C is for Carrick-a-Rede

 

Today we are going to travel to Northern Ireland to 

Carrick-A-Rede in County Antrim

To the rope bridge which you will never, ever, not in a million years, get me to walk across!

Originally it was a single rope hand rail erected by fishermen over 23m-deep and 20m-wide chasm to check their salmon nets.

The National Trust has replaced it with a two-hand railed rope bridge.

If you are brave enough to traverse the rope bridge and reach Carrick Island you will be rewarded by the diverse birdlife with an uninterrupted view across to Rathlin Island and Scotland. 

Don't forget though, here is only one way off the island - back across the swinging bridge! Don't look down!

http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Carrick-a-Rede-Rope-Bridge-Antrim-Northern-Ireland-Ballintoy-Ballycastle-P2829

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede/

Photo credit: Felix Friedmann photographer

Photo credit:  The National Trust

 

FOLLOW ME

He said, will you follow me to the ends of the earth

She said, to the sun and moon and back until rebirth

He said; hold my hand and we will travel together

She said, don’t let me go, stay with me forever and ever

He said, put your faith and trust only in me

Look out on the wonders of this world, at its beauty

Behold the glory of nature, the miracle that is human

She said, I see and believe in you, that is certain

He said I will love you always; it is you I have chosen.

B is for Blackpool Tower

A – Z OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

B is for Blackpool Tower

Blackpool Tower is a tourist attraction in the popular seaside resort of Blackpool, Lancashire in England.  It opened to the public on 14 May 1894.  The inspiration for the Tower came from Eiffel Tower in Paris.  The tower rises to 518 feet 9 inches (158.12 metres) and is a Grade I listed building.

The tower is used as an observational radio tower.

In 1940, during the Second World War the crow's-nest was removed to allow the structure to be used as a Royal Air Force radio station known as RAF Tower, which proved unsuccessful.

The Tower Circus is situated at the base of the tower between its four legs and hasn't missed a season since it opened in May 1894.

Blackpool is also famous for The Lights or The Illuminations, 6 miles (10km) in length they run each year for sixty-six days from late August until early November.  They have been dubbed as "the greatest free light show on earth" and use over one million bulbs. The display is usually switched on by a celebrity.

Dating back to 1894, The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is world famous for its unique sprung dance floor and spectacular architecture and remains to this day a destination for dance fans from across the globe. It hosts afternoon tea dances which you can enjoy listening to the famous Wurlitzer organ being played and is also home to famous ballroom contests including the popular TV series of Strictly Come Dancing. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackpool_Tower

High tea at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom

Sandwiches, cake and cream scones to be consumed

A waltz on the unique sprung floor

We wait for the applause before we take an encore

An afternoon of pleasure

Precious time to treasure

Memories of a seaside town

Climb the tower and don't look down

The grand illuminations at night

Such a very pretty sight

Strolling along the promenade we amble

Taking in the lights, gaudy or tasteful

It is only a matter of opinion

For 66 nights until they are done.