It was the worst of
days; then it was the best of days.
That’s how I’d sum up
our experience yesterday.
We were set to catch
the ferry to the Aran Island of Inis Mor on a rainy and windy morning, and we
got a late start.
By the time we had
driven through almost an hour of wet, wet, wet and wind, wind, wind, the ferry
had already left.
What a letdown as we
were looking most forward to seeing our friends on the island.
Knowing one would not
be there today, I was reluctant to switch the ferry tickets. They were nonrefundable so that was the only
good choice to make.
Later, I learned that
the horrible weather on the mainland was probably worse on the island AND that
our friend Bridie would be there today after all. So, after a disappointing few
moments on an ugly day, our spirits lifted.
We HAD made the right
choice with the tickets.
AND today calls for
much better weather.
With most of a day in
front of us, we chose to drive to Cong, which is in Connemara County. It’s the
adorable little town where the famous film with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara
was filmed 75 years ago. Lots of memorabilia from the movie days.
We visited there last
year and loved the experience, so even on a rainy day, it was a good
destination. Rain lingered through part of our visit but eventually we could
see some blue skies and even later the blue and the sun dominated.
Suddenly, the
landscape glistened and colors turned from blah to stunning. A beautiful afternoon brought forth the
absolute magnificence of the Irish countryside.
We stopped at
Connemara Woolens where I picked up a new supply of cards created by amazing
multi-media artist Suzie Sullivan.
Gregg Thompson, who
runs the store, also gave us a map and tips on the Connemara Loop drive, which with
the sunny afternoon offered the ultimate of all things that make Ireland so
inviting and magical: sheep on hillsides
of lush green grass, colorful thatched-roof buildings, rock walls and fences,
the ocean and one beach teeming with happy Border Collies chasing chuck-it
balls across the sand.
It was simply
breath-taking and beyond satisfying, especially to see 8-10 Border Collies in
one stretch of beach. We spent some time talking to Paddy Sullivan who brought
his family of three Collies to play on the beach.
Paddy, a confirmed
sailor, spent his career as a blacksmith.
He was a delightful man who was happy to visit while his trio of black
and white canine friends literally and passionately kept their eye on the ball.
We could not have
ordered a better afternoon here in Ireland.
Our somber outlook of the morning events was almost instantly erased in
favor of exhilaration and gratitude for each beautiful moment we experienced.
And, so the worst of
days turned into one of the best afternoons ever. We keep asking ourselves how it could get any
better, but every time we come here, it does.
Once again, we spent
the evening meal at Ravi’s Bar and Restaurant enjoying good food and the
uplifting nostalgia of live Irish classics.
The place is set up
for its patrons to have a memorable evening of dining, dancing, clapping and
visiting with other travelers from around the world.
Probably one more
night at Ravi’s and the Sharamore House where Sue’s pancakes and warm
hospitality, along with the always interesting clientele from around the world keep
us coming year after year.
Tomorrow we’ll be on
our way to Gweedmore in County Donegal.
It’s new to us so the excitement of a different Irish adventure keeps the
high notes coming.
Happy Saturday.
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