What an adventure we've had; and, yes, we are home (at least as far as Richmond for tonight and home to the Island tomorrow). Since writing last we travelled from Westport to Galway and then to Killarney and Dingle. We travelled via buses and trains (getting pretty good at dragging our luggage up, over and around) … and visited beautiful countrysides, magnificent estates and quaint villages. We learned a lot of history including about the conflicts that had such devastating affects and the ways people managed against the poverty and strife. We saw and learned about the stone walls that divide the grazing lands and we learned about the making of and various uses of thatched roofs. I could go on but won't. Suffice to say we not only visited some amazing places, we also met equally delightful people; folks like Paul & Linda who were our terrific hosts in Westport and Kathleen who gave us a personal tour of Dingle and the surrounding lands over the course of two - days and then drove us to the airport in Cork. We saw the Cliffs of Moher (from the water) and visited the smallest of the Aran islands where we toured the island in a horse-drawn carriage. We also visited Ross castle and then walked along the paths and through the fields back to the village. I'd be remiss if I didn't admit we enjoyed the food and sipped a few pints of the fine ales along the way :-)
We feel truly blessed to have had this amazing journey through rural England and Ireland and we've added many memories and stories to our 'collection' of life. The following are a few photos from the recent visits. Thanks for joining us on this journey. It feels good to know you're enjoying the accounting.
Hope all is well with each of you. CJ
Photos are:
Hooker boat racing out of the Galway Hooker Sailing Club.
One of many castle ruins.
Horse drawn carriage on the smallest Achill Island. This is Sandy, an eight year old mare who kept catching up to our cart. I was able to give her a scratch once the ride was over.
Clouds (I like clouds :-)
Ross Castle, Killarney.
Horse drawn carriage in Ross castle lands and park
