We rode around the Ring of Kerry today, stopping frequently for photo ops and stretch breaks. Yet again the weather was clear, the mildest day yet. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.
In the afternoon we took a boat ride (glass enclosed, so no fear about cold or wind), on Lough Leane near Killarney. I had envisioned a peaceful, serene private journey. Here's what we had: in the open back of the boat was an animated 'hen party' with mimosas and laughter. Our captain and guide would occasionally broadcast the big national horse race, in between pointing out people fishing and naming the islands. (His horse did not win) At first, my unmet expectations caused a bit of frustration.... Then I looked around and realized that "we are on a beautiful lake, on a gorgeous day, in IRELAND, of all places!!!!" So I said hello to a young woman behind me, learned about the June wedding, readjusted my expectations, and enjoyed the ride, Irish style! I fully expect (there go those expectations again) to regain the ability to post photos once we reach our Waterford hotel tomorrow night. Be prepared for the onslaught!! The wifi here is not letting me upload photos to this blog. I promise, we'll get you caught up as soon as possible.
Today we left Galway and wound our way, eventually, to Killarney. It was a day of discovering beauty.
Clambering among the ruins of an Abbey set in a treeless rocky landscape brought to mind the dedication of generations of monks. Beauty in simplicity and faithfulness. Stopping at an ancient stone burial monument in the moonscape-like Burren suggested the innate care that humans should have for each other, in life and death. A brilliantly clear day at the Cliffs of Moher were a distinctly unsubtle reminder of the grandeur of creation. The lovely Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul in Ennis was the site of our Mass today. It is a graced experience to pray together. And finally, we ended the evening at a restaurant with our very own Irish music and dancing group entertaining us. Ah, the joy of good food, talent expressed and yes, a reason to toast, "Slainte!" Beauty in emerging friendships and shared joy. It is a gorgeous, clear day at the Cliffs of Moher!!!!
Our guide Aine offered us this poem as we were riding through the countryside today:
Sheep and Lambs by Catherine Tynon All in the April evening, April airs were abroad; The sheep with their little lambs Passed me by on the road. The sheep with their little lambs Passed me by on the road; All in the April evening, I thought on the Lamb of God. The lambs were weary, and crying With a weak, human cry. I thought on the Lamb of God Going meekly to die. Up in the blue blue mountains Dewy pastures are sweet; Rest for the little bodies, Rest for the little feet. But for the Lamb of God, Up on the hill-top green, Only a cross of shame, Two stark crosses between. All in the April evening, April airs were abroad; I saw the sheep with their little lambs, And thought on the Lamb of God. |
St. Andrew the Apostle
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