Ireland Odyssey II, continued: Grand, Indeed

Thatched-roof shelter at picnic grounds near the community where "Oh, Danny Boy" was penned by a young lady listening to a blind man play the fiddle at the local marketplace. 

Thatched roof, up close and personal

Endless coastline beauty of Ireland. It becomes almost redundant but always pleasing to eyes in awe. 

Swimming lesson for wet suiters down in this cove. 

A familiar scene along Irish beaches. 

Always fun to inspect the barbed wire in other countries. 

Our wheels:  it's okay to drive on some "strands" or beaches in Ireland. 

The Giant's Causeway with a story of myth and a story of science:  40,000 basalt benches formed through a geological phenomenon create a great place for a photo shoot.  Lots of seating. 

After taking their picture with my camera, these Spanish ladies handed over theirs and asked me capture them in the midst of their group experience.  "Uno, dos, tres, Smile!"

Margaret takes a selfie at the Causeway.

One must be nimble with one's feet at the Causeway, lest one trip.

A nice lady from Hawaii came up and offered to take our picture at the Causeway. 

Causeway view from the trail. 

Weathered coins between the columns.

Bill suggested leaving the Causeway via this "rather steep" trail.  We've climbed a few rather steep trails this week, and we've all survived. 

Scene of the countryside on upper Causeway trail. There are bugs in them there bushes, lots of them, and they like tourists. 

One of the "adventures" I chose NOT to pursue. 

 Annie crosses the rope bridge near the Causeway.  Fear of heights keeps me in situations where I stay back and meet nice people like Genevieve (second from the left in photo below) and her friends. 

Genevieve is a retired nurse from Derry.  We enjoyed a pleasant conversation and may enjoy more online. 

Genevieve and her friend were taking Janet (from Swaziland) to Irish points of interest yesterday. 

Border Collie fix at the Causeway.  We DO miss our pups and will be thrilled to see them.  
Debbie and Willie reported that Kiwi and Kea cried at seeing them when they picked up Todd and Brooke Friday night.  

Anyway, this gent named Randy gave us a taste of the Border Collie Nation.  He makes No. 26 on our Border Collie count in Ireland. 

Just a man leaning on a boat. 

Words, pictures, even photo art can't do this scene near Ballymony its proper justice.

 Being there is an incomparable, magical experience. . . . magical, indeed, for at least one couple . . . .

Bill calls "em "turists," even when we're part of the crowd.  These folks filed off from a tourist bus and began their photo marathon at Dark Hedges near Ballymony.

I'm thinking the camera population in Ireland could rival that of sheep.  They're everywhere and always busy, for good reason.  

Dunluce Castle near Bushmills, Northern Ireland.

Let the "turists" come and go; I'm gonna just sun myself and keep on purring.  Irish kitty cat at Dunluce Castle. 

This band of "turists" from Sandpoint, Seattle and Sacramento will leave Derry today, bound for Dublin.  

We'll meet up with geocachers from Ireland and Belgium at an event Annie has coordinated.  Should be fun.  

Happy Sunday.