Nevermind...will try another time. Hope all is well with you!

Posting from Ennistymon Library

So here goes with a couple pics....it's September 17th...I think.

It'd take a tome to summarize the past few days...

For some reason the blog is being troublesome. Will try to figure out how to solve...and get pics on this (the library's computer). There's too much visual interest not to share via the blog. Back later, friends. Slan go foill!

 (Am at Gerald's and Noreen's on their wi-fi)
 

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Woke to rain and worked around the house.  Shampooed, did laundry, then braved the drizzle to see if I could park close to Joe’s Café and go online.  It worked—as you may know! Had coffee in Joe’s after the blog-work, then the camera insisted I capture a bit of the neighboring ambience.

First, Joe’s; then Failte Lahinch, where one can get ‘fine’ souvenirs; then Mr. Duffy’s Traditional Sweet Shop, where I met Ellen and Jade.  Just had to buy a small sack—well, two small sacks—of goodies.  (pics)

Came home, watched horse racing from Leopardstown, Dublin. The absolutely gorgeous filly, The Fugue, won! They say it was a very important race. She’s owned by Lady Lloyd-Weber (Andrew’s wife); then, I read my book, cooked my lamb chops and hunkered down. Talked with Winnie and planned to meet on Monday. A storm blew in which was wonderful for sleeping.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

My phone doesn’t text properly.  Talked with customer service, who couldn’t help; so will have to find an O2 place. Probably in Ennis. It’s sunny at the moment. Also, I will check out the Community Church in Ennistymon for meeting times.

The drive to Ennis at lunchtime found O2 closed (bummer), but the town was busy with shoppers and people gathering to watch the All-Ireland Hurling championship between Clare and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. They’d see it in various places around town. Took a few photos (see pics), had a muffin and coffee at BB’s and hurried back so as not to miss the match on t.v. and the 80,000 screaming folks who ended up looking a bit bewildered. At the last second (literally) Clare tied the score, making it a ‘draw’ (25-25) and necessitating a re-match to come in 2 weeks. The commentators spoke of the courage, the character and the class of both teams. I agree.  Hurling is in the blood here, as is shown by small group of boys everywhere who walk together carrying their sticks. The game is fun to watch and seems to require an amazing amount of ability and stamina.  

  

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Woke to rain and worked around the house.  Shampooed, did laundry, then braved the drizzle to see if I could park close to Joe’s Café and go online.  It worked—as you may know! Had coffee in Joe’s after the blog-work, then the camera insisted I capture a bit of the neighboring ambience.

First, Joe’s; then Failte Lahinch, where one can get ‘fine’ souvenirs; then Mr. Duffy’s Traditional Sweet Shop, where I met Ellen and Jade.  Just had to buy a small sack—well, two small sacks—of goodies.  (pics)

Came home, watched horse racing from Leopardstown, Dublin. The absolutely gorgeous filly, The Fugue, won! They say it was a very important race. She’s owned by Lady Lloyd-Weber (Andrew’s wife); then, I read my book, cooked my lamb chops and hunkered down. Talked with Winnie and planned to meet on Monday. A storm blew in which was wonderful for sleeping.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

My phone doesn’t text properly.  Talked with customer service, who couldn’t help; so will have to find an O2 place. Probably in Ennis. It’s sunny at the moment. Also, I will check out the Community Church in Ennistymon for meeting times.

The drive to Ennis at lunchtime found O2 closed (bummer), but the town was busy with shoppers and people gathering to watch the All-Ireland Hurling championship between Clare and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. They’d see it in various places around town. Took a few photos   Hurling is in the blood here, as is shown by small group of boys everywhere who walk together carrying their sticks. The game is fun to watch and seems to require an amazing amount of ability and stamina.  

 had a muffin and coffee at BB’s and hurried back so as not to miss the match on t.v. and the 80,000 screaming folks who ended up looking a bit bewildered. At the last second (literally) Clare tied the score, making it a ‘draw’ (25-25) and necessitating a re-match to come in 2 weeks. The commentators spoke of the courage, the character and the class of both teams. I agree.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Monday, September 9, 2013

 

September 7, 2013

Recap of yesterday—Friday 9/6: Joe’s Café, breakfast after doing blog in car outside. Not pleased with my format mixups, but will fix it another time. One problem is my laptop battery, which doesn’t hold up. At the moment, I’m plugged in at the house, then I’ll do Joe’s again with this and scenes snapped during the day. Challenges keep one engaged with reality, don’t you think?

After Joe’s in Lahinch, I drove to Ennis, hoping to remember where Lidl’s is.  I found it and  my favorite anti-wrinkle cream! Also bought a few other items—mueslix, chocolate, yogurt, lamb chops and tatoes (potatoes). Then I winged it over to Dunne’s, found a hat made in Spain for 10 euros. Returned to Ennistymon and the library. Got Kathy Reichs’ Bones Are Forever J. After the library I wandered around town. (Ennistymon is only about 5 minutes from Lahinch and is the market town where Sharon and I stayed in 2007.  (We didn’t disgrace the family, really.) While wandering I decided to take a look at the falls…a 3- block walk. Decided to follow the trail, which I had never done before; found I could walk all the way to the Falls Hotel.

I got my steps in going back to the car, which was parked up by Merriman’s statue (I’ll get his pic later.) Imagine my surprise when I passed by an outdoor veggie market and found these luscious berries. Naturally I availed myself.   Oh, and County Clare is excitied.  Sunday, Clare Hurlers go against the Cork team in Dublin for the All Ireland Championship.  Flags everywhere.

After settling back at the flat, I read a bit and snacked.  Then it was back to the Falls Hotel for Salmon Poetry’s book launch of Knute Skinner’s Concerned Attentions.  He read from it and charmed the entire group.   The McNamaras were the owners of the house built on the site, which I think was also the site of a castle at one time. (Will google it sometime.)

 He’s originally from Missouri, but now lives in County Clare with his wife. Final pic of the day was one at the hotel of poet, Dylan Thomas and his wife Caitlin McNamara.

So, today is unscheduled until I hear from Winnie.  There’s still much to do in County Clare.  It’ll probably be the Burren Perfumery, Mount Shannon, Killaloe (Brian Boru historical places) and a look at the fine church buildings there. Also, a day in Limerick.  Eventually, I’ll venture away to Tipperary, where I hope to climb the steps of the Rock of Cashel (Google!) Also would like a look at Bantry Bay, where a B&B will be helpful.

(Am wondering why some of my pics aren't showing up. If some show, that's grand, as we say.)

Today's offering:  Am writing this in front of Joe's Cafe (9-6-13) Tonight--the book launch at the Falls Hotel.
 

September 5, 2013

Yesterday—continued: I set out over the Burren to Kinvarra where I hoped to find a cyber-café and the chance to get to my blog. I had forgotten the adventurous ride on the R480! Think ‘grand prix’ on a ridiculously narrow, curvy, hill-and-dale, two-way road. There was so much shifting down and up that I swear I heard Jim and Jan yelling, ‘Shift!’.  Anyway I bravely passed by the famous ancient spots, so well known to visitors, intent on reaching Kinvara and updating the blog.

But…the café, now called The Strawberry Hedgehog, had changed, with no computers. They had wi-fi, with a too weak signal. Interestingly, though, their security password was ‘Dougs’.  I forgot to get a pic of the restaurant, which sits at the cove, but did get the cove.  He was right.  After finding suitable parking, I wandered in and ordered coffee and scone in the lounge area and then set about to copy and download. Hope it worked!The owner suggested I might find success at the Merriman Hotel.

While still in Kinvara I drove the short way to Dungaire Castle,   His name escapes me.  (Another Google possibility) Pretty imposing, huh? 

                                                 The former home of the High King of Connaught.

Then on the way back to Lahinch, I made some of the most satisfying stops.  First it was the Farm Store at Ailwee Caves for cheese; then, the 5,000 year-old Poulnebrone,  The Burren (‘stony place’) is beautiful!  I can’t seem to get enough of it. While there, I met Thomas Coyne, monk/bard and Ogham jewelry maker.  Ogham (pronounced ‘Ohm’) is the language (Celtic?) that predates the Gaelic/Irish language Rain started up on the way back…no big deal.

And lastly, a quick snap from the car of Leamenagh Castle (spelling is probably wrong) a former O’Brien stronghold.

                                              













Another shot of the amazing portal tomb.

***

 Today, Thursday, I plan to spend time in town and go to the beach promenade.

…and so I did.

First, I had lunch at Lahinch’s Joe’s Café   

--a tasty spinach-zuchinni soup with brown bread--& found they had wi-fi, so plan to come back for a blog-stop. After lunch, it was a stroll down the promenade where the camera began to click on its own.It was eery J. What a grand spot to view the village, the Atlantic shoreline and even a jackdaw! Notice his gray hood and vest. The pics will show a bit of the magic of this place…I hope.  Weather was dry, cool and breezy.

 

Am writing this at the Merriman Hotel in Kinvarra as well as copying my previous docs.  I'll describe the journey here tonight in the hopes of finding another wifi place.


September 1, 2013

Quick Cap: Detroit to JFK short and easy with transfer a cinch.  No need to switch terminals—just a long walk to the far end to gate 67 with a 7+ hour layover. Proved leisurely and interesting. Was greatly impressed by our--us humans’--diversity. Finally boarded and found middle seat 20E. Fellow passengers proved very nice.  Artist Carol P.  on the left and lady—Scots-Irish—at my right. Sorry I didn’t get her name. The extra leg room, obtained at a price, proved a smart decision; but even with that, moving out to the loo was a logistal endeavor.

Slept on and off after dinner, waking to daylight.  Arrived early. Happy that my bag arrived, exchanged dollars for euros, walked through the green door and there, unexpectedly, was my good friend, Winnie, all smiles and hugs. After getting my car rental, followed Winnie to her house and fresh scones and tea! Then said ‘slan’—she had stuff doing that evening and I had to drive to digs in Lahinch-Moy which I found without any trouble. Amazing!

September 2, 2013

Now unpacked and settled, today’s deal is to obtain a phone and internet capability. Jet-lag not a problem after sleeping 9 hours overnight. So shower taken, breakfast eaten, Blackie awaits to get us around. Blackie is my Toyota Yaris. J)

Blackie is hiding at the upper left)

If you are reading this, you’ll know I found wi-fi.

Watched telly before venturing out.  Coverage was from the funeral service for Irish Nobel poet, Seamus Heaney. Videoed a bit of it. 

I headed out and promptly missed my first turn.  Way up the hill the turnaround on this very, very narrow road (pic)

proved to be a photo op. The local bovine  mooed me a greeting and posed nicely.

Then it was to Ennistymon for lunch at An Teach Bia (‘on chock bee-a’) means ‘Eating Place’. Then to the library for a card.  Librarian, Corinnia, found my name which was still in the system, so no prob to renew. Then up the street to the Salmon Bookstore. I bought a Seamus Heaney book of poetry--Electric Light.  After I mentioned to the clerk that many years ago I had met Jessie Lendennie, the founder and publisher of Salmon Poetry, she insisted on telling Jessie, who was working upstairs. I was invited to go up and greet her. After a fun conversation I left her.  She mentioned there would be a book launch at the Falls Hotel on Friday. I’ll try to make it.

It was onward to Ennis, the county town of Clare.  Found the familiar way to Dunne’s parking and then located the O2 store for a Sim cell phone card: also, found James Brohan’s shop where Winnie told me I could find a hand collapsible stick (cane).  Bought the stick and now plan to use it on my walk up the steps to The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary.

September 3, 2013

Tues. a.m. First thing I looked out the bedroom window and there sat a lone magpie high in a tree across the way.  I saluted him, because ‘one is for mourning’. I’m not superstitious, just respectful. (Google it.) Tap the pics for a close-up.

Moved myself in spite of lingering jet lag and drove to Ennistymon to check out the wi-fi situation at the Falls Hotel. Had lunch of smoked salmon salad and learned that their signal is, shall we say, weak! Snapped a couple of good photos and left.

So the next possibility is to drive to Salmon Bookstore and accept the invitation to use their signal, which Jessie says is often too weak.   Came home and crashed for a couple hours and then took a very nice walk up the road from the ‘house-flat-cottage’. Photo-ops g’lore. Panoramic views, wild flowers, blackberries, local cattle who moo in a welcoming tone. How to show all this on the blog…if I ever get on.

Falls Hotel, Ennistymon







WALKING IN LAHINCH-MOY

                                                                          Self-Portrait :)

I've sketched an itinerary for my trip to Ireland starting September 1.  Now--how to make it everywhere in just 20 days.  I also hope to find time to write. And, I so want to find time to relax with friends. Know where I can get a time machine?

First week I'll probably stay close to my digs in Lahinch.  Winnie has made her flat available.  I'll want to re-visit great places nearby, such as the Lahinch Atlantic Ocean coastline, the fantastic Cliffs of Moher, Doolin. and the rocky launching place to the Aran Islands.  The Burren, Poulnabrone, Ailwee Caves, ancient castles, abbeys, churches will--to be sure--tempt me to spend my entire time in this beautiful part of County Clare.

Below is a pic of the Poulnabrone Dolmen, portal tomb, which dates wayyyyy-back, 5 to 6 thousand years. The smiling, modern gal in front of it is daughter, Jan.  Pic was taken a few years back when one could walk straight up to the tomb. Not too long after, it was corded off.

 Well, I must get back to my planning.  Later :)