Another fine day

As you can see, they have finally kept me up long enough to capture a sunset - in actuality, we returned to our apartment sometime after 2:00 a.m. I must thank Padraic for the choice of site and the choice of camera angle (“Keep the camera lower Tom”). I think you’ll agree that it was good advice and provided the beautiful reflections off the incoming tide.

It was a good day, but bittersweet as we say slan abhaile to our lovely new friends. Candee and I slept in, did the laundry, and then just kicked around the town a bit. At 7, We joined the Duffys for dinner at The Helm restaurant down at Westport Quay (pronounced “key,” of course). The picture of the line of stone buildings is where The Helm resides. Super fresh, locally sourced seafood - an incredible black fillet (correct spelling for Ireland and pronounced as “fill-it“) of sole and fresh veg (one does not bother saying “vegetables“). And of course, a finishing apple crumble with custard.

After dinner, we set out to find a good sunset shot. With Padraic’s guidance we drove past the Reek, along the south side of Clew Bay, and past the town of Louisburgh. In Ireland, when the temperature turns cooler, one says “the air has freshened.” As you can see from the photo attached, Candee thinks that the air has fully freshened. After the warmest June in 30 years, July more reflects average daily temperatures for this time of year. It was approximately 55 degrees at the time of the photo. Combined with the wind, we were happy to return to the car and to head to town for some music.

We went to McCarthy’s Pub because the Duffys had been told that Marion’s cousin was playing there on Wednesday nights. And indeed, he was there, playing a sweet and melodic fiddle and singing with a strong and rich voice. We particularly enjoyed his solo a cappella selections. Again, the music was a mix of traditional Irish music and American bluegrass. The group consisted of Marion’s cousin, Tomas, playing fiddle and singing, another gentleman playing guitar and mandolin and contributing vocals, and a lovely lass, Catherine, playing fiddle. And, as a very special treat, Marion sat in to sing on one song. Our multi-talented friend contributed sweet and clear lead vocals in a gorgeous song of four-part harmony. We all contributed our varied vocal talents during the singing of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and though our circle is now broken we fervently hope it shall be rejoined in Florida or Ireland within the year’s time. It was quite a night; it’s been quite a week.