2022 IN PICTURES – SEPTEMBER

Posted on December 18, 2022 by analogueboyinadigitalworld

September began with a trip to Ballymena to see Linfield get their season back on track with a 4-0 win at Ballymena.

Football then took a break for a bit, but I was back on the road, and visiting a new ground as Linfield travelled to Moyola Park in the League Cup.

More travelling followed, not as far, three days later as Linfield faced Crusaders at Seaview.

Having a football free Saturday, I got up early for a long overdue trip to Giant’s Ring to get some photos as the sun was coming up.

Two days later, was an unexpected Public Holiday, so I headed on the North Down Coastal Path, starting at Helen’s Bay for a change, making my way to Bangor West. I think.

On the following Saturday morning, I made a long overdue return to Belvoir Park Forest before heading to Windsor Park at teatime to see Northern Ireland face Kosovo.

My final adventure of the month was a first concert since June, to The Odyssey to see George Ezra.

Ballymena United v Linfield

Moyola Park v Linfield

Crusaders v Linfield

Giant’s Ring/Terrace Hill Gardens/Minnowburn

Giant’s Ring/Terrace Hill Gardens/Minnowburn Photo Album

North Down Coastal Path

North Down Coastal Path Photo Album

Belvoir Park Forest

Belvoir Park Forest Photo Album

Northern Ireland v Kosovo

Northern Ireland v Kosovo Photo Album

George Ezra live at The Odyssey

George Ezra live at The Odyssey Photo Album

NORTH DOWN COASTAL PATH – SEPTEMBER 2022

Posted on September 23, 2022 by analogueboyinadigitalworld

Having done the North Down Coastal Path starting at Cultra (cheating, I know), I decided to do the next leg, starting at Helen’s Bay.

I had anticipated that I would have to wait until October or November when I was offloading Annual Leave to get an opportunity to do so.

Instead, I made the most of an unexpected Public Holiday to do this leg.

I had a lie-in and got the train at 9.05am, and then made my way to the starting point at Helen’s Bay Beach.

It seemed that I had underestimated the distance from the Train Station, taking just under twenty minutes.

Although, when I made my way back to the Train Station on my way home, there appeared to be a signed shortcut. Will have to check that out next time.

As a result of it taking so long to get to the starting point, I decided to change my plan for 1 hour and then going back, to 45 minutes out and then going back. Although my curiosity made just over 50 minutes out and then back.

The weather was kind. It was dry, always a good start. It started off dull and then brightened up as I went along.

Helen’s Bay was full of dogs and swimmers, but no dogs swimming.

The noise of the sea, was very calming and soothing. A gentle soundtrack to a gentle walk.

Eventually, I turned back at Stricklands Glen.

I didn’t go into Stricklands Glen, but it has awakened my curiosity.

I’m definitely going to check it out at some point.

A quick internet search suggests that it is only a short walk from Bangor West Train Station.

I sense a plan developing. Now, if Linfield were to draw Ards or Bangor away in the Irish Cup.

Having walked back to Helen’s Bay Train Station, unaware of the train times. They were every half hour so I knew I wouldn’t have long to wait.

A train arrived as I was approaching, which meant I had to run to catch it. Not what I needed after all that walking.

It was an enjoyable day and I was hoping it would be even more enjoyable as I hoped to head to Lisnabreeny Hill for some Sunset photos.

Well, not quite. The skies were dark and dull, so I didn’t bother.