Monday
The sun was shining brightly when we got up. That’s a good thing. We decided to do the other half of Slea Head Drive this morning. We could have cut cross country to where we left off, but we actually did the whole route. By the time we got to the mid point where we left off last time, it was overcast and raining. Bummer. We almost doubled back home again but decided to soldier on. And we were rewarded with a return to sunny weather.
Click on the galleries below to bring up scrollable windows with full size pictures – the gallery previews may show just thumbnails of the pictures. By the way, the pictures look much better on a tablet or a computer than they do on your phone. Just saying.
First stop was at Ballydavid (Baile na nGall) beach and pier. It’s about 2,838 miles from Boston, I’d guess. The yellow building is T P’s Pub (Tigh T P). We used to have beers and/or lunch here often, but since the pandemic, it’s rarely open at lunchtime anymore, at least on weekdays. We walked the small beach and picked up bunches of shells and sea glass. Elaine is in two of the pictures – one easy to spot, the other not so easy. I assume you spotted me right away. The beach across the water (next to last picture) is Wine Strand (where Joan and Paul, mentioned previously, used to stay in a house).
Next stop – Dooneen Pier. From here you get the closest shot of the Three Sisters (An Triúr Deirféar). And in one shot you see the four sisters! No trouble finding Elaine here.
Final stop – Brandon Creek (Cuas an Bhodaigh), one of my favorite spots. It’s from here that St. Brendan, the Navigator, took off for his journeys. Some have even proposed that Brendan reached the Americas long before Columbus, although this theory is a subject of ongoing debate. There’s a small sculpture commemorating Brendan in his tiny boat. See the wild Calla Lilies? They are often known as the flowers of death because they are so often present at Irish funerals? Why isn’t it called Brendan Creek, you ask. Because it’s Brandon – Mount Brandon rises up from here and the town of Brandon is on the other side of the mountain. It wouldn’t be so confusing if it had been St. Patrick who did the sailing. He was presumably busy with other things.
Then it was cross country home for lunch and then another short journey to Curran’s for a beer. Then naps. Dinner was at home. Chicken Kiev once again with roasted vegetables and bread. Some tv and off to bed.
Couple of observations….
Gorgeous country, whether in the gray rain, clouds, beautiful blue skies and bright sunshine; ranges from a kind of eerie romanticism long past, to a delightful, sunny optimism to face the day!
With some effort, I found the “second” Elaine👍🏻 Looking good, both of you, although a bit skimpy on the smiles.
There’s an old-world, safe, nostalgic feel to Dingle; I can see why you return each year. I think I’d be hard-pressed to leave.
Would have relished sitting down to dinner last night with you for some chicken kiev, at that lovely dinner table, in your perfect setting.
Enjoying every post, even if I’m not always commenting👏🏻
Thanks Mary!
Yup, finally found both pictures of Elaine, the tough one looks like she was intent on finding the perfect shell. Yes, Joe, you were very easy to find.
If that’s the boat St. Brendan used to sail, I’m pretty sure he never got farther than Dingle Bay, let alone the Americas!
Whenever I see calla lilies, I think of Lena. She was a wonderful, and fun, lady.
Read tomorrow’s blog with a blurb about St Brendan’s voyage. It can be done.
P.S. Another great map.
Sue you are so right about Mom and the Calla Lilies. I even had them for my wedding bouquet. Still tried to get some brownie points on my wedding day. Yes, it worked. Thank goodness Elaine wears that yellow jacket! You were easy to find Joe. Glad you are both doing well. What are the plans for Elaine’s “Irish” birthday? I am sending her card via this blog in a few more days. Take care you two…
Birthday will be low key as usual. That’s what we both prefer.