A Truly Fine Day. A Magnificent Climb.

We were fortunate to choose the best day yet to attempt a climb of the Reek.  And, although we didn't reach the crest of the mountain/hill, we went considerably further than we've gone in our previous three attempts - somewhere between one-third and one-half the way up the "cone."  Croagh Patrick - the "Reek" - rises 2507 feet above Clew Bay.  We were exhilarated and more than a bit satisfied with this year's effort.  We could have made the top, I believe, but we were both concerned about safely completing the most challenging part of the journey - the trip back down.  Someone on our way up said to us, "Getting to the top takes perseverance, getting back down takes faith."  And, indeed, the nature of the path (as you can see, loose rocks and pebbles) makes the trip down trying and, at times, a bit scary.  Candee's legs were wobbly and my knees revealed a bit of weakness and strain heretofore unknown.  We were happy to have made the journey without having fallen and were extraordinarily thankful for a bowl of warm veg soup and a scone at the shop at the bottom of this sacred hill.  Just a wonderful day.

I'll let the pictures speak:

Clew Bay

Almost to the "shoulder" - a bit of respite before the cone.

The cone beckons

On the cone - a tough part of the climb, soon to get tougher

Start of the cone

Looking back toward Westport