Page 176 - WDT MAGAZINE IRELAND ISSUE WINTER 2018

Noted as one of the most awe-inspir-
ing coastlines in the world, the Giants
Causeway inspires with unique rock
formations and the unbridled force of
the Atlantic Ocean.

The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Herit- As the stories unraveled and the views con-
age Site, trims the coastline of Northern Ireland with sumed us, we became oblivious to the time that had
nature’s energy and giant’s tales. As Rodgers led the lapsed, plus the icy wind and spurts of rain that had
way along the paths and trails, we inched closer to soaked us to the core.
the rocky edge as rising shiny basalt pillars of differ- “How about a coffee stop?” asked Rodgers to
ing heights teased us to skip from one to the next, a which we responded, “Which way?”
temptation to which we gladly surrendered. Beyond our From the paved pathway that had led us along
reach, Rathlin Island and ever further, Scotland, enticed the Causeway, we walked to The Causeway Hotel, built
us with enchanting views even during a dreary win- in 1836, just outside the National Trust’s main en-
ter’s day. He told of the significance of the ground, the trance. Wet gloves and scarves discarded, we caught
rocks, the floral and fauna; everything had a story. our breath, sitting in silence, in awe of what we had
From one spot to the next, we found it a challenge seen. All the photos, all the words that I had scoured
to keep up with his excitement and his footsteps. through at home didn’t reveal its raw beauty and the
His cadence was swift, up and over the pathways of never ending battle between the immovable rock and
columns, through the Giant’s Gate, toward the Giant’s the inexorable sea.
Boot, powering forward. At random intervals, he would Rodgers called for a round of hot chocolate, and we
halt, turning toward us and spouting a meaningful exhaled.
anecdote with such passion that we were frozen in Cupping the mug of steaming chocolate and feeling
our tracks. His voice rose with excitement, fell with warm, I asked, “What is your story, Mark? Why are you
drama and not a breath in-between was missed. It was here?”
almost as if the walking stick whispered to the story- It was as if I had pulled back the curtain on his fam-
teller, “This is an important part. Don’t let them miss it.” ily’s 125 year history on the Causeway.

176 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018