The Wind in the.....

Monday, 21-Sep-2009
On Monday, we were supposed to ride up Muckish Mountain. Instead, the ride was cancelled due to driving rain and gale force winds.

So, being the hardy group we are, we instead went to Glenveagh National Park. I should note here that there are 5 of us on the ride;
me, Lynn, Maureen- a public defender from Baltimore, Cindy - a drafter from Baltimore, and Liane - a mixed (small/large animal) vet from Northern Wisonson.

At any rate, a taxi (read mini bus) ride up to Glenveagh, which was built as a vanity project by Adair in the mid-1800's to go hunting and host parties. Its a lovely place, unfortunately, he evicted 255 people in 1851 - so the history isn't as pretty as the site. There are acres and acres of formal gardens, only several of which I walked (in the wind and driving rain!).

We went back to the visitor center to eat the box lunches the hotel packed for us - although we had to eat outside under cover as there was no where inside that we could. The woman at the visitor center was great, and queued up all the informational movies for us to watch while we got dry in their little theater.

Then, because we are gluttons for punishment, we went on a 3k hike (yes....in the wind and driving rain) hoping to see some of the red deer or fox. No such luck - they were much smarter than the humans.

Then it was back to Arnold's for a warm up whiskey, a visit to the stables, dinner and bed.

Weather today (Tues) looks sunny, less windy, though still a bit of a breeze....so we will give it a go. If we make up, we ride 5-6 hours up Muckish today, overnight the horses there, pick them up and head back tomorrow.

Having a wonderful time. The people are fantastic; I keep meeting great folks, and encouraging them to talk so I can listen to their lovely voices.

Dad would be pleased (as am I!) that food is easy here. Cheese (yum!), the home-made bread (double yum!) some of the best bacon, super fresh fish.....um...maybe Voodoo won't be so happy that food is good here for the humans. I better do more walking/riding before I get home to the Mighty!

More tomorrow!