Distance cycled: 64km
Times I had to use the 'granny' gear up a hill:
6
Number of people allowed on the bridge at a
time: 8
Number of Amercians who annoyed me today: 4
Dubbed as the 5th scariest bridge in the world I was
a little apprehensive about crossing Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.
It's hard to tell from the photos but we were on the receiving end
of Hurricane Katia's bad breath, and she was blowing at gusts of up
to 80 miles an hour.
The bridge spans a chasm some eighty feet deep and for more than
300 years the bridge consisted of a single rope hand
rail and widely spaced slats which fishermen would traverse
carrying salmon they caught off the island. The bridge sways and
wobbles underfoot and crossing it requires a strong nerve and a
head for heights. The guy in the ticket box suggested I close my
eyes and walk across for an added buzz, I lasted about 3 seconds
before a wind gust gave me a shove and I took hold of the rope
rail. More spectacular than the bridge are the stunning views
you're rewarded with on the island. To see what I'm talking about,
click here for more photos.
In other news, I've finally purchased a new Thermarest mattress,
so you no longer have to listen to me b*tch and moan about it going
flat and having to blow it up multiple times every night!