Monday AND Tuesday

Monday, December 18, 2006

Cottage #9

Bunowen, Louisburgh, County Mayo

Ice on windshield this A.M., (0 degrees overnight).

We were warm and toasty all night with the heaters, and the fire embers were still hot at breakfast.

And what a grand breakfast it was . . . . Cheerios with sliced bananas, orange juice, tea and coffee, and toasted “brown fruit bread” with Irish Connacht Gold butter and bitter orange marmalade from France.

Sanoe (low, pervasive fog) rolled into the village as we ate, obscuring all vision, hung around for one hour, and lifted as we headed off in the rental car for more adventures.

First stop, the Granuile Information Centre, which we can see from our cottage window across the hilly pastures and curve in the winding road. Kitty O’Malley in attendance, and just as Irish as her name. She answered all my questions: Where’s Roonagh Pier for the Clare Island Ferry? She produced a map worthy of purchase and we sprang for the 1.5 euro. It was the best! Where’s the nearest horse/equestrian center? (Drommindoo) How many schools in town? (elementary through college) Internet access in the library (limited hours and days). The center offers a video of the area, for free.

Second stop, the only surf shop I’ve seen out this way. Store clerk, Sarah, (father’s Irish, she’s Australian, been here 4 yrs.) very friendly and informative. Shop owner has just ordered the first paddle in the area and a very long, long board. They’re excited with anticipation. Can go all the way to Clare Island in good weather with a paddle. Need 5 mil. wetsuit year round. Carrowinisky Beach where locals surf.

Magnificent views of coast, Clare Island, mountains, and everything in between on drive to Roonagh. Saw two beautiful, fat pheasants in the pasture as driving by.

Missed ferry so decided to climb Croagh Padraig, Clough Patrick. All shops closed, restrooms open.

“Famine Ship” sculpture across road from entrance to car park for climb.

Returned to Louisburgh for lunch. 1:30 P.M., looking forward to the 74. Closed. To the grocery store. Tried Durkan’s Gala. Sandwiches (made to spec), potato salad, Coke, Pringles, sparkling apple juice (YUK!), and a bag of mini-mincemeat pies. PICNIC!!!! On the beach. Drove towards Silver Strand (Tallahbawn Beach) but when reached Cross Strand, didn’t need to go any farther. Beautiful Atlantic Beach views and Croagh Patrick. Postman, single man, Surfers (man and woman), young couple, woman with cane walking her dog.

Home back over the Bunowen River as sun dropped, 4:30 P.M. Opened the Dutch door for sunset.

“Saw Doctors” on laptop.

Turned on heat 5 P.M. Washed my hair in giant tub. Too early for a fire.

Shepherd’s Pie with buttered fruit bread for dinner, at home.

481 photos taken today.

Going watch movie now, “Six Degrees of Separation,” bought last week.

Another glorious day!

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Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Cottage #9

Bunowen, Louisburgh, County Mayo

Frog and Mice, I heard Kevin say from the kitchen. Fog and Ice, was what he actually said. The Sanoe rolled in to stay all day, today. 5 P.M. now and we’ve been home since half 4. It’s STILL mighty foggy, plus now dark. At least it did not rain today. It’s not too cold now, and the house will be toasty soon, as Kevin’s making the turf fire now.

When we left the cottage at 10 A.M. it was too foggy to enjoy the ferry, plus did not want to spend seven hours on Clare Island. So instead, we drove to Silver Strand, called Thallabawn (really!). A huge stretch of beach greeted us over the rise in the road. What a spot!!!! Now I can say I’ve been in the Atlantic Ocean off Ireland. Actually took a boot full of it with me!

I was crossing a series of deep tidal pools and stepped on what I thought was another rock in the water. It was really an old black bait bucket that crumbled under my step, filling my right muck boot to the ankle. Was BRRRRRR cold, too. No permanent damage done and once back in the car my pants leg and boot dried out quickly. I drove with a bare right foot for the rest of the day, putting on my boot without a sock when we stopped.

Then we took a fabulous drive to Leenuan (Leeane). On the N59, turned onto the 344, around Killary Harbour, past Lough Inagh, along DooLough Pass, around the Twelve Pins. Could not see 100 yards in any direction, too bad, too, the Sheefry Hills on one side, Mweelrea Mountains on the other. (Was clearer on the return drive.)

On the Connemara circle we saw lots of sheep by the roadside, bogs of peat all around, some great waterside properties: Delphi Cottages, salmon fisheries, adventure centers, Ballynahinch Castle, and beautiful homes.

Back on the N59, we drove on to Recess, where we stopped for lunch (fish and chips for both us). The Craft shop and show room for the special Connemara marble were closed for the winter. Our young server girl told me Cousin Kevin Joyce’s BMW was parked in front his house and he may be home. We decided not to bother him. We took photos and then traveled on toward Clifden, turning around at the end of the Derryclare Lough, in time to drive “home” to Louisburgh before nightfall. We’ll go directly to Clifden another day.

Another fabulous day, and mince meat pie for dessert later.