Around the Dingle

Saturday, Day Seven:

This is the day - the one on the trip when you wake up and realize you have left reality behind, unsure what day it is, where you are, where you may be headed - and realize you just don't care!! Finally, total relaxation!!
We hit the breakfast buffet during green light time - only competition was the Italian tour group,and they were more interested in talking (all at the same) than in eating.
Then it was a quick stop at a super coffee shop for cappuccino and we were on the road to the Dingle peninsula . . . And so glad we did. It was spectacular - hills, sheep, amazing vistas, beaches, roads that tested the mettle of our fearless drivers at every twist and turn (timeout to tell Dave and Wes what a fantastic job they are doing), patchwork fields, wool-filled shops, and as always, kind and friendly Irish!
The drive through this little Irish heaven was capped off with a ferry ride between Tarbert and Kilrush and our (eventual) arrival in Galway. I do believe we have now mastered the intricacies of the Irish roundabout (many times).
We found our way to the waterfront and the three amigos - Pam and her little brothers - had the thrill of standing together in front of Sheridan's Cheesemongers. No room for us in the Inn to sample the wine and cheese.  . . But we will be back!
We made our way through the"hen" filled streets - apparently Galway is Stag party central - and Nancy was treated to yet another view of authentic Ireland - though I don't suppose the young groom will remember his flash in the morning!
The Spanish Arch Pub met all expectations- built in 1795, it was filled with noise, atmosphere, and great food.
We continue to be aided by open and genuine people each day. The Irish have a way of listening and attending that makes you feel like more than just another annoying tourist. That is my favorite for today. Here are the others:
Dave - dining Irish style at the Arch. Lamb cutlets and champ potatoes were a big hit! As was his new friend the dark and dirty Sea Dog.
Sandy - claimed the whole Dingle drive as his own. He and Wes had their father's fields parceled up in the acre plots. Sandy took great pleasure in being the younger son who would take land from the elder. Nothing changes in brotherly rivalry.
Nancy - I so want to report that it was the peek under the French maid outfit, but Nancy chose Galway Centre, and no wonder. She wins the prize for outgoing, good sport of the night, going so far as to teach the young men at the next table how to use her I pad. We had to drag her away when the shots arrived. Note: Finding Nimmo's (the restaurant) not on Nancy's To do list.
Pam - She chose Inch Beach along the Dingle. It was a spectacular sight - and far too familiar to be an ocean away from home. A few degrees warmer and Pam would have been riding the waves with the surfers of Inch.
Another great day had by all. The cliffs of Moher are calling.  . .

This final photo called Whining Kitten was submitted after press time yesterday.  . . Thanks Dave.

FRIDAY POST DELAYED DUE TO STUPID ASS PLAYBOOK.  . . ENJOY.

Friday, Day Six:
And then there is the day in the middle of the trip when everyone gets to do exactly what they want . . . And by everyone I mean Sandra . . . And by what she wants I mean NOT hiking the 24000 acre national park! So, just in case I forget, that was my second favorite thing today.
Killarney is a tourist town - it feels a bit like Shediac during the Lobster Festival - a lot of noise and chatter, and a lot of WASPS looking confused, asking, "What did she/he say?"
I neglected to mentioned last night that the Scott Hotel has two choices of rooms - the ones that overlook the carnival rides in the parking lot and the ones that overlook the mountains. I have had a hard time keeping Wes away from the Zipper (in case you are wondering who landed on the fair side). I suspect the gentle screeching wafting in our windows has something to do with Wes (loudly) proclaiming Killarney his least favorite thing today.  . . But wait, there is more: he added hiking, fizzy water, closed in spaces, and the fact that he started his day with no shave, no shower, and no shit to the list.
Staying on the least favorite thing track, I think it is fair to surmise that Pam, Dave, Nancy, and Sandy would all agree that having Wes curl up in the fetal position 2 km into a 14 km hike would rank right  up there!
But enough of the dark side, because as with every day so far, there was much to enjoy today. In fact, our travellers have warmed to the one favorite thing game - so much so they have begun to add second and third "things", and have started choosing for each other . . . I believe this is how civilizations have crumbled . . . Rules, people!!
Pam - walking through trails straight out of Grimm's Fairy Tales - hollow trees, magical atmosphere.
Dave - the hike (ie watching Wes reduced to a whining kitten)
Sandy - Well, he claims it was the hike . . . No, wait, it was finding the Sheridans on the wall at Murphy's Pub.  . . but I am convinced it was the photo shoot and the search for his own blue steel!
Nancy - Consisely and clearly - biodiversity - Jesus Murphy, Mary and Joseph (to quote every Irish). She then went on and on about a yew or a you or a u.  . . Whatever.
Wes -  . . . Still waiting.  . .
Me - an actual encounter with an Irish angel - a massage therapist with a gift of blarney and hands like steel.
On to Galway.  . . (:

Thursday, Day Five:
At some point in every journey comes a dull driving day - that day you just "get through" in order to get to the next adventure spot. That was on today's itinerary, and it began like this. . . leave the Heritage behind, realize 10 km down the road that we have to go back and pull Dave out from under the kingsize feather bed (the spot from which  he had applied for permanent Heritage Resort residency), pee, head out again, realize 20 km down same road that Wes' orange sharpie may have outlined a goat path to Killarney, go back, pee, give it one more try, wake Wes up (yup, he was indeed driving), and finally head west on the M7 . . . after we pee.
So, up until that point the day was unfolding as expected. But, a wonderful surprise awaited us down the motorway -  a village called Adare - a gift wrapped in stone walls, thatched roofs, rose-filled gardens in front of tiny shops, and a fantastic pub. We spent a few magical hours wandering through the village and trying out the local ale (Caledonia Smooth), before heading back out on the road (the right road) toward Killarney.
We have checked into Scott's Hotel in the town Centre.  . . And do not expect to find Dave hiding under the bed. Their room is too small for the kingsize! We are looking forward to life near the coast and the hills while staying in a busy town. Nancy has suggested a boot camp adventure to the national park tomorrow.  . . Yeah, that's going to happen!
As for today's memorable moments, here is the short story:
Pam - posing as an Irish Catholic woman and lighting candles in the church in Adare.
Nancy - Aisling Mahar's Fascinator shop, where we watched a woman being fitted for a piece of art to wear to her daughter's wedding.
Sandy - his smooth ale at Aunt Lena's Pub. He has made it his mission to stay authentic and local in beer selections.  . . This one is currently in first place.
Dave - Aunt Lena's - the whole experience - the kind server, the potato soup, the ale.  . . And I think maybe he stole a peek up Lena's apron in the kitchen!
Wes - coffee (or the reasonable facsimile) that he had brewed up by Ma and Sean in Abbey Something.  . . after we woke him from yet another snooze on the road. Never fear though. Between Nancy and me,     we pretty much have the driving covered from the back seat!
Me - watching the ancient nun chasing the blond protestant heathen down the streets of Adare . . . kidding, but I do think Pam was pushing her spiritual luck!
All in all, a marvelous day. May the roads rise up.  .  .

Wednesday, Day Four:

We played a little game at dinner tonight - over pasta at Sol Obriens next to the resort. Wes asked the question,"What was your favorite moment of the day?" (other than the service at supper)
Dave: Early morning fishing by the pond on the golf course (brown Trout, rainbow trout, scuba diver - all the same to Fisher guy)
Nancy: Scones and coffee by the river in Kilkenny . . . And the end of each car ride!
Sandy: The Butler castle in Kilkenny - imagining how they lived . . .
Wes: The relaxing morning at the hotel - the swim, hot tub, sauna, buffet breakfast, walk around the course.  . . And the nap!
Pam: The two beautiful walks . . . The first alone, the second with Nancy, Sandy, Wes . . . Incredible countryside!
Sandra: The tour guide in the blue room at the castle . . . Until Wes and Sandy told me she farted in the middle of her talk!
All in all, a marvelous day! Not sure how we are going to top our two days here, but looking forward to what adventures await to the west . . . Killarney here we come!!
BONUS QUESTION: Guess what Wes is doing in picture #1?!