Derry Day Deux

The day began with a run downhill from Rosemount, through city centre onto the Peace Bridge.

I ran along Lough Foyle for miles then retraced my steps. It was a gorgeous day and the city shone like a polished diamond. It makes me so happy to see the city reclaimed from years of neglect and sectarian hostility. At one end of the Peace Bridge is Ebrington Barracks, home to the British Army when I lived in Derry. It has been refurbished to be a center of culture and leisure.

At the other end is the Guildhall, named for the London Guilds that built the walled city in the 1600s, turning Derry into Londonderry.

After my run, I did a bit of shopping then met my friend Julie for lunch. She is doing great work using the precepts of yoga and mindfulness to help people cope with a range of issues. She has a wonderful sense of humor and we always have a good laugh together.

Then I tried to see Mrs. Walker, a horsewoman whom I idolized as a youth. Her husband recently passed and I was hoping to catch her at home, but no luck. To get to her house, I drove down the Ardloch Road, which I used to cycle up and down to get to my horse. It runs along the Faughan Valley and is absolutely gorgeous. As I took in the views that I used to see every day, I realized it was inevitable that I return to Ireland. I am so in love with the hills and valleys, fields and farmhouses, and the unfailingly friendly people.

Then I drove back to North Down and David and I took her highness for a long walk on the coast.