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 :)