On today’s adventure, we left Larne after getting the dogs walked and worked and began to drive south to the place we are staying for the International Sheepdog Trial. My favorite trip of the day was Beyond the Trees Avondale Forest Park. The park had a neat history and a wonderful treetop walkway.

We had wonderful views, and if you zoom in, you might be able to see a few sheep! The park had a very neat history, and some of the oldest trees in the Avondale Forest were planted in the late eighteenth century. At the end of the walk, there was a lookout tower that we walked to the top to and had a beautiful view.

Perhaps the most fun part about the lookout tower was the slide down. It was one that you got a mat to lay on as you slide down, and if you release a steady flow of voice, you can hear every place that the parts of the slide connected.

We also saw the Carrickfergus Castle today! It was not open to go inside, but we did get wonderful pictures of the outside.

The interesting thing about these castles is that the entire town was encased within the walls. This town was originally built in the late 1170’s, and soon after building, John de Courcy made the Church of St. Nicholas which is still in use today. This was an important port town, and it was held by the English Crown. Being such an important town, it faced many conflicts from those wanting to take control over it. Its popularity declined in the 1700’s when Belfast grew as a large port town.

Today was a good day, and I’m sure tomorrow will be just as good. We are off to spectate the International Sheepdog Trial!