We’ve had a big project recently. The old stone wall that runs between the two Mourne Park gatehouses was in desperate need of clearing. It was covered in ivy and anything else that got a look in over the last decade. Just to make the job a little more interesting the wall runs alongside the very busy Newry/Kilkeel road – never dull!! The first section of wall has just enough room to maneuver safely – the verge varies but is at least a couple of meters wide. The second section literally butts up to the road. The “boys” had been working on the “safe section” for awhile – JCB, strimmers, chainsaws, machetes flying. They’ve had a ball! Then came the “not-so-safe” section. Marion – Mourne Park owner – hired some portable stoplights from the local council. We needed to close one lane of the road. A crew of us headed down – a big day – lots of work. Six hours later the wall was cleared. Just a bit more work on the “safe section” and the job will be done. Very satisfying all round.
Our Mourne Park river is always changing – depends on how much rain we’ve had. Lately it’s been full to overflowing. A few fishermen have visited to try their luck – apparently when the river is flowing the fish are plentiful. A local farmer who leases some land near our cottage has baled hay in one field, while another field planted to potatoes is looking ready for harvest. More change! Frodo and I have had a couple of walks recently checking things out. Between showers that is! I love the different seasons in Europe. There are early signs of the leaves changing colour again – it won’t be long till the main task at Mourne Park will be collecting huge piles of fallen leaves. Beautiful but very messy! The grass is starting to slow down – less mowing lately. One task is merely replaced with another. Always something to do – always something to keep us out of mischief.
The Mourne Park family – Reg and I, Chris and Frodo – headed out for the day recently. We caught the ferry from nearby Greencastle to Greenore – across Carlingford Lough to Ireland. Lots of passengers on board – cameras clicking away. We then traveled south – visiting Templetown Beach for a long walk and picnic lunch – before looping back to Carlingford and Omeath – both small towns sitting on the edge of the lough. Great views over to Northern Ireland – mountains in the distance, large town of Warrenpoint, choppy waters towards the entrance of the lough. Lovely to see little sail boats trying their best to handle the breeze. We then drove along the coast road to Newry and home. Beautiful sunny day – a rarity of late.
We are heading off tomorrow morning to County Donegal for a few days – one of the last areas of Ireland we’ve yet to visit. Making the most of the car – looking forward to it. Not long to go at our Mourne Park house sit. Time sure passes quickly.
Love as always
Di and Reg
This entry was posted in House Sits, Mourne Park (3), Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Good to see you hard at work, looks amazing. We have commenced our European River Cruise, on 4/9. Currently in Vienna and doing lots of tours. The journey from Oz to Budapest was awful, took us 40hrs with flight connections and 9hr wait in Singapore. Glad that part is over.
Take care, Carol xx
Hope you have a wonderful time xx