Day 99: Ballintoy - Castlerock

The place where we had slept was a hidden paradise: countryside, forest, absolute silence and not a soul around… except me, of course, as I am the official guardian of any territory where they let me set foot. In the morning, radiant sun, a leisurely breakfast and that feeling that life here is better than on the sofa bed (and that's saying a lot). These corners should exist more in these countries… and they should all come with a bowl of treats for the dog of the house, I say. Around eleven o'clock we headed to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, twenty minutes away. We parked for free (which for humans is cause for celebration, almost like when they give me ham) and started the little path towards the famous suspension bridge. The path... a delight: blue sea, cliffs that leave you speechless, and a parade of tourists with backpacks, colorful hats and cameras bigger than my head. The bridge... well, it's just a few planks with ropes, very short, and to cross it they charge you 18 pounds. My humans said no, they wouldn't pay. Me neither, they don't let me cross even if I want to. Before going back to the car, we went down to Larrybane Quarry, an old quarry next to the cliff, with its mysterious cave. There was hardly anyone here, so I could explore quietly, sniffing each stone like a good detective dog. The next plan was to eat at Ballintoy Harbour, but that was more crowded than my water bowl after a storm. So we turned around and ended up in Dunseverick, where we ate in the camper (I got my share too, for the record) before going to see the waterfall that flows into the sea. Fresh and salt water mixing... I didn't know if it was for drinking or swimming, so I didn't do either. Then we saw the castle, which was really just four poorly counted walls. What I did like were the sheep posing for photos as if they were woolly influencers. Afterwards it was the Giant's Causeway. We parked (after paying 12 pounds online, because here you pay even for looking at the sky) and went the easy way. In 25 minutes we were there, among those hexagonal stones that look like they were made with perfect bites. According to legend, an Irish giant built it to go fight a Scottish one. I say it was a giant dog looking for a bone, but nobody listens to me. The fun part was a group of Chinese women who wanted photos with us and repeated something like "E-AR-SAT". Papi Edu, of course, repeated it, and they were in stitches. I, of course, posing with my best furry influencer smile. Then we did the long trail, passing by the Giant's Organ Pipes—stone columns that look like organ pipes, although I'd say they're the biggest cat scratcher in the world—and the Giant's Amphitheater, a natural amphitheater where you could organize a barking concert. In the middle of the photos, Papi Edu gave Tito Joan some not-so-delicate instructions, and seeing a woman nearby, he asked her if she spoke Spanish. "Yes, but don't worry," she said. I think she should have worried. From there, a quick stop for photos at Dunluce Castle, a ruined castle on the edge of the cliff, perfect for hiding bones so that no one can find them. And finally we arrived at Castlerock, where there is a huge Holiday Park full of static mobile homes (or caravans that have decided to retire). Right next door, a small car park where we stayed. It's not the most beautiful place in the world, but it's quiet... and after such a full day, I just wanted to lie down, close my eyes and dream of giants throwing sausages at me instead of stones.