Today will be our last full day at Corrymeela. We are scheduled to spend it on Rathlin Island. The day starts with breakfast at 8am. There were a few disappointed when they were told they would not be getting porrage this morning. Laura provided devotions from a book her Bible studies group is reading, "A Cup of Our Life". After which were were introduced to our tour guide Kevin Mc Gowan. Kevin provided us with a brief overview of the island, it’s history and what were would be seeing.
We are on our way for a ferry ride over to Ratlin Island. Waters were calm and the sun once again warms us.
We were met at the ferry by our bus driver, Bert, for a meandering trip up the hill to the Westlight Seabird Centre. Were we took a stroll down to the lighthouse and the cliffs below to observe the Sea Birds of Rathlin: Guillemot; Kittiwake; Fulmar; Razorbills and the Puffin.
It was interesting to learn that the adult puffins spends approximately 4 months on the cliffs, just long enough to have their young and 8 months out at sea. The young live at sea for 4 years then they will return to the same area to have their young.
Back on the bus for a ride down the hill for lunch at the Manor House and a presentation by Michael Ceisel on Refugee Rescue.
With minimal time left we were able to get a quick walk in with Kevin along the water as he pointed out bits of information. Unfortunately our time was short as the ferry is already loading for the main land. On the ferry ride back I had an opportunity to sit next to a couple, Michael and Bernadette, locals, that had recently retired and were also enjoying the day out as tourists (his words).
We had a nice ride back to Corrymeela along the coast. Dinner, followed by review of time at Corrymeela and a wee bit of music at a local pub. Our journey will end with one last supper of hot chocolate and toast together. Most of us will retire to pack our bags for the journey home. Some will leave behind to continue on for another week of seeing the beauty of Ireland. For the rest of us we will be taking home many wonderful memories of time spent with friends both old and new ones we have met along the way.
Submitted by Liska Gibbons
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