We've been relaxing quite a bit, sleeping in late and slow in getting out the front door. We have been taking some nice afternoon drives, visiting new and old places. But, almost always, stopping late afternoon for a fancy coffee and a tasty treat. We find ourselves eating dinner most nights after 8 and heading into bed at 11 or after. I can get used to this.
I am grateful for a couple of invites to play golf with the "lads" - Padraic's buddies. Always a great deal of "giving out" - good-natured ribbing - and it's good fun to watch. They're very generous about my play, never criticizing a poor shot or putt fallen short. And, believe me, they're a competitive bunch.
We are always surprised to find areas close to Westport that we've not visited in our many previous drives. One such place is the back side of Croagh Patrick. This would be the side from which Mayo Mountain Rescue stages their rescues of people injured on the Reek. It saves them about 45 minutes in time to get to the cone - the area where most injuries occur. It actually looks like a less strenuous climb and we might give it a try. Not to the summit, for sure, but just a bit of the way up.
 |
| Croagh Patrick viewed from the south side |
 |
| Clouds rushing over the mountains east of Westport |
 |
| Mist and fog climbing up the Reek |
 |
| Evening sun slanting over the backyard |
 |
| Hydrangeas grow like weeds. Just fantastic. |
We took a drive to a beautiful, and very remote beach, today. Silver Strand is the north side of Killary Fjord, a body of water which empties into the Atlantic. We packed a picnic lunch, grabbed a blanket, and headed out on an iffy day. And when we got there, about a 45 minute drive, we were met with a day of mixed weather. But there was nothing mixed or iffy about the beauty of the place. A wide unspoiled beach, dramatic high dunes, a gentle slope into the water, and virtually deserted - except for the omnipresent sheep. Padraic regards it as a place of great spirit and serenity. They were not with us today, however - they were celebrating their anniversary -
Comóradh sásta!
 |
A couple of gorgeous cappuccinos and some apple pie and cream from The Creel
You count on me for the torment... |
