MY ADVENTURE

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Hi, I’m Gaz

I’ve been thinking about what to write for a while, where to start.

The simple truth is I have M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) - or C.F.S. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) as it’s otherwise called.

I can’t go on a ‘traditional’ adventure. An adventure to me is just leaving the house to get a change of scenery, even if I’m knackered and sore.

For one day though, it’s worth the recovery…which can be long.

Fortunately, here in Northern Ireland, it doesn’t take long before you find a beautiful view…

Through social media, we’ve got to know some like-minded adventurers; their pics, vids and stories making us want to join them on an adventure.

For now, we’ve asked them to take over our channels. Enjoy… 🤘

This year I’ve been out 4 or 5 times - not counting the doctors visits.

For just a short adventure, I’ll go anywhere near my house.

One of my favourite places is Newcastle.

We drive 30 mins over the windy gap, enjoying the scenery in every direction. The Mourne Mountains always look great. I take photos as we drive.

We end up in the big car park at the gate of the Slieve Donard Hotel. My family walks for a short while, while I sit and enjoy watching the people passing, the mountains, the beach - trying to find new angles for photos.

If fortunate, you see Saint John’s Lighthouse in the haze. Once I even spotted dolphins - didn’t get a good photo though… too far away.

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We drive on through the town; head towards Annalong and come home through the mountains, enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains and dams.

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The weather changes so fast, it’s amazing - from blue to grey, but still beautiful. I usually miss the best light for photographs, but it’s still worth the trip.

VENTURING NORTH

If I do want to go further afield, to somewhere like the north coast, it’s only an hour and a half each way.

It’s usually too much for me to do in one day - we tend to make plans and stay a few nights.

I can’t go to the Giant’s Causeway or onto Whiterocks beach - too much walking - but thanks to the viewpoints along the way, I still get to enjoy the beauty of the coast.

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A day of recovery and then we take in the sunset at Portstewart, eating some amazing ice cream.

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I recommend the drive home passing Murlough Bay, down to Cushendun where I saw these cows looking down at the town.

It’s amazing how much there is to see. People get used to it and forget to look around.

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Finally, it’s back home trying to recover with photos of the beautiful place we live for a reminder.

Posting to Instagram, I get to enjoy the sights again.

People reply and talk to me about the places photographed - not knowing the struggle behind the lens.

So get out, explore, make the most of what you have around you.

And if you’re facing your own battles - let the adventure be a distraction, even just for a while.

Thanks for reading

If you want to follow my adventures - and appreciate a bit of poetry too - follow me on Instagram:

@GazP50

GUEST ADVENTURES

Each week we’re sent and tagged in SO many brilliant photos on social media, from your travels around Northern Ireland. We try to feature as many locations as possible in our Fan Pic Friday feature each week, giving others lots of ideas for places to visit.

Along the way, we’ve spotted some like-minded adventurers who we really want you to know about. Their photos, videos and stories pop up each week, instantly making us want to stop what we’re doing… and go join them on an adventure.