Our final day in Belfast was spent visiting the city
itself. I have been there many times,
but always on business of some sort and so it was interesting to see it from a
tourist’s perspective. We visited a few
of the ‘sights’ but as the day was what they now dub the ‘Orangefest’ the
parades were in full swing. Drum and pipe
bands together with bowler hatted marchers from all the various lodges marched
past. There was a certain air of defiance about it
all, and nobody seemed to be enjoying themselves very much – although the rain
wouldn’t have helped. It all left me
feeling slightly uncomfortable.
At 2:30 am (everything at sea seems to start ridiculously
early for some reason) we weighed anchor and set out for Peel on the Isle of
Man. The crossing was straightforward
and we sailed much of the way.
Unfortunately, upon arrival the Harbourmaster told us that the harbour tide
gate was closed for repair and wouldn’t open for two days! This is a bit of a problem as gales are
forecast and there is no convenient alternative. We are therefore tied up alongside a fishing
trawler which is confined to harbour for quota reasons. Uncomfortable, but should be secure enough.
In the evening we wandered ashore and stumbled upon ‘ Yn Chruinnaght’. Any of you not fluent in Manx may not know
that this is a Celtic culture festival and translates as 'The Gathering'. We went into the pub and really enjoyed our evening listening to the two
bands. The atmosphere was joyous and
everyone, young and old, seemed to be having a great time. As visitors we were made very welcome and we
have also been invited to other parts of the festivities.
We are currently awaiting a suitable weather window so that
we can zag our way back across the Irish Sea*, and in the meantime enjoying
this wonderful island.
* Spike Milligan reference not intended but noted.
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