OUT and abOUT

Yes, the emphasis is on out.  After self-isolating for two weeks, we are so very grateful to be up and out.  We got up a bit earlier today than has been our custom of late (anything before 10:30 would meet that criterion).  We packed a picnic breakfast and headed out on the south side of Clew Bay toward Doolough.  The morning greeted us with mostly heavy clouds, but the beauty of the bay as we drove out to Louisburgh (self-proclaimed as God's Pocket) was bracing and spirit lifting.  So good to be back.  There's just something in the air, something in the hills, something in the waters that lead to a grand sense of calm and serenity.  It's something we deeply agree on.  It's just plain healthy for us to be here in the west of Ireland.  Although, as always, we relied on the generous orientation to this glorious area given to us by Padraic, I struck out down a new road and we were richly rewarded with beautiful vistas as we approached Lough Na Fooey from Leenaun rather than our traditional approach from Tourmakeady.  Old dog and new tricks...

First drive - counterclockwise from Westport

Doolough Valley - click here for a little bit of video

Approaching Lough Na Fooey

Lough Na Fooey - the Tourmakeady side

Cresting Lally's Hill

Croagh Patrick from Lally's Hill

We finished our grand tour with lunch at The Creel down on the Quay.  It's one of our favorite lunch haunts and they didn't disappoint.  An interesting and filling repast.

Croagh Patrick from the Point at the Quay

Back in town - a great run about the countryside