Slight Detour: Rainy Day in Connemara Country

We didn't know if we were walking on private or public property while taking off on a steep road from a church and some religious statues.

Bill said there was supposed to be a sacred well up the hill from the church. So, we took our time, stopping every so often to admire the blackberries and currant bushes.

The rain and wind had let down a bit from what we had experienced all morning. So, it felt good to get out of the car, breathe fresh air and actually do some walking.

Bill had seen a red van go up the road before we had started our walk. Suddenly, he said that the van was turning around further up the road.

We would soon find out if we would have to apologize to an irritated landowner if we were, indeed, trespassing. So, we both stood in separate wide spots, waiting for the vehicle to come back down the narrow road.

"Look!" Bill said as I stood taking photos of an old gate.

I turned around to see three Connemara ponies coming down the road with the red van close behind.

The ponies didn't seem to mind our presence, and within an instant, we learned that Oliver Conroy didn't mind our presence either.

"I'm herding the ponies down off the mountain so they'll be safe during the storm," a very friendly van driver told me. Soon Oliver was asking Bill and me if we'd like to see the old house and other buildings where the horses would stay.

He helps out as a caretaker off sorts for a friend who owns the place but lives far, far away.

So, off we went with Oliver who left the van and herded the ponies up to the complex of old, old buildings surrounded by lush grass and beautiful hydrangeas.

Inside, the house looked as if time had stood still after someone had moved and left many of their possessions behind. Apparently, the structure had been used as a shop since its last inhabitants had left.

We could not thank Oliver enough for this chance meeting and this treasured opportunity to see some pure and authentic Ireland of yesteryear.

Then, he offered to drive us back to our car. Since the rain had started again, we took him up on the offer, although not easily, since three of us had to squash our bodies in two front seats of the van.

Oliver held my hand, with Bill in between as I urged my passenger door shut.

Back down the hill we went feeling like the luckiest tourists on earth to meet Oliver and to experience such an idyllic few minutes.

Once again, a new best friend, and once again an vivid example of the friendly and embracing nature of Ireland's people. No expectations, just pure humanity at its best.

Our rainy day also involved a few minutes watching Ireland's rugby team beat Russia in the World Cup competition.

We visited Connemara Smokehouse and sampled some smoked tuna and salmon.

We also got a taste of extreme winds which are predicted to increase substantially as I type. We still don't know if we'll go to Aran Island.

That will be a last-minute call, depending on how bad the post hurricane wind gets.

Our day ended with the some time spent in downtown Clifden where I visited with Lawrence who has taken over Des Moran's butcher shop and Bill spent some time at a book store across the street.

Then, we enjoyed dinner at Manion's Restaurant. After a short drive to the harbor on the edge of town, we spotted our friends from Lawcus Farm Guesthouse, Eric and Jessica walking down the sidewalk.

They're headed back to Dublin and anxious to fly back home to Washington, but they have plans of some day returning to Ireland. Seems to be common for visitors.

And so, on this rainy day, we made the most of it and reaped some more very special, unpredicted moments, especially meeting Oliver.

We feel fortunate to have our independence and flexibility which allows for some exciting spontaneity.

And, we'll feel fortunate if Mother Nature simmers down enough for us to make it to the island. If not, we'll let a Plan B unfold and run with it.

Happy Friday.

Note: again, because of the unknown, a new posting may not appear tomorrow. If not, back on Sunday.