This time last week, Ariel Body and I returned somewhat exhausted but 100% refreshed from our micro-adventure. She on her not-so-trusty bike christened Murray, whom we have become experts at putting back together, and me on my rattling old-lady love of my life bicycle Hilda (48 quid on ebay).
We set off, with only a rough idea of where we were going, in that horrible kind of rain that feels like a wet cloud is chilling out on the earth, and stopped at the bottom of our road to put Murray's back wheel back in its place. We temporarily sorted that, and within the hour found the road/greenway that lead us to Comber (which we still can't pronounce properly). We made it there, stopped off at a newsagents to ask for directions, and more importantly purchase chemically enriched beverages. Then we set off nobly into the countryside, with the idea in mind that we were going to find some trees on a beach to set up camp under/in. It took us a while, what with the hills and the rain and the temporarily losing each other, but we eventually found a leek field with trees and a beach. After "tossing" the bikes and bags over the barbed wire, gathering leaves for my bed, careful tying Ariel's hammock, chowing down our low-budget pitta sandwiches, and excessive clothes layering, the sun was starting to set, and we welcomed the darkness. It took me a while to get to sleep, it was either because of how difficult it is to get into a comfortable position wearing so many layers without anything going numb, or because I was on a bit of a sugar high with all the haribos Ariel had thrown my way, but I didn't mind. Watching the tide come in in the glow of the distant city lights was reason enough to miss out on sleep.
I woke up at 7 with a coat over my face to Ariel telling me we couldn't see the sunrise because of the clouds. I ate breakfast (another banana, honey and peanut butter pitta sandwich) and fell asleep again, arising at 10 with the taste of peanut butter in my mouth. We got up and packed, and boldly went for a dip in the sea. It was cold, but the sun was shining so drying off was less of a drama than we had anticipated.
The return was pleasant, with the sun gleaming off the beautiful Irish greenery, and burning my face.
Twas a highlight of the summer.
p.s. If you read all that, you wasted your time. Ariel skillfully put together this video which sums up our trip far better than my jabbering ever will!
