Linda Hutchinson retired at 57, intending to see the world on a budget and usually solo. So, she has learned to adapt to many things, including tents, camping, hostels, shared bathrooms, and bus and train journeys. She loves walking and cycling while slowly enjoying the journey. You can follow her travels on Facebook at Old Biddy on a Bike.
Beyoncé had Sasha Fierce as her alter ego, and Bruce Wayne had Batman, so I decided to choose Old Biddy on a Bike for mine.
It all started when I began having some fun adventures in my fifties by heading off on my bike. Often, I packed up for three or four days but often made it last for seven or eight weeks as I didn't want to come home.
Since then, I've been rambling on foot or by bike as often as I can, and as I'm now retired, divorced, and my grown-up child is off exploring on his own, I have loads of time. I don't have much money, so I've learned to be adaptable.
I have decided that even if I can't have a grand adventure, I can have a mini one instead. At the end of each day, the important question is – was that a good day?
So, this blog post is about a simple but good day. It came out of nowhere, just a last-minute decision to head out with my sister to explore a new tourist attraction we had heard about in Ireland.
Northern Ireland is only 110 miles (175km) across and 85 miles (135km) north to south, so exploring any part on a day trip is relatively easy. The whole of Ireland is only 174 miles (280 km) wide and 302 miles (486 km) long, but the roads are often small and very twisty, so don't be fooled by those distances.
My sister and I headed to a forest park in the heart of the Sperrin Mountains with the vague aim of walking to the top of Mullaghcarn to get our hearts working and to see The Giant. It is one of those walks that take ages because there is so much to see, both large and small.
It's been raining for days (typical Irish summer). Hence, the forest was lush, and the streams and waterfalls were full of peat-colored water tumbling down from the mountain. Everywhere was full of life, from the thriving sphagnum mosses to the jet black and yellow and orange striped caterpillars of the Cinnabar Moth.
There is no point rushing to the top when there is so much to enjoy. That was my excuse for not rushing anyway.
The haul-up was tough and constant but on a good, clear path, and it was lovely to feel muscles screaming and the heart getting a good workout. My face was purple when I got up, but nothing compared to the two ladies with their small dog in a doggie pushchair heading for the summit.
At the summit and the main attraction for many was Darach, the Guardian Giant who watches over the present. Designed by Thomas Dambo, his vision is to create art that inspires people to go explore, have adventures in nature, and demonstrate that trash can be recycled and turned into something beautiful.
It celebrates the ancient and natural beauty and history of the region. It is a terrific idea for promoting rural tourism and to get people outdoors to notice, reflect, embrace, and cherish the wonderful Sperrins. And by the number of others huffing and puffing up the mountain, it is working. Build it, and they will come. That was a good day.
I look forward to hearing about how rambling makes your days good.
READ MORE > Ramble Logs, Rambler Cafe Blog.
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