Experiencing the Ring of Kerry- and what does weather have to do with it?

On May 15, we boarded a coach bus for a tour of the Ring of Kerry.  The weather was not very promising-- grey, overcast, intermittent rain.  We missed some of the views, but came away with an appreciation of the history and beauty of the place and the people.  I'll ask Tom to post a video of what we all agreed was the highlight-- a demonstration by a sheep farmer of the skills of his herding dogs.  Actually, the video is more of a lesson in all the different kinds of sheep there are.

Today's weather is beautiful, and we're hoping it holds in Galway-- a trip to the Cliffs of Moher is in the works if it's not like yesterday.

Riding the Rails to Galway

Today is our longest rail trip of this adventure.  I think the trip if driving from Killarney to Galway is less than 80 miles, but because there is no direct route, there are 3 legs of the journey:  Killarney to Mallow:  Mallow to Limerick Junction; and now Limerick Junction to Galway.  All told, over 4 hours.

Christi and Scott are wisely recharging:  John's doing something electronic; and Lilli is reading her travel guide on Galway.

Reunion Complete

We left the Bonnie country of Scotland this morning in a slight drizzle and flew above the clouds in some very nice sunshine back to Ireland.  Arrived to rain and very strong winds.  Made for an interesting landing.  Our thanks to the pilot of Aer Lingus.  Took a quick taxi back to the Garnish House and walked down the street for a bite to eat and a drink. I have taken a liking to Irish whiskey or tea. Met up with John and Lilly shortly there after and have been talking ever since.

Nuff said!

Scotland with Rabbies

Jude, our tour guide says it's not Rabies, Rabbi's, but the Scottish version of Robbie after the poet Rabbie Burns.

Jude is 5' 2 1/2" very important. She gave a four part story of Mary Queen of the Scotts- told as we traveled to Loch Lomond, Callendar for lunch at Mohr Bread cafe, Doune Castle and finally Stirling Castle.  She was colorful and a very impressive multi tasked- kept our attention as she told stories while navigating traffic, roundabouts and still managed to wave at every tour driver we passed.

Photos will follow.
Christi... of the Scotts

Ireland and Scotland

What are my impressions? Two countries with a rich and ancient cultural tradition. Countries with a fighting spirit of desire for their own freedom and independence. Hard work and love of life as witnessed by one of our Dublin cabbies--holding a seemingly mundane occupation but who has seen more of the United States than I have, traveling the country in a motor home. He's been in 31 states and fixing on increasing his total to 33! The Irish and the Scots don't need superpower status to be proud and self-confident nations. They are direct and friendly, and with the exception of one unhappy tour guide, never afraid to ask how they can be helpful. The big cities like Dublin, Cork and Edinburgh are frenetic with activity. Getting directions can be a little general for an American's taste, but you get to where you want to go eventually and have an adventure in the process. Pedestrian crosswalks are awful, even terrifying but you can certainly test your courage. Food is local and every nationality and cuisine you can think of. The Irish and Scots love their stout, beer, whiskey and Scotch and they love a good story--usually exaggerated for effect--and a good laugh. But never make the mistake of thinking them unsophisticated. They are proud of their writers and poets, cynics and wits and are more culturally self-aware than any other nation I have visited.

Tom and his Guinness

I wanted you all to know that Tom has had his share of Guinness.  Here's the documentary evidence.

At the last stop of the day today, though, he decided that he was, after all, in the home of Murphy's Stout, and he should try at least one.