Marathon Day

Friday

Pouring rain, as expected in the morning. We expected it to continue all day. It didn’t. By afternoon the sun was shining brightly. We didn’t do anything except a load of wash, a trip to the supermarket for a final stock-up, some reading, and cocktails on the patio. Both lunch and dinner were at home. Dinner was lamb pilaf with fresh minced lamb from Kennedy’s accompanied by fresh spinach. The camera(s) never came into play.

Saturday

It’s Marathon Day in Dingle. Well, actually a half marathon. The runs had been postponed in 2020 and 2021. The actual marathon day in Dingle is in September, and that will take place as scheduled this year. Today is a half marathon to give runners something to do. It’s fully booked. It starts at 9 AM from Dingle Marina and goes out along Slea Head Drive to Dunquin. They could not have had better weather.

We walked down to watch the start from the bottom of our street. There were almost 3,000 runners. A blind runner and a wheelchair participant had a head start.

Awaiting the Start

After the runners all went by, we continued to walk into town and then out of town in the other direction past the Skellig Hotel (where our friends Barb & Kris will be spending two nights in October on their tour of Ireland). Past the hotel we continued on along the shore to the other (not Eask) tower and on still more to the lighthouse that we couldn’t get to from the other direction. This was the longest walk of the trip.

Then it was double back to town for a much needed diet coke and a water (and an unneeded piece of carrot cake) at An Cupán Tea near Dingle Harbor and on still more back to home. It was the longest walk of the trip. Lunch was at home after which I had a must needed nap.

Later in the afternoon I drove into town for a beer (or two). I had one at Curran’s where I met the manager (and his wife) of the Dingle Distillery. We had a good chat. Then I went on to the Dingle Pub for a pint. Luckily Eddie, the original owner, came in for a beer. It was good to see him. We reminisced a bit before I headed home for cocktails on the patio. Weather still gorgeous. Quite amazing weather really.

Dinner was a repeat performance at the Half Door Restaurant. This is no definitely on the must visit list.

Elaine: Seafood Chowder and the Halibut Special
Joe: Haddock Gratin and Grilled John Dory
Dessert: Decadent Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream (no picture – forgot!)

No music tonight. Home to bed early. The pubs were packed with marathoners and weekend tourists.

Aside: Well, I wouldn’t have had that Derby winner. $163.00 to win and $4,000 exacta. Never heard of the horse (a former maiden claimer), the trainer, or the jockey. He only got in the race at the last minute after another horse scratched out.