I knew this would happen, didn’t you? A week of beautiful weather forecast coinciding exactly with the return to school. I know lots of people lament at the fact or tut with an eye roll, saying ‘typical’ or a Murphy’s/sods law style comment but I am (not so secretly) delighted. All the children are out at school and I can do whatever I want AND the sun is shining and it’s warm?! Amazing. I don’t have to think about packing up sunscreen, hats, snacks and drinks, I don’t feel pressurised to go to the beach or the playpark. I will cycle, walk or swim, I’ll enjoy the quiet and drink up the late summer sun because it’ll be a long time coming back around. (I would say relax with a book in the garden but I’m still learning the art of relaxation.)
I don’t feel guilty, we can take the kids to the beach after school, we can have our dinner on the sand and take them home in their pyjamas. Or I can spray them with the hose in the back garden and we can have a picnic supper on the grass watching the bees and fading summer flowers in the golden hour sunlight.
During the short time Easkey, our littlest, was at nursery yesterday Dara and I nipped for a very brief dander at one of our favourite spots, Murlough Bay. Truth be told this is a favourite amongst many and is a very special place but in recent years it has become noticeably busier; perhaps due to it featuring in the popular series, Game of Thrones. Murlough is a bay on the East side of the headland of Fairhead, about seven miles from Ballycastle. There is a rich diversity of flora and fauna owing to the mix of deciduous woodland, shore and upland. There’s remnants of the Lime industry, a ruin of an old church, wild sika deer, peregrins and ravens, romantic secluded little nooks amongst the lichen covered boulders and almost unbearably beautiful views to the Scottish islands and of Rathlin. A gorgeous place for wave watching or listening to tranquil water lapping, depending on the force of the Atlantic. Perfect for dark night star gazing and watching the comforting flashes from the Lighhouses at Rue Point and the East Light on Rathlin.
It might be what some people describe as a hidden gem, which recently I have begun to take exception with. According to Cambridge Dictonary a hidden gem is; something that not a lot of people know about.
A couple of months ago I noticed Tourism NI describe a local business as a hidden gem and I couldn’t help but think how bizarre that was; firstly, the tourist board are surely supposed to be promoting, if somewhere remains hidden then have they failed? Secondly not only is this business on a main street of a town and therefore surely fairly obvious but it has a major cult following (it actually is a real Gem though, if that doesn’t sound too patronising!). Of course, I know what you’re thinking ‘Chill out Ciara it’s just a phrase, it’s figurative’ yes true, but I’m cynical. I’ve also heard people say ‘it’s a hidden gem, I’m not telling anyone about it so I can keep it all to myself’ hmmm…not great for the business though is it? Is it potentially belittling, suggesting they aren’t widely known? Incidentally Tourism NI have a Hidden Gems section of their website which includes serviced apartments, attractions, restaurants, and activity providers. Odd. Marketing and hiding don’t really match.
What about being disappointed with a suggested hidden gem? Oh dear, the worst. Travelling a long way to get there, the car park is full and you find yourself sharing this top-secret secluded place with loads of other people. Or can one person’s hidden gem be another’s boredom? It’s subjective for sure! Maybe you keep your hidden gem a secret?
I consider a hidden gem to be a bit more whimsical and fluid; it could be a glade full of bluebells that I happen to come across in the woods on a dewy spring morning, a waterfall with sparkling magical pools only accessed by a very tricky path down in the glen or the dreamy jackpot, a secret beach! Part of adventure and exploring is to find these places on your own, off the beaten track as it were, discovery is part of the enjoyment, the kudos is all yours. Whilst the highly marketed hidden gems of the countryside are undoubtedly beautiful, your adventure to your local park or drive to school can similarly include a hidden gem just for you; a cache of ripe blackberries by the swings or huge and humbling cloud formations as you wait for the 3 o’clock bell. I suppose the point is, that whilst our favourite, previously quiet and underrated places become more popular there’s still others to be found, if you’re present and noticing the world around you then there’s always the prospect of unexpected treasure in your day.
Last of the summer feasts?
It seems like this week could be the last of garden eating in late afternoon sun. Rather than a specific recipe I thought maybe just a little encouragement to enjoy your food outside and perhaps a little inspiration too. I like to choose an ingredient and plan around it; these onions were delicious cooked in olive oil and butter, low and slow then they could be used in a quick summer stew with a jar of butter beans and some salad, in a quiche with lovely creamy cheese or mixed into a salad with toasted seeds and capers.
Some other ideas
Kids back to school woohoo! This is actually the first time in about 6 weeks I’ve been able to sit and read your words with a coffee. And it’s bliss. Off to forage early autumn gluts and make some immune boosting syrup. I’ve been whispering to elderberries to cling on until today when I was free. Some have obliged 😊
Love your words as always, Murlough Bay is one of my favourite places but I haven’t been in too long now because it’s become so busy...