daytrippin’ – cave hill and the zoo
February 12th, 2008
That mountain over yonder always look appealing. I often stare at it from my work on the 9th floor, I stare at it when I’m walking in the street and on the bus. Its always there, just outside the city, looking all natural, vast and full of nature – yet I never get very close to it.
So on Wednesday afternoon, having left work early, I had enjoy the shining sun before heading home, and always in search of something different I decided to take a trip on the 1b bus along the Antrim Road.
First stop, Bellevue Arms. I always remember this bar as I pass it going along the motorway, generally on my way to Portstewart throughout my childhood, and I have always wanted to get up to where it is, as it is beside the bridge the road goes under. As I got closer to it I actually felt excited to finally be close to it, then going inside. I wasn’t drinking, neither was Ronan, so we left again.
After uncovering one of those great mysteries of my life, we headed to the zoo. Well to the entrance to the zoo at least. The decision was made just a short while before that the zoo would be left until Saturday, so we went to Cave Hill Country Park.
A s I said above, I see the mountains which surround Belfast every day – they’re kinda hard to avoid – and I do always gaze at them, wishing I was there. It wasn’t long before I regretted wearing converse. With a small bit of mud, and lots of uphill walking struggling, we made it to McArts Fort, which stand almost 368 metres (about 1200 feet) above sea level. From here there is a truly spectacular view of Belfast (the North and the lough at least).
At the Fort there is a cave, but it was far too cold to make any effort to get inside. After taking it all in, and taking some photos, we made it back down before it got dark. Thankfully there was a couple infront of us to lead us back as it had gotten dark before we made it to Belfast Castle.
Being at the top of a mountain (or large hill) looking down on the city is quite an experience. The idea of all those people doing such a multitude of general activities, all the while I’m at the top of a mountain. Watching over it all.
As far as I remember I have never been to Belfast Castle, though probably at some time when I was younger, like so many things. Taking a look around inside it seems like it would have been a nice place to live, which is what its primary use was from it was built in 1870 until being presented to the City of Belfast in 1934.
So having had a taster, I was looking forward to doing it all again on Saturday, as I did with Miriam, visitor to Belfast for another 2 1/2 weeks. Having not been to the zoo in quite a few years, a trip was definitely in order, and now I finally had someone who was didn’t think it a totally ridiculous idea.
As anyone in Belfast will know, Saturday, and indeed each day so far this week since, was a beautiful day. My coat stayed in my bag. There are many things to be said about Belfast Zoo. Most of them I wouldn’t be able to voice myself as I have – believe it or not – never been to any other zoo before. It’s all I know. And for that reason I’ve always liked it. Though having been so few times I am always 10 years old when I’am there, in primary three.
The main thing that strikes me about this zoo is that we can’t possibly have the natural climate for any of the animals which reside there, besides of course the otters. They should all be in either much hotter climates or much colder. The monkeys were fun the watch playing together.
The giraffes were so hungry they started eating each other.
The eagle liked to stare out of its glass cage.
The lion looked depressed sitting on his own at the far end of his field.
Then there’s the penguins and sea lions. It will never be cold enough. It does feel like it. But I hear rumour it gets colder at the poles. Disappointingly the polar bear is no longer there.
The most amusing sight had to have been the elephant having his nails filed. Once a month they must have each of their toe nails cut, though spread out over a few days so as it isn’t so stressful. Upon the command by the zoo keepers the elephant sat down, then lay down, getting back up again, and saluting to the small crowd. Rather than a ‘circus trick’ this is all in aid of training them to do this for when they are seen to by vets and preventing tranquillisers and a 3 1/2 ton elephant crashing to the ground.
Again, the plan was to get to Belfast Castle via the hill trail. This time, however, we didn’t have unknowing guides to lead us back, and so we almost headed to the to. Thankfully we met two walkers who had just come from the top to lead us along the right track.
That evening, I was in much pain from all that walking. All this climbing and walking lately has given me a great desire to do it more often, certainly get to the top of this one soon.
