Saturday, 26-Sep
Today was a sad day indeed, it was goodbye to Arnold's Hotel and Dunfanaghy, and off to Dublin.
Before I detail our Dublin day, I do need to update from last night. Derek and Gerarda Arnold, the owners and operator's of Arnold's hosted drinks and dinner for us, Helen, Niamh and Clair last night. It was a wonderful evening of talking, and stories, and friendship. Derek told us how Helen came to be running the stables (for the last 12 years!). He also told the tale of Paddy Dan Rogers - the King of Tory Island. Yes - the Tory Island you may or may not be able to get to or from has its own king.
Back to Saturday. The McGinnley bus ride was uneventful other than the cows being herded across the road, and then up the other side.
We said goodbye to Maureen, Cyndi and Liane at the Dublin airport and continued on into the city. We caught a cab to our new Dublin residence - Staunton's on the Green. Its a beautiful old Georgian era townhouse - and the room is huge and backs onto a garden, with St. Stephen's Green directly across.
We dumped the luggage and went walking, ending up at the National Museum (archeology). Thank goodness we did, as it is closed Monday, and tomorrow we are going to the races! We say Neolithic, Bronze and Iron age Irish history and pieces, as well as the Bog Men. These are bodies ranging from 400BC to about 400AD found preserved in Irish bogs. Apparently the acidity, temperature and other conditions are perfect for preservation.
We are now back at our hotel for an early night (we were up at 6a) and some Strictly Come Dancing. Tomorrow we are off for Ireland's richest day of racing at The Curragh!
Showing posts with label Dunfanaghy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dunfanaghy. Show all posts
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Tramore Gallops - last riding day
Friday, 25-Sep
Today was our last riding day, and it was gallops (oops! I mean "controlled canters") at Tramore.
Since we weren't actually riding until 2p, Lynn, Maureen, Cyndi and I went up to the Workhouse. Built in the early part of the 19th century, this was the last desperate stop for the poor and destitute. There was a strict regime, and people were put to work at things that did not compete with outside trade. Breakfast was oatmeal and buttermilk, supper was 3 lbs (!!) of potatos and buttermilk, dinner was more oatmeal and buttermilk. The only greens or meat protein they may have gotten would have been from the wild blackberries that are everywhere or fish. There was doctor's calls Tuesdays, and schooling for children. There was no smoking, drinking, gambling, or "illicit reading material". There was a very interesting audio presentation of a woman named Hannah Harrity - a woman who lived through the famine, virtual slavery, eventually finding her way to the workhouse. She was there for a time, then left and became a peddler, eventually dying at age 90. Very compelling place to visit.
Then it was time to change and mount up. We headed back into Horn Head forest, along some tracks, through the dunes, and onto Tramore. It is an incredibly long stretch of sand (you'll remember that we visited it on Wednesday) and there are incredible rock formations at either end. The waves roll in, and its pretty surreal. You can look up the cliffs above you, and see sheep looking down to hear what all the commotion is about. Incredible.
All too soon it was time to head back up the dunes, back through the forest, and home to the stables. Helen, Niamh and Claire will be having dinner with us tonight, and then it will be time to say goodbye.
Its been an incredible week - it lived up to, actually surpassed, all my expectations. I'm not ready to leave. I will never forget this week, and definitely plan to return.
Random thoughts: Wilky joined us for the whole ride, and since, as a dog, he was running up and down investigating everything, I figure he probably went 3 times as far as we did!
It is estimated we did about 15 miles yesterday. So I would say maybe the same or a bit further on Tuesday, maybe 6 Wednesday and maybe 4 today. So these rides are not for the faint of heart or unfit - that's for sure!
Voodoo has been a lovely companion this week, and I am so glad Helen trusted me with him. He's only 5, so still learning alot.
The McGinnley bus comes all to early at 7:30a Saturday morning. Boo!!
Today was our last riding day, and it was gallops (oops! I mean "controlled canters") at Tramore.
Since we weren't actually riding until 2p, Lynn, Maureen, Cyndi and I went up to the Workhouse. Built in the early part of the 19th century, this was the last desperate stop for the poor and destitute. There was a strict regime, and people were put to work at things that did not compete with outside trade. Breakfast was oatmeal and buttermilk, supper was 3 lbs (!!) of potatos and buttermilk, dinner was more oatmeal and buttermilk. The only greens or meat protein they may have gotten would have been from the wild blackberries that are everywhere or fish. There was doctor's calls Tuesdays, and schooling for children. There was no smoking, drinking, gambling, or "illicit reading material". There was a very interesting audio presentation of a woman named Hannah Harrity - a woman who lived through the famine, virtual slavery, eventually finding her way to the workhouse. She was there for a time, then left and became a peddler, eventually dying at age 90. Very compelling place to visit.
Then it was time to change and mount up. We headed back into Horn Head forest, along some tracks, through the dunes, and onto Tramore. It is an incredibly long stretch of sand (you'll remember that we visited it on Wednesday) and there are incredible rock formations at either end. The waves roll in, and its pretty surreal. You can look up the cliffs above you, and see sheep looking down to hear what all the commotion is about. Incredible.
All too soon it was time to head back up the dunes, back through the forest, and home to the stables. Helen, Niamh and Claire will be having dinner with us tonight, and then it will be time to say goodbye.
Its been an incredible week - it lived up to, actually surpassed, all my expectations. I'm not ready to leave. I will never forget this week, and definitely plan to return.
Random thoughts: Wilky joined us for the whole ride, and since, as a dog, he was running up and down investigating everything, I figure he probably went 3 times as far as we did!
It is estimated we did about 15 miles yesterday. So I would say maybe the same or a bit further on Tuesday, maybe 6 Wednesday and maybe 4 today. So these rides are not for the faint of heart or unfit - that's for sure!
Voodoo has been a lovely companion this week, and I am so glad Helen trusted me with him. He's only 5, so still learning alot.
The McGinnley bus comes all to early at 7:30a Saturday morning. Boo!!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Marble Hill
Thursday, 24-Sep
Happy Arthur's Day - apparently at 17:59 (that's 5:59p for those not keeping time) we were all supposed to raise a pint of Guiness to celebrate 250 years of the stuff. That would have been great - except we were still out on horseback.
When we woke this morning, it was...what else? Raining. No matter - riders will ride! Today's adventure began at 11a, when we headed through the water, over the sand, up the dunes, along the road, up a few lanes and onto the sand at Marble Head. We had a good canter, then a good gallop (although there was someone out of control, and a calmer, more serene ponychick did not pull her off her horse and beat her with the stick - but 'nuff said about that here). Then along the dunes, and up the track a little ways were we paused for lunch.
When we pause for lunch on these long rides, there are chairs, a fold out table, the lunches the hotel has packed for us, and the horses get tied to a bush or tree with a bucket of grain, and plenty of grass available - so everyone gets to eat.
Niamh had to go back to teach, so Helen (her mother) took the mount on Rodney and we headed for the old railroad and famine trails. The going on the famine trail this time of year is very boggy. Ciual in fact lost a shoe, and Cindy had to take Clair's mount on Midnight, and poor Clair had to lead Ciual back to meet the truck and farrier, and then ride him home.
The old railroad tracks are really something, there are some areas that were pretty clearly blasted through the hills and the rocks walls rise up on either side of you. All the old ties and stakes are long gone, and its overgrown with grass. Great cantering on the clear grassy parts, with drops on either side of you going down 20-25 ft.
We alternated between clearing and blustery rain today - but whether you believe it or not, you DO get used to it. I'm starting to feel spoiled by heather covered hills, friendly sheep that baa as you walk by, lovely cows, and donkeys, undulating green hills, and looking to see if the top of Muckish is visible or covered by cloud. Surf breaking against the rocks, gallops on the beach, climbing through the dunes, and looking for Tory Island.
We rolled back into the stableyard about 6:15 tonight - a long day's ride. But, since I've long ago run out of superlatives - awesome! I actually stayed to brush Voodoo, gave him my lunch apple, and did some back lifts and stretches with him. I left him blanketed up and eating dinner.
Tomorrow is our last ride (boo!) and our fastest. We ride for 3 hours, heading out to Horn Head Forest and Tramore again - for fast gallops up and down the beach. Helen, Niamh and Clair will then eat dinner with us, and we head back to Dublin Saturday morning. I am going to be very sorry to go - this week has flown by and I am not ready to leave.
Notes:
I have been misspelling Niamh's name (hint: its not spelled Neve :-)
A peat fire is the best smelling fire there could possibly be...I don't know how much I can get in my suitcase however...and it looks alot like a brick of heroin...so it probably isn't a great idea.
They have fushia hedges here....its just like the fushias we spend a fortune for in hanging baskets, but they are everywhere here growing as hedges!
Saw what we think were 2 Golden Eagles hunting a field as we climbed over to Marble Hill.
Happy Arthur's Day - apparently at 17:59 (that's 5:59p for those not keeping time) we were all supposed to raise a pint of Guiness to celebrate 250 years of the stuff. That would have been great - except we were still out on horseback.
When we woke this morning, it was...what else? Raining. No matter - riders will ride! Today's adventure began at 11a, when we headed through the water, over the sand, up the dunes, along the road, up a few lanes and onto the sand at Marble Head. We had a good canter, then a good gallop (although there was someone out of control, and a calmer, more serene ponychick did not pull her off her horse and beat her with the stick - but 'nuff said about that here). Then along the dunes, and up the track a little ways were we paused for lunch.
When we pause for lunch on these long rides, there are chairs, a fold out table, the lunches the hotel has packed for us, and the horses get tied to a bush or tree with a bucket of grain, and plenty of grass available - so everyone gets to eat.
Niamh had to go back to teach, so Helen (her mother) took the mount on Rodney and we headed for the old railroad and famine trails. The going on the famine trail this time of year is very boggy. Ciual in fact lost a shoe, and Cindy had to take Clair's mount on Midnight, and poor Clair had to lead Ciual back to meet the truck and farrier, and then ride him home.
The old railroad tracks are really something, there are some areas that were pretty clearly blasted through the hills and the rocks walls rise up on either side of you. All the old ties and stakes are long gone, and its overgrown with grass. Great cantering on the clear grassy parts, with drops on either side of you going down 20-25 ft.
We alternated between clearing and blustery rain today - but whether you believe it or not, you DO get used to it. I'm starting to feel spoiled by heather covered hills, friendly sheep that baa as you walk by, lovely cows, and donkeys, undulating green hills, and looking to see if the top of Muckish is visible or covered by cloud. Surf breaking against the rocks, gallops on the beach, climbing through the dunes, and looking for Tory Island.
We rolled back into the stableyard about 6:15 tonight - a long day's ride. But, since I've long ago run out of superlatives - awesome! I actually stayed to brush Voodoo, gave him my lunch apple, and did some back lifts and stretches with him. I left him blanketed up and eating dinner.
Tomorrow is our last ride (boo!) and our fastest. We ride for 3 hours, heading out to Horn Head Forest and Tramore again - for fast gallops up and down the beach. Helen, Niamh and Clair will then eat dinner with us, and we head back to Dublin Saturday morning. I am going to be very sorry to go - this week has flown by and I am not ready to leave.
Notes:
I have been misspelling Niamh's name (hint: its not spelled Neve :-)
A peat fire is the best smelling fire there could possibly be...I don't know how much I can get in my suitcase however...and it looks alot like a brick of heroin...so it probably isn't a great idea.
They have fushia hedges here....its just like the fushias we spend a fortune for in hanging baskets, but they are everywhere here growing as hedges!
Saw what we think were 2 Golden Eagles hunting a field as we climbed over to Marble Hill.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Chills, Spills and Feral Ponys - Oh My!
Wednesday, 23-Sep
I should say right off that this ride was not for the faint of heart.....it featured very steep tracks, uncertain footing (to say the least!) but you were rewarded with spectacular views, and great beach gallops.
Today we started from Erorroey (sp?) and rode up country roads, forded a stream, and then followed some sheep tracks, or no tracks, up through the hills. Our companions were the sheep, and some feral ponys. There was a black stallion pony who watched us while protecting his band of mares and foals. A couple of the more curious young males came right through the fence and wandered in and out of our line of horses. They were adorable, but we were thankful the stallion stayed put as that could have been a different story altogether. I'd like to say I got pictures of that, but wasn't nimble or quick enough to control Voodoo and get the camera.
We then continued on up through the hills, through some fairly treacherous going. There are rabbit warrens everywhere, and if you can see the hole, you can be fairly certain there is a warren for a foot or 2 around it. Added to that, we are going up and down; some fairly gentle hills, some quite a bit steeper. So the horses pick their way slowly; your best course of action is to not interfere with the horse - his sense of self preservation is quite acute.
Roughly halfway between up and down, one of Ireland's famous rain squalls blew in off the water. These are short, but potent blasts of wind and rain. So we turned the horses rears to the wind, and stayed very still. To either side, or where you could maybe not see at all - were more rabbit warrens. So we waited for the storm to blow by before proceeding, about 15 minutes or so. Then the sun came out and it was back to brilliant blue sky.
We continued to pick our way down, and finally got to the back side of the dunes, where it was quite a steep track through sand down to Tramore (beach). This is a lean back, feet in the dashboard descent, most of the horses hopped and cantered the last bit as it was easier for them. Lynn's horse in fact, squealed, cantered down, promptly stopped, and lay down for a good roll...tack and Lynn and all. She chucked herself clear, and everyone ran around clucking and yelling at Cupid to get up. Again, I was too slow with camera - the picture would have been priceless. Lynn had sand in some unexpected places, but other than that everyone was OK.
Once we had regrouped, it was time for a gallop along the beach. No sooner did we get started then Maureen's helmet-cam came flying off. Stop, pick it up, stow it, regroup, and off for gallop re-do. We galloped along the beach, water to the left, and the largest natural dunes in Europe to our right. This is a protected area, accessible by horse or by foot. Absolutely beautiful.
Then up through the dunes again, winding along what looks like old sheep tracks, and then through Horn Head Forest. Finally came out on Kilahoey Strand (our home beach) and galloped back toward home. We were out from 11-3 today; it would have been shorter but the rabbit warren/rain squall hold put us out a bit later than planned.
A few words about our hotel: It is a charming, family owned hotel in Dunfanaghy. The carpet is a Scottish plaid - which sounds mad, unless you see it in its context. The lobby has all these lovely red stuffed chairs and couches, very comfy for sitting by the peat fire and reading the Irish Times. To the left is the restaraunt, which has had great food every night. To the right is the pub, 'nuff said! There are stairs in the center that go up to the rooms. The floors are bit uneven, and you wind around past some great old furniture pieces. Our room looks out at the water, which is just across the road. It is absolutely charming, and I can't recommend it highly enough; the people are wonderful, as is the food and atmosphere.
Tomorrow we go up Marble Head - another 5-6 hour ride. I'm trying to get a map so I can mark all the rides, we'll see.
I should say right off that this ride was not for the faint of heart.....it featured very steep tracks, uncertain footing (to say the least!) but you were rewarded with spectacular views, and great beach gallops.
Today we started from Erorroey (sp?) and rode up country roads, forded a stream, and then followed some sheep tracks, or no tracks, up through the hills. Our companions were the sheep, and some feral ponys. There was a black stallion pony who watched us while protecting his band of mares and foals. A couple of the more curious young males came right through the fence and wandered in and out of our line of horses. They were adorable, but we were thankful the stallion stayed put as that could have been a different story altogether. I'd like to say I got pictures of that, but wasn't nimble or quick enough to control Voodoo and get the camera.
We then continued on up through the hills, through some fairly treacherous going. There are rabbit warrens everywhere, and if you can see the hole, you can be fairly certain there is a warren for a foot or 2 around it. Added to that, we are going up and down; some fairly gentle hills, some quite a bit steeper. So the horses pick their way slowly; your best course of action is to not interfere with the horse - his sense of self preservation is quite acute.
Roughly halfway between up and down, one of Ireland's famous rain squalls blew in off the water. These are short, but potent blasts of wind and rain. So we turned the horses rears to the wind, and stayed very still. To either side, or where you could maybe not see at all - were more rabbit warrens. So we waited for the storm to blow by before proceeding, about 15 minutes or so. Then the sun came out and it was back to brilliant blue sky.
We continued to pick our way down, and finally got to the back side of the dunes, where it was quite a steep track through sand down to Tramore (beach). This is a lean back, feet in the dashboard descent, most of the horses hopped and cantered the last bit as it was easier for them. Lynn's horse in fact, squealed, cantered down, promptly stopped, and lay down for a good roll...tack and Lynn and all. She chucked herself clear, and everyone ran around clucking and yelling at Cupid to get up. Again, I was too slow with camera - the picture would have been priceless. Lynn had sand in some unexpected places, but other than that everyone was OK.
Once we had regrouped, it was time for a gallop along the beach. No sooner did we get started then Maureen's helmet-cam came flying off. Stop, pick it up, stow it, regroup, and off for gallop re-do. We galloped along the beach, water to the left, and the largest natural dunes in Europe to our right. This is a protected area, accessible by horse or by foot. Absolutely beautiful.
Then up through the dunes again, winding along what looks like old sheep tracks, and then through Horn Head Forest. Finally came out on Kilahoey Strand (our home beach) and galloped back toward home. We were out from 11-3 today; it would have been shorter but the rabbit warren/rain squall hold put us out a bit later than planned.
A few words about our hotel: It is a charming, family owned hotel in Dunfanaghy. The carpet is a Scottish plaid - which sounds mad, unless you see it in its context. The lobby has all these lovely red stuffed chairs and couches, very comfy for sitting by the peat fire and reading the Irish Times. To the left is the restaraunt, which has had great food every night. To the right is the pub, 'nuff said! There are stairs in the center that go up to the rooms. The floors are bit uneven, and you wind around past some great old furniture pieces. Our room looks out at the water, which is just across the road. It is absolutely charming, and I can't recommend it highly enough; the people are wonderful, as is the food and atmosphere.
Tomorrow we go up Marble Head - another 5-6 hour ride. I'm trying to get a map so I can mark all the rides, we'll see.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Making Muckish..
Tuesday, 22-Sep
We had our hearty Irish breakfast this morning, and gathered in the stable yard at 11a. We were led off today by Neve, with Clair bringing up the rear.
The weather was sunny, with a bit of a breeze as we started off, and had a wade through the water, then a couple of long gallops along Kilahooey Strand.
Then across the road, and up past both holiday and farm houses. Lots of sheep and cows, and green land like you would not believe. Green like Seattle could be if all developers were penned up and torched so they couldn't keep building over it. But I digress....
Up up up, forever winding up, startling the sheep along the way. We passed a famine graveyard, with both the mass grave for those who were unknown to the area, and those named from the workhouse. We finally left behind the homesteaded portion, and were now riding along the famine track. Literally the track where the evicted and dispossesed travelled by horse or foot or pushing carts to try to get to family, or the coast to emigrate, or anywhere they thought they might find work or food. Ireland lost (depending on the accounting) somewhere between 2/3 and 3/4 of its population during the muliple famine times; to either death, or emigration.
As we neared Muckish, the only other living things we saw besides our own horses were the sheep dotting the hillsides. I don't know (or terribly care honestly) about plant life, but riding through the purple heather was an experience.
We broke for lunch near a Loch, and the horses got a good eat as well. The little car drove up the farm road(s) and brought camp chairs, a collapsable table, and our packed lunches from the hotel. That hot soup never tasted so good! We had a brief shower while we ate (of course!) and then we packed up and headed out again.
We now followed the old railroad track, but it was so muddy from Monday's downpour that we kept it to a safe walk. Lots of sheep, some cows and some lovely donkeys! were our company as we rode along the crest of a hill, and then down toward the sea, where we eventually left the horses to stay the night. The little car came with their blankets, food, and halters.
In all it was an extraordinary day. Not just for the scenary, but seeing history from the perspective NOT written by the winners.
Wednesday (tomorrow) we pick up the horses, and ride back toward Dunfanaghy.
Note: if any of you are following/interested in international politics - the Lisbon Treaty vote is HUGE news over here. Ireland + 2 other nations in the EU voted no the first time it was brought to a vote. Apparently it requires a 100% yes vote to pass. The second round, Ireland was the only hold out. So they are forcing a vote again. I don't pretend to completely understand it, their own EU minister said it was unreadable. It will be very interesting to see if they force Ireland to its knees to vote yes this time.
We had our hearty Irish breakfast this morning, and gathered in the stable yard at 11a. We were led off today by Neve, with Clair bringing up the rear.
The weather was sunny, with a bit of a breeze as we started off, and had a wade through the water, then a couple of long gallops along Kilahooey Strand.
Then across the road, and up past both holiday and farm houses. Lots of sheep and cows, and green land like you would not believe. Green like Seattle could be if all developers were penned up and torched so they couldn't keep building over it. But I digress....
Up up up, forever winding up, startling the sheep along the way. We passed a famine graveyard, with both the mass grave for those who were unknown to the area, and those named from the workhouse. We finally left behind the homesteaded portion, and were now riding along the famine track. Literally the track where the evicted and dispossesed travelled by horse or foot or pushing carts to try to get to family, or the coast to emigrate, or anywhere they thought they might find work or food. Ireland lost (depending on the accounting) somewhere between 2/3 and 3/4 of its population during the muliple famine times; to either death, or emigration.
As we neared Muckish, the only other living things we saw besides our own horses were the sheep dotting the hillsides. I don't know (or terribly care honestly) about plant life, but riding through the purple heather was an experience.
We broke for lunch near a Loch, and the horses got a good eat as well. The little car drove up the farm road(s) and brought camp chairs, a collapsable table, and our packed lunches from the hotel. That hot soup never tasted so good! We had a brief shower while we ate (of course!) and then we packed up and headed out again.
We now followed the old railroad track, but it was so muddy from Monday's downpour that we kept it to a safe walk. Lots of sheep, some cows and some lovely donkeys! were our company as we rode along the crest of a hill, and then down toward the sea, where we eventually left the horses to stay the night. The little car came with their blankets, food, and halters.
In all it was an extraordinary day. Not just for the scenary, but seeing history from the perspective NOT written by the winners.
Wednesday (tomorrow) we pick up the horses, and ride back toward Dunfanaghy.
Note: if any of you are following/interested in international politics - the Lisbon Treaty vote is HUGE news over here. Ireland + 2 other nations in the EU voted no the first time it was brought to a vote. Apparently it requires a 100% yes vote to pass. The second round, Ireland was the only hold out. So they are forcing a vote again. I don't pretend to completely understand it, their own EU minister said it was unreadable. It will be very interesting to see if they force Ireland to its knees to vote yes this time.
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!
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!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Muckish Mountain - or Bust!
Monday, 21-Sep
Dear Mom, today we were to ride up Muckish Mountain, and overnight the horses there, to continue on tomorrow. Unfortunately - our plans were thwarted by National Weather Warnings for gale force winds and rain.
So, we have agreed to trade our 'off' day (which was to be Thurs) and ride from Tuesday on out. I am sad...and cursing the weather gods who are messing with me. Voodoo on the other hand is neighing with relief.
So, we are heading off to Glenveagh National Park which has a castle, the largest herd of red deer in Europe, and is supposed to be a lovely hike (rain and all). I'll have to let you know how that goes :-)
One further note: the food here in this tiny village has far surpassed anything (saving the sausage roll) I had in Dublin. Cheers!
Dear Mom, today we were to ride up Muckish Mountain, and overnight the horses there, to continue on tomorrow. Unfortunately - our plans were thwarted by National Weather Warnings for gale force winds and rain.
So, we have agreed to trade our 'off' day (which was to be Thurs) and ride from Tuesday on out. I am sad...and cursing the weather gods who are messing with me. Voodoo on the other hand is neighing with relief.
So, we are heading off to Glenveagh National Park which has a castle, the largest herd of red deer in Europe, and is supposed to be a lovely hike (rain and all). I'll have to let you know how that goes :-)
One further note: the food here in this tiny village has far surpassed anything (saving the sausage roll) I had in Dublin. Cheers!
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