had too many hours in the airport. I arrived in Dublin about 5:40, cleared customs, got my bag and went to pick up my car.  The agent tried to upgrade me to a larger car with GPS, but I said no.  Think the problem was they did not have my car at the airport, and the offsite garage was closing. In time she got someone to bring me my car and I was off about 6:30 to the M1 and Northern Ireland.

I had planned to drive half way to Portrush, but Paul (my tablemate from Belfast) suggested that I stay in the Mourne Mountain area to see the mountains and that unique part of the coast this morning.  So I got off in Newry (please get out your Ireland maps and follow along) just in time for the crowds (not a big deal there) seeing the Olympic Torch Ceremonies there (today there were ceremonies in Belfast and Dublin).  I was hoping to find lodging close to the M1, but that not being the case I headed along the A2 towards Rostrevor as Paul had suggested.  Entering Warrenpoint I saw a brown B&B sign, passed it, then slapped myself saying, “Ray, it is past 8 turn around and stop.”  Which I did, and ended up at the Ryan B&B in Burren.  In a residential neighborhood, and a modern home,

Ryan B&B and my car

I knew what to expect from some of my research.  Of course, I prefer old historic homes and inns, thus would normally have rejected something new, but it was late.  Dan and Mena met me at the door, showed me a perfect room both large and extremely clean, and the price was just what I expected for such a home – 35 pounds for a single guest.  I got settled, Dan recommended Bennett’s for diner in Warrenpoint, and off I went to an enjoyable roasted vegetables over pasta with sliced goat cheese topping, and my pint of Guiness.  To bed at 10:30 not stirring until 7:15 – a very long day as I really did not sleep waiting to get up to wave my Union Jack on the QM2.

Bennett’s and a Northern Ireland “Dollar Store” equivalent

Now I have some general travel hints I want to share (but remember I write this for my pleasure and memory, and if it helps someone else or amuses, so much the better).  Please remember that Ireland is one island, BUT two different countries. In the south is the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland (much smaller) is a member of the United Kingdom.  My comments will start to draw comparisons between the two based upon my visit to Ireland last year, and these are my observations and not criticism or complaints.  Another thing I want to share (seeing the brown B&B sign prompted this comment) is that I have found historical markers and signs to be in the same brown color in both the US, Canada, and now Northern Ireland (recall it was the same in Ireland, and Italy too).  Obviously these are officially sanctioned sites (think of the US National Park signs) and, since I love historical sites I am attracted by these, and usually stop thus discovering something unexpected.  I assume that is why the Northern Ireland B&B signs are brown with a bed because they have official approval, and seeing so many I would never hesitate again to head off here without an advance reservation.

 

So this morning I was on the road at 9 AM travelling along the Irish Sea towards the seaside resort town of Newcastle.  My first stop was at the Ross Monument which I read about last night.  Major-General Robert Ross, born here in Rostrevor, was victorious over American forces at Bladensburg, MD during the War of 1812, and then is credited with the burning of The White House.

Looking out at Carlingford Lough from behind Ross Monument

Continuing up the coast I jutted in and out of little villages finally ending up in Newcastle, a much larger resort town.  From this point I drove towards Belfast arriving in the city at noon and got onto M2 about 12:30 arriving in Bushmill an hour later.

Bushmill was my first planned stop to take the distillery tour at the oldest chartered distillery – 1608.  The next tour I could get a ticket for was 2:20, so I bought my ticket and went to their restaurant, recommended by Rick Steves.  Well, the line was too long, so remembering a small grocery across the street I headed there.  I have found in most overseas grocerys a fine selection of sandwiches and often warm meals for takeout.  It was perfect and just the right timing for my tour.  Unlike the Jameson tour I took last year (here comes a comparison) the distillery tour at Bushmill is a working tour through the actual operation (in the old buildings) – except currently it is their “silent” period when there is no distilling and the employees go on holiday and the equipment is maintained.  At the Jameson distillery the tour is in the original building with everything set up as a museum as it would have operated, and the distilling is in a new plant next door.  The tour guide was very knowledgeable and answered many questions in fine detail.  To be truthful, both tours are a must (hint Scott and Rich).

I then headed to Dunluce Castle, with a fascinating history, dating to the 12th century and even crawled into the tunnel under the rock watching the sea come in and out before departing to Portrush for my B&B.

Dunluce Castle

So much more to tell, but I have already written more than you may wish to read.  Tomorrow morning I will head to the Giant’s Causeway and then travel to Londonderry and who knows what else.  So I will close off now and post, goodnight, RAY

And by now you know I love images through openings or reflected in windows.

 

Posted in 2012-c - Queen Mary 2 & Northern Ireland - (May) | 10 Comments

LAST POST FROM QUEEN MARY 2 – 4 June 2012

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Ray Boas

This day, this past week, where did it go?  My pocket note of today’s events to partake in gleaned from the massive two page programme brought me all too quickly to 5PM on my last day aboard QM2.  There is still a variety show at 7, dinner at 8:30, and I have to pack – but that is easy since it all goes with me.  And I want to get this last post up having 35 minutes of internet time left.  Checking this morning I found my record number of visits to “Shunpiking with Ray” was broken the second day in a row yesterday with 78 page views of which 63 were Queen Mary blog posts – thank you.

Today’s list included: the final fabulous ocean liner lecture at 10, and afterwards I took the tour of the main galley.  RADA’s adaptation of The Merchant of Venice followed lunch and concluded at 3:30 which was the time our table planned to meet for High Tea in the Queen’s Room.  Paul, from Ireland, then sat with me and my map giving me some great hints of must-dos in his area, hints which are so good I will have to share them with Rick Steves.

I gave you a teaser last evening.  Janet and I have not cruised enough to get invited to the special pre-dinner parties, but the rest of the table had invitations, so Janet and I both got to go as guests for cocktails, champagne, wine and shrimp and various finger foods.  Of the various parties Mark said this is the best for the elite group and with the best food.  It was enjoyable and extra special to be included.

Reflection of Grand Court Wall Sculpture

I am in a quandary for tomorrow.  Cunard’s three queens arrive for the first time ever together in Southampton in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee between 5:30 and 6 AM.  There will be a three bow formation between 6 and 6:15 (still AM) with fancy maneuvers into position prior to docking.  Of course, I have to be topside to view this, but how early?  I probably will head out by 6 AM.  Then it is time to disembark at 8:30 AM.

So this is it, I had better pack (bag has to be out by midnight), and of course I have to tour the decks again.  Thank you for crossing the Atlantic with me, next stop is Northern Ireland.  As always, yours, RAY

My Tablemates: Paul (Ireland), Mark (Connecticut), Janet (UK); Norma (Michigan), Val, (UK), Steve (Atlanta); absent is Rosemary

Part of an onboard carpet

Posted in 2012-c - Queen Mary 2 & Northern Ireland - (May) | 3 Comments

PEACEFULLY AT SEA – Sunday 3 June 2012

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Ray Boas

I am by a window in the CHART LOUNGE, typing and listening to harp music. I may not

In the Chart Lounge

even get to a book today because I will be busy doing nothing. In all the theatre venues being televised are the preparations for the parade up the Thames for the Queen’s Jubilee Pageant, and in the main corridor on board preparations are being made for a Jubilee

Street Party (pictures to come later). Unlike some of my travels where I have taken pictures of my fabulous meal presentations, I have felt awkward doing so here; however, on my list today is to take images of menus since Chris B. asked for an idea of

In the Royal Theatre with the Jubilee broadcast

meals on board, and these are at the end of this post. But in the meantime let me work from notes made as I was falling asleep and when I first awoke.
Wordpress, which hosts my blog, has a wonderful array of statistics. I know what pages were looked at each day, search terms used bringing people to my site and referral ISPs. Yesterday my record for page views was broken – 71 – beating my previous record of 69 on November 11 , 2011, after I returned from Fatima, Portugal. There were 24 views of my 2 June page, 33 of 31 May/1 June, and my post of 29/30 May had four visits. One search term used was RAY BLOG QUEEN MARY, and I asked my tablemates at dinner if it was one of them, and Paul said, “yes it was me, and my wife loved your writing.” Did I tell ever tell you that I love to write and blog, experience wonderful ways of life, and dress up? Of course I have!

I could not have had better dinner companions, and with each successive meal we learn more about and from each other. Steve was correct about falling into a rhythm while cruising, and I am sure it is a tad different for everyone. You have noted by now my rhythm which today is being fine tuned to relaxing with nothing (I did go to an advanced digital photography seminar this morning – still too confusing and too much to learn). Back to my table: this is Mark’s 38th crossing, and Val and Norma have also made multiple crossings as has Steve. Janet is returning from Wisconsin, so this is here second crossing, and I am the baby with ¾ of a trip. The more you cruise with a line the more perks you get, and except for Janet and I the others have been invited to special parties, and Steve received multiple bottles of champagne (he brought them to share last evening). More will come on this later, but I am going to pause to dine on luncheon.

Did I tell you that you can learn a great deal from strangers at lunch? Yes! I sat with a couple from the UK and a couple from New Zealand. My UK tablemates are train fanatics, and now I have the Great Rail Journeys website bookmarked. The New Zealanders told me

In the Commodore Lounge

they had just relaxed in the Commodore Club Lounge, so here I am now with all my toys, a glass of chardonnay and looking out over the bow on the 9th deck. I shall stay put until I go down to photograph the Street Party, which I learned from the UK couple is a tradition pretty much started during the Coronation in 1953, but has roots back to just after WWII. They described the food, including “fairy cakes”- a type of cupcake. I have just spent some time reading camera manuals that I have as PDFs in my laptop, and it is time to head to the DIAMOND JUBILEE STREET PARTY which you will see below.

Those images are followed by today’s lunch and dinner menus, and hopefully I have them set up correctly so if you click on the image you will get an expanded more readable version. Tonight my table is doing something special before dinner, and since I have internet time left I can share this with you tomorrow. So, enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and in response to Chris Z’s comment in an email – just retire now, there is too much to do. Bye, yours, RAY

Preparations for the Street Party

I just tried a preview, and these menus did not expand, sorry.  But hopefully you get the idea, and also one side of one of the menus is just not working.  I cannot get everything right!

Below is lunch also

Posted in 2012-c - Queen Mary 2 & Northern Ireland - (May) | 6 Comments

HALF WAY ACROSS THE ATLANTIC – Saturday 2 June 2012

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Ray Boas

Slower pace day today, but I still have no idea where the time goes. The first half of the voyage was over last night without my realizing it. I went to my last computer seminar this morning – ITUNES – something I knew nothing about, so now a tad dangerous.  This was followed by a lecture on “The Ultimate British Stately Homes” which focused on the work of Robert Adams (yes I have books on his architecture).  At lunch I was with a couple from Australia, two couples from the UK (one a friend of Prince Charles), and a 90 year old woman from Nova Scotia who travels extensively.  Oh, the learning at lunchtime.  One of the 90 year old lady’s favorite spots is Cuba – well, now I know others can visit there.  And getting more travel tips from around the table I am convinced that even though I got a “bargain” I could have done better. You really learn chatting with seasoned travelers.  Yes, Becky, you told me about Travel-Zoo.com and I have subscribed, but never take the time to read the announcements.  One couple from the UK watches it (they have now been to 69 countries and live half the year at their house in Turkey driving back and forth to the UK – they just returned from Napal and loved it) and got their bargain trip a couple weeks ago on QM2 via Travel-Zoo which summarizes deals from various websites.  I will have to start following the site – oh, just too much to do.  Even the Australian couple thought I could have done better – live and learn.  Well, I could not get “on-line” and it is time for another ocean liner lecture, so catch you again soon.

Lecture done, and again enjoyable.  I checked some of William Miller’s books on-line (FLOATING PALACES) and finding no used copies may have to buy some on board.  I then came back to get my SLR to roam the ship taking some additional images to share, but first I just sat in the library looking out over the bow – yes, doing nothing!  Since the last time I posted a slideshow from Ireland the software had changed so I see that the “portrait” images were constricted last night even though I sized them differently, so the eight I just selected I may show individually – will decide when I get this post in the works.  Today was a slower paced day, and I just got my daily programme for tomorrow, and other than the DIAMOND JUBILEE STREET PARTY I may plant myself with a book someplace nice.  First time I have never carried a book with me to read (I do have two small ones on Northern Ireland) because I never get to them – but with over 10,000 books in the largest library afloat, I will get something tomorrow, probably a light mystery.

Part of the largest library afloat

So, let me share today, get changed for dinner (semi-formal tonight, formal again tomorrow), listen to music in a lounge and then head to dinner.  I am now three hours ahead of you.  Almost good night, as always, yours, RAY

The Queens Room – Ballroom

The Garden Lounge

Another view of the Grand Court

Another panel in the main passageway

I found this model of the QM2 in a side passageway

Posted in 2012-c - Queen Mary 2 & Northern Ireland - (May) | 2 Comments