Week 54 - 20th to 26th October

Monday 20th - day 358

Everyone has returned to their own routines, so only those fortunate enough to still be on holiday are left to play. We spent the morning catching up with domestics, but in the afternoon we loaded the bath chairs and their occupants into the land Rover and set off for Bolton Abbey. After all the rain, the river was a torrent of churning and foaming waters, with currents and under currents to stir the imagination.
We walked up to the Strid, and where there had been rocky ledges in the spring now there was only a wide and wild flow as the water reached higher than any of the channel.
The walk had a lovely autumnal feel to it as the beeches are turning golden and the path was strewn with colourful leaves. It was so good to be out in the fresh air again, and as a treat (and a thank you) we finished the afternoon with a little Tiffin in the very stylish Devonshire Arms, (reminded me of the Old Bell) just the ticket!!!

Tuesday 21st - day 359

No play today, as we needed to attend to the small detail of where we are heading tomorrow, but by tea time we had sorted out our route and timetable for the final leg of our tour, as well as spending a happy hour bargain hunting in Sainsbury’s!

Wednesday 22nd - day 360

We are leaving Clitheroe after a really lovely time of catching up with the family. We are also leaving in lovely weather which is a bonus!
After an easy drive down the motorway we arrived at our next docking station, a caravan site situated right by (and with access to) the Shropshire Union Canal and is just a 3 mile walk down the tow path to Chester.
Once we had settled in we took the tow path towards town passing a plethora of large houses, little round bridges and colourful narrow boats (some of which were occupied.) We also passed the Cheshire Cat public house. It looked so inviting that after walking a little further, we returned for an aperitif, before heading back for supper.

Thursday 23rd - day 361

Wall to wall rain again today, such a shame after the lovely day yesterday, so just as well that we are going into Manchester so that I can get my hair cut. Hannah had recommended the Toni and Guy training academy, so I was in for an economical long sit! The young girl (also called Hannah) was very good and I left with hair in pretty good shape and quite a lot shorter – so that will keep me going for a while!
In the meantime DB took his camera for an outing and found the cathedral and Barton’s Arcade, an elegant Victorian shopping arcade that looked like it was being developed. Once refreshed from the 2hour sit he showed me his finds, and we continued to wander round the buzzing metropolis until we were fed up of being wet and returned to the car, and made for home as I think that we will be back on Saturday to meet up with Hannah, Mustafa and Matthew! Well that will be a trip to Wagamamas then!!

Friday 24th - day 362

We have been back in the sunshine again today, so much so that I took swan vesta man home with me!!
As the caravan park has access to the Shropshire Union tow path we decided to walk along by the canal into Chester. It was just lovely to be out in the sunshine, with the sound of narrow boats chugging past us, and the occasional winding of the lock keys.
What we did also notice though was that most people who passed us on the path did not stop to say hello, and after the friendliness of the folk in Ireland, it was very noticeable.
It took an hour to walk into town, and as we were deciding whether to turn left or right – having arrived in Chester’s centre, we did meet a very friendly man who was fresh out of the pub! He happily engaged us in conversation about the merits of Chester and particularly its stone work, until he had shown us the front door of the cathedral.
We stayed there a rather long time as we had given us an excellent audio tour which automatically gave the info on where ever we were standing, so we stopped and looked at everything!
We were hungry by the time we had finished so we stopped for our picnic lunch in the gardens, before we set off to walk round town and the walls.
We enjoyed the old two tier shopping gallery, and as we walked along the top row we found a nice little deli (that we were informed by the proud owner had opened earlier this year) so we stopped for a foot soother.
Once refreshed we headed back to the tow path and walked back to the camp site along the canal side, but not in time for the Archers!

Saturday 25th - day 363

We have had wall to wall rain again, but it did not get in the way for us as much as it the 2,500 marathon fell runners that got stranded in dangerous weather conditions in Borrowdale when the organisers failed to stop the race despite advice from everyone else it would seem.
Our first stop was to Quarry Bank Mill, a fantastic working example of one of the north’s leading cotton mills. It is of course now owned and managed by the wonderful National Truss, so is superbly presented, with guides in costume, showing how to spin and weave, and how to work the machinery. It was a real trip down memory lane, especially seeing the clogs and bobbins that could still be seen around the place when I was little.
As well as the mill we were taken on a tour around the apprentice house, which housed up to 90 children over 9 whose other choice of accommodation was likely to be the work house. Although conditions were bleak, and the working day long (they were in the mill by 6am, and did not leave until 6pm, when they returned to the house to either study or do chores) the guide was keen to point out that they were well looked after, as they were well fed, and had beds to sleep in!
It was a fantastic place and I suspect that we may try and return, but for today we were continuing into Manchester to meet up with Hannah and Mustafa. We did not get to meet Matthew as he had to return to London. We were sad not to see Mr Chandelier, but it meant that we had more time to get to know Hannah’s new young man.
We went for the now customary Wagamamas fresh food fest, and on for a pint at the Oyster Barbefore they had to go to work, but it was nice to spend a couple of hours in their company.

Sunday 26th - day 364

We tried to pack too much in today, but of course did not manage to see as much as we had wanted to so it is likely that we are going to try and stay another day!
Into Liverpool
First stop Speke House, timber framed tudor house with a Victorian interior.
It was also owned by the National Truss so we were treated to te usual comforting standard.
It seems that all is well when we enter NT land.
From there drove up to Crosby to see Antony Gormleys Iron Men. Stunning and eerie
Whilst on the beach had a brief but torrential hail storm
Vertical sleet, stung the ears and cheeks, and soaked the cloths arrived back at the car soaking wet and cold but happy
Back in the centre of Liverpool, with hopes of seeing at least the Catholic Cathedral but it had closed so we went to look for Albert Docks, and there was so much to see that we decided that we would just have to make a return trip.
Home through the tunnel

Week 53 - 13th to 19th October

Monday 13th - day 351

This is our last day in Ireland, and it was mizzly to start with, but brightened up steadily until it became a glorious afternoon!
We decided to drive over to look at Strangford Lough, stopping first at Killybeagh, a smart little town dominated by a huge gothic style, privately owned castle. The owners had left the gates open so that the plebs could look in, but there was a clear sign instructing us not to step over the threshold!
We then took the back roads along the lough, stopping at a dreamy little bay to eat our lunch, as the tide drifted out and the wading birds drifted in! Full and rested, we looked for somewhere to walk, so drove along to Whiterock, a beautiful wide bay, with a harbour full of boats, a marina, lots of seaweed and a ruined castle. The sunshine gave everything a golden glow, and we parked up to walk along the side of the waters edge.
We stopped just past a lighthouse boat called Ballydorn, and must have been looking inquisitive, because the proud Committee Chairman of the Down Cruising Club came and asked us if we would like to look around. Well, it would have been churlish to refuse!! So we didn’t and got a grand tour of the old craft, which the band of faithful enthusiasts, who had purchased the vessel for £2,000 40 years earlier, had modernised and renovated to accommodate parties and functions. Rather proudly he showed us the Captains quarters, which they had left in place.
We chatted for a while, before continuing our walk along the road, until the path moved away from the water.

Tuesday 14th - day 352

We are heading back to blighty today, with mixed feelings. It has to be said that our last couple of weeks have been bighted by bad weather or financial misery, and whilst we are sad to be leaving this lovely island, we are looking forward to being back on the mainland where we can access information and take action more easily!
We had an easy if wet journey up the motorway to the ferry port, then an easy (if wet) crossing!! We decided to buy ourselves a hot lunch as we would be on the road for the rest of the day, and were each treated to a really tasty (and inexpensive) steak and kidney pie, tick-VG to Stenaline!
We were back on the road by 2pm, and we drove all the way to Kendal in miserable rain, and by the time we came to park the caravan, the fields had been replaced by lakes, and we looked a very sorry sight as we tried to manoeuvre into a (hoped for) parking quagmire/space when Chris could not see my waving and gesticulating in the dark and rainy conditions,
We were soaking wet, and looked a very sorry sight, by the time we had finished! So it was straight on to the flat for a hot bath, and a curl up on the sofa, I am beginning to look forward to living in the flat.

Wednesday 15th - day 353

We are only at the flat for three days, so there will be no time for play, as we need to do the usual repairs and maintenance. We had a bit of a chaotic start, as we were visited by the Surveyor and the Solicitor at the same time, (preparing for the Management Group) and just when the flat was looking like an overheated Chinese laundry, but in a muddily sort of a way we made reasonable progress!
In the afternoon we scooted down to Kendal to do some shopping, and get some provisions, and were back in time (before it started to rain again!)to give the flower bed a good old weeding, as it was looking very overgrown. We are beginning to love the growing feelings of familiarity.

Thursday 16th - day 354

I don’t think that we left the flat today it was all work, work, work.
But there was a thrilling moment when we saw out of the sitting room window a great theatrical display of contrasts as the rain fell on one side of the fells and there was a watery sunshine on the other, giving glorious displays of light and shadow as the mist rolled across the fell sides. We stopped and watched it from our sitting room for a while. A joy which I am sure will be repeated often in a few weeks!

Friday 17th - day 355

After another day of repairing and cleaning we were ready to depart for Clitheroe, after a lovely catch up and cup of tea with Richard and Sue East, who are staying for the week at the flat.
We had a tricky start to the journey as one of the wheels had got jammed, and would not turn, making it very difficult to pull the caravan out of the mud, but we did get moving after a few forward and reverse manoeuvres!
Grandpa and Tim were ready to escort us to the farm in West Bradford where the caravan was going to spend the five days that we are with the family, and Tim was very helpful in assisting us park up!
It was good to see him, and we all had another lovely catch up after supper!

Saturday 18th - day 356

We had a really lazy day today. As Hannah joined us at coffee time, and having picked her up, we all went to the Emporium to meet Al for coffee (and Nachos for Tim!) After a leisurely linger over coffee and a mooch round the gift shop we returned to the Orchard for lunch at the wrinks.
We never left the comfort of the settees all afternoon, hardly an appetite inducing activity, but as soon as Vic was home from work, we all headed up to the Calf’s Head for a Worston Whale (enormous fish and chips)
We waddled back to Al and Vic’s for drinks, and at the end of the evening my walking pal and I really enjoyed the walk back to the wrinks in the rain, loving the fresh air and exercise, even if wet!

Sunday 19th - day 357

We have enjoyed another lazy day of eating ad talking, though some of us were virtuous enough to get up and go to church – but not all of us!!
After church, we all trooped up to Al and Vic’s for a little sherry and a lot of excellent fish pie!
It took some persuading to get the workers to return to their computers to prepare for the working week, whilst those on holiday donned the marigolds! After a while though we had all returned to the comfy sofa!
Once again we needed the walk back to the wrinks to find some comfort from all the eating of the weekend!!

Week 52 - 6th to 12th October

Monday 6th - day 344

After several days of neglecting the diary, there was nothing for it but to catch up this morning before we went out for the afternoon, which was a bit of pain as the weather is lovely again, but once the necessary job was done, we were free to move off!
Alas the weather deteriorated as we set out, but we did manage to stay dry as we enjoyed a wander round Ballintober the “Abbey that wouldn’t die”!
It was built in 1216, and despite a turbulent history it was still receiving worshippers to Mass in the mid 1900’s, although there was no roof and the walls were at risk!
It was restored in the 1960’s and was quite magnificent in all its simple glory. It would appear that the two latest incumbents were responsible for its renaissance, and as well as an atmosphere of peace inside the Abbey (and no mention of how much it’s upkeep cost – Hallelujah) there was a stunning garden with a Rosary Walk, where you could enter the stable and cousin Elizabeths house, the crucifixion site and the empty tomb, as well as the 12 stations of the Cross laid out in modern stone work. The inscriptions were simple and thought provoking, and we lingered a long time there – just as well with what we were to learn later.
We returned home over the moors via Aghagower. We were looking forward to visiting the village that got a cheery mention in the DVD running in the Abbeys visitors room, but what we had not anticipated was the panoramic view that opened up to us as we rounded the last summit. It was a breath taking sweep of Party Mountains to our left, Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick in front of us, and the Nephin Beg Range to our right. Wow, and the clouds were just wisping round the tops as we stopped (though it did rain heavily again soon after!)
Aghagower was a village of cemeteries – the dead centre of Mayo as the resident comedian put it, but there were obvious historic links to St Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ad 400, so we took a walk round.
We were home in time to listen to the 7 o’clock news, and the crushing of all our hopes.
The savings that we had accrued and were making our trip possible were being housed in an Icelandic bank (safe and respected we were advised during our research!!) and we were informed that the banks had ceased trading – which means that we have no access to our savings, and in fact they may be lost for ever. I am not sure which of us felt more sick, but it was a deep body blow, and effectively brings our holiday to an end, as we cannot fund it now, and will have to look for work, sooner rather than later (gone in a moment are all dreams of part time work and greater freedom!)
It was hard to recover, but we had already bought tickets to hear John Spillane from Cork, so in the light of inpending poverty we felt it too wasteful to let the tickets go, and we did hope that he might distract us. Unfortunately although he was very entertaining he did not! And we were ready to leave the noise and bustle just as soon as we could.
Any thoughts of sleep were lost in a night of tossing and turning, and we can only pray for brighter news to emerge at some point.

Tuesday 7th - day 345

It rained all night, which robbed the last hopes of rest, and the morning was not much brighter. We tried to contact Icesave for more information but reached an ansaphone apologising for inconvenience caused but the bank was not receiving deposits or making withdrawals!!! Oh, and we would find the latest news on the web site as soon as they had any!
So we sit tight and wait, like thousands of others. It is now a time to be thankful for all that we do have, and count our very many blessings, rather than dwell on the difficulties!
Needless to say, there was not much of an appetite for going out and about today so we busied ourselves with the stuff of life and tried to stay calm!! (well one of us!!)
By mid afternoon the desire to feel the wind on our faces stirred us into action, and we drove down to Lough Mask, with the hope of finding a path to walk by the waters edge. We were not lucky in that respect, but we did catch a news flash that indicated that it looked like the Icelandic banks were about to go into liquidation, and if they did British savers would be allowed to claim compensation up to £50,000 (from various quarters!!). For us that is good news as we have less than that amount in the bank, but for those serious savers it would have been a body blow!
So despite the lack of a lovely pathway, we took a determined and warily cheerful stride out to blow the cobwebs away.
We still have to wait for the announcement regarding liquidation and compensation process, and there will be no certainties until we see (at least some of) our savings returned back to us, but at least there is more of a hopeful atmosphere than was 24 hours ago!

Wednesday 8th - day 346

Today we were blessed with sunshine again, that and the latest good news from the Chancellor regarding our savings with Icesave meant that we enjoyed a really happy day!We had planned to drive over to Achill Island, but stopped first at Newport, which had looked worthy of closer inspection on a previous visit, but alas it did not really warrant the time we spent there, though I did enjoy watching the tide coming in, up the river which was flowing in the opposite direction, as DB went in search of the perfect photo opportunity!
We continued on to Achill an island connected to the mainland by a small bridge. We had been told that it was lovely, but it was much more than that. As we drove round its weaving contures, we kept coming across another beautifully sweeping sandy beach that was the playground for a cluster of charming little whitewashed cottages. There were two real high spots of the day though. The first was when we came across Dooega. We had to back track a little up a steep and narrow road up the mountain side to reach a viewing point, but it was so worth it. As we got out of the car we read a small inscription that read “All the people will come and worship before you oh Lord, they will bring glory to your Name” Ps86v9 and as we looked up, we knew exactly what the inscriber was getting at. The sky was clear, the sun was high and the wind was lapping up the waters, and you could feel the powers of the wild natural forces and wonder at our creative God. It was a dramatic moment, and we lingered a long time, walking to the edge of the cliffs and taking time to let the place restore the battered edges!
In fact we lingered long enough to have worked up a thirst, so out came the basket, and we enjoyed an alfresco feast, which we had to hold down in the face of a 25 mph wind. Needless to say this caused some wry smiles from fellow visitors- but frankly, were we bovvered!
From Dooega Head we drove round to the end of the island, through lovely Keel, and on to Moytoege Head, where the road came to an end, at another beautiful clean sweep of a sandy bay. The final approach to the beach was taken along a narrow road cut into the hill, with the edge rather too close to an unprotected verge, we were told that it was a bit scary for some, but we carried on regardless just leaned to the right a bit harder!! Our reward was a lovely walk on golden sands!
As usual time was beating us, and it was getting close to dusk and dinner time, so we drove the rest of the way round the island in fading light, but it will remain in one of the top ten attractions I think for a long time, and we left with thoughts of further visits (and easy and quick suppers!)

Thursday 9th - day 347

All attempts to stay upbeat and optimistic today were being drowned by the persistent rain, and deepening crisis in Iceland. We remain comforted by the headlines, but details like how we retrieve our savings are being kept firmly behind a locked website! Still, we have so many blessings to be thankful for, it is best to dwell on them rather than the difficulties, as it is starting to emerge that many councils and charities have invested in Icesave, following the same “sound financial advice” as us, and they must be worried!
So, we continue to wait, and say thank you for all that we do have.
The rain did not shift so by lunch time we decided to go out regardless. This is our last day in Mayo, as tomorrow we depart for Ulster prior to returning to blighty. We will be leaving with mixed feelings. This was a much anticipated leg of our trip, and it seems to have been dogged by bad weather and bad news. The comforting thing is that hopefully when all financial upheaval has settled, and we are back in the saddle, we will be able to plan a return visit!
With all these thoughts whirling through my brain we set off for Ballina, and the Killala harbour.
We stopped first to look in at Foxford Mills, a very reputable Irish woollen mill that had a very posh “lifestyle” shop. In other circumstances we may have purchased, but the purse is tight shut now!
So on we went to find a lovely bit of coastline to enjoy our cuppa, and a stroll. Unfortunately Inshcrone was a bit of a mini Skegness, looking grim in the rain, so we carried on until we found a lonely little pebbly bay that we could enjoy all to ourselves!
It may not be very sophisticated, but I do enjoy these little picnics, looking out over the stormy seas.
For a while the rain fall quietened to a drizzle so we went for a wander and a forage.
The landscape here was a rather unusual mix of stepped rocks and little round pebbles. Mistakenly we thought that the flat rocky ledges would be easier to walk on but after a brief but exciting episode of skittering, and flailing we carefully edged our way back to the pebbles, where we concentrated our efforts on searching out some interesting fossil filled gems!
We returned to the car wet, windswept and happy, and ready for the journey back to warm and dry!
We had not been travelling long before we met a rather soggy looking chap who was madly waving his thumb in the air. Understanding his dampness we stopped, upon which he asked for lift to Castlebar, for himself …… and his bike! Fortunately we could squeeze it in the back of the land rover so with all cargo on board we set off again.
It did not take long for the heady aromas of Vodka to reach our nostrils, and as he lurched and spluttered in the back I did wonder whether to advise Chris to draw his seat up to protect his neck from a possible technicolour yawn! He kept us entertained for most of the journey, and we understood enough of his ramblings to know that he was Latvian, a chef, an alcoholic with criminal tendencies (his admission) and no money. For a while I considered hiding any gold jewellery I could discreetly remove, and as he rustled in his plastic bag I have to admit that I felt a little nervous. However all that he wanted from us was to take him to his old house to pick up his blankets, and then drive him on to his new digs. I have to say that I am glad that they were both in Castlebar. And when he offered us a bed in his new place as a thank you, I chastised myself for my prejudice, and once we had dropped him off we returned to our own warm and dry haven of comfort!

Friday 10th - day 348

Once again we are on the move, leaving lovely Westport, feeling that we have not really been able to make the most of it. Somewhere between the rain and the news of financial meltdown, the joy of being in this lovely corner of Ireland has been diminished unfortunately.
And again it rained through the night, (though looking at the photo of the campsite, we obviously did have some good weather!!) and in fact did not stop until we were sitting down to supper.
So we made the whole journey across the middle of Ireland to Aghalee on the south edge of Lough Neagh, in the rain!
We were on the road for six hours, and Chris’s eyes were on stalks by the time we arrived.
But the CL that we are staying on for the weekend is a lovely little part of an orchard on a farm in the middle of nowhere, and costs £8 per night which is a very welcome change from the 20+ euro per night that we have been paying for the rest of our stay in Eire!

Saturday 11th - day 349

It has been a lovely day, so we decided to stay local, and try not to spend, so opted for fresh air and freedom – which always does the soul good!!
Unforunately we did not get off to a good start though, as the countryside flatter and rather uninspiring, but there was an RSPB nature reserve near by so we drove to Portmore lough in the hope of walking round the small lake and doing a little bird spotting, but recent rain had flooded the pathways so all was closed. Fortunately we met a local man who told us about the joys of Oxford Island, another RSPB site, so we drove round to the shores of Lough Neagh.
Oxford Island was a larger nature reserve, very manicured with a marina, visitors centre, café and laid out paths. It was not really very stimulating but the late afternoon light brought a glow to the autumn colours, and we were able to walk right round the perimeter on woodland paths, checking out these glorious little treasures, and pretending to be out in the country for a couple of hours!
And there was a lovely sunset to finish the day well!
By 7.30pm we were back at the caravan, feeling relaxed – there is nothing like a blast of fresh air and some exercise to settle the spirit!

Sunday 12th - day 350

We have enjoyed another day without rain (yippee), though it was a mix of sunshine and cloud.
The Mourne mountain range had been recommended to us by a couple of folk, so we drove down to check them out. They were indeed a striking mountain range sitting right by the east coast.
We parked up in Silent valley visitor’s centre, (in the centre of the mountains) and picnicked in the car park! Once revived, we walked through the woodland grounds up to the dam, and almost left the madding crowd as we continued to walk the length of the reservoir.
The landscape was very wild, bleak and had a wintery feel, and the hard road made feet sore, but we as always, enjoyed our thrash in the fresh air, and we were regularly entertained by the sight of Irish folk pounding the pavements at speed - taking very seriously their daily thirty minutes of exercise!
We had also packed a picnic supper (of spicy bean soup, so we needed to be outside!!) so that we could make the most of the day, so once back at the car we drove on round to the coast.
It should have been fabulous, but by now the clouds were right down, so we were unable to take photos of the area, but the land that swept down to sea was divided up into small fields (quite like the Peak District) which were separated out by very straight, very level walls made of large round bouldery type stones, it all looked very striking.
We drove and drove to find that perfect view of the sea, but it was dark by the time we reached anywhere that we could park and look out, so in the end we ate our broth looking across at the lights of Newcastle listening to the waves!!
We were back at the caravan in time to listen to a special edition of Moneybox live, to try and find out the latest in the financial maelstrom, and particularly when we might see our savings again!!

Week 51 - 29th Sept to 5th Oct

Monday 29th - day 337

After 5 short days we are leaving Sligo and moving on to Cong. There has been a mass exodus

from this busy caravan site, as it was the final weekend of the season, and the seasonal pitches have to vacate, however the surfers are still there.
The journey was bumpy – possibly the bumpiest, by the look of the bathroom! And when we got to our next camp site, we were not sure that we had made a good move. The camp site cost over 20 euros per night, plus 5 euros for electricity, plus 1 euro for a shower; but for all that cost we are in a sort of yard surrounded by 12 foot Leylandii. So we will be off to check out Castlebar tomorrow!

Tuesday 30th - day 338

Today has been a day of two parts! first we went to Castlebar and Westport to sort out alternative accommodation, which we did and then swiftly returned to Cong, to make the most of our two days left here.
After a cup of tea we set out for a walk to (and through) Ashford Castle. We had been told that it was lovely, but rather than the historical building that we were expecting, it was a palatial hotel, set in many acres of woodland and formal gardens.
We enjoyed a leisurely walk (and many stops, as DB whipped his tripod out), collecting some stunning pine cones and photos as we went.
We found the woodland path from the hotel, which took us a lovely walk by the river, through a real dingly dell, all the way into Cong, ending up at the ruined Abbey- just up the road from “Pat Cohans” the pub featured in the John Wayne movie “The Quiet Man” - one of Chris’s favourites. We had heard that it had been newly renovated, so called in for a Guinness. Sadly there was not enough of the old left to stir anything other than Chris’s disappointment, so we made our way back to the campsite.
Of all the expenses incurred in staying on this site, the one freebie is a nightly showing of “The Quiet Man” in the communal sitting room.
However we found that it had been taken over by a coach load of young Germans, so we retired gracefully to our caravan and watched Chris’s copy of the DVD on our PC, from the comfort of our own “sofa”. Brill, we could picture all the places that we had walked through only a few hours earlier!

Wednesday 1st October - day 339

We have enjoyed yet another fabulous day, touring the Burren, in interesting weather conditions, high winds, thundery skies, hail, and golden summer sunshine!
We started at Kinvarra, and took a little trip down memory lane as we remembered the castle; it looked just as lovely as we remembered it as the tide was out revealing the lovely golden coloured seaweed, and little islands.
We stopped for lunch at the seaside/golfing resort of Lahinch, and maybe should have stopped to walk down its golden sands, but we were eager to get up to the Cliffs of Moreh, as we didn’t see them last time we were here, ten years ago, (our first holiday together!) as they were covered in thick fog. Today the cliffs were very clear, but those of us who had hair had difficulty seeing them as the wind whipped the tresses across our faces (not a problem for some!!).
Our next stop was at the Burren, where we parked up and walked the grey lunar landscape down to the water, just as we did last time we were here. It was also just as we remembered it, grey land, grey sea and grey sky -fabulously atmospheric.
And finally we drove back to Galway to complete the trip down memory lane, in foul rain!
Our first pint of Guinness had to be drunk in “The Quays”. It was the only disappointment of the day – all charm and character and been replaced with a huge football screen, we left quickly!
Our next two Guinnesses were enjoyed at a completely different pub (across the road). It was full of character and little drinking booths, and there was lots of entertainment to be had from the locals!
We finished our fab day down memory lane at McDonaghs for the best fish and chips in Ireland (yes really), and we were home by 11pm tired but happy!

Thursday 2nd - day 340

For the first time, we have not bothered to take any photos of the camp site, I think we want to forget it as quickly as possibly! Especially as there has been a traveller take over since yesterday, best be gone we think!!
Miraculously we were pulling out by 11am (another first) and were only an hour up the road, so were resettled in Loch Lannagh Village, Castlebar very quickly.
After lunch we walked the river path into town, and spent the next hour or so being real saddos as we rather too earnestly compared the prices between Aldi and Tescos. We can tell you that Aldi were cheaper for most things, but did not have the range of things that we were after… ground coffee, Activia yoghurts etc!
So unfortunately I have to confess that we shopped in Tesco’s. I am not even haunted by my hypocrisy now! (Hopefully it will return once we have landed!)
Once the forage round enemy territory was complete, we took a run round town, but it did not possess enough charms to encourage us to linger.
So it was back to the caravan to complete our chores, supper and a perusal of the Westport Arts Festival programme, yippee!

Friday 3rd - day 341

The weather forecast does not look too bad for today, so we decided to take a trip back to Clifden and Roundstone. It was a bit of a “flat bottom” day, but worth it!
Our route took us through Westport but we didn’t stop there as we will be returning tomorrow.
So our first stop was at dreamy little Murrisk, a seaweed filled bay, with a little harbour with a cluster of isolated houses. We stood for a while and watched farmers gather a truck load of sea weed - presumably to be used for fertilizer.
We also learned here that pilgrims would walk up Croagh Patrick (the local pilgrimage mountain) in bare feet as an act of repentance – we hope to walk up it, if weather allows but I doubt that we will be going up bare footed!
From there we drove down the absolutely breathtaking Doo Lough Pass (slowly, behind a very stubborn tractor driver) and alongside Irelands only Fjord - Killary Harbour, at the end of which were the beautiful Aasleagh Falls. We stopped here and walked along the river bank until it became too soggy to go any further, so we returned to the car and carried on towards Clifden.
We had a quick swing round there, again remembering the time that we had brought the kids here on a miserable rainy day, of going from one shelter to another, but today the sun was out and the shops were painted brightly and all looked fresh and lovely (and busy).
We did not stop for tea though as we had brought our own today, we are trying to practice prudence in these difficult financial times, from what we hear in the news it is all going to get much trickier for everyone over the next couple of years, because of the appalling financial meltdown of recent weeks. We may be needing our savings to last much longer if we can’t find jobs in the new year!!
From Clifden we drove round to Roundstone, again where we had brought the kids on a wet day, and so had rather gloomy memories of it. We were so glad that we made our return visit as it was much nicer than we remember, sunshine always helps!
We walked along the main street and down to the harbour, and again stood for a while and watched a lone fisherman store his catch of crab in a watery holding, before he went back out – presumably to continue fishing.
Time then to make the long journey home, but again through delightful scenery all the way, (always appreciated by us) and home to rub life back into numb buttocks!

Saturday 4th - day 342

Good choice of activities for today, as it rained ALL day, and some!
We went for a good look round Westport. It is the beginning of their Arts Festival, and there were art exhibitions everywhere. We were particularly taken by the work of a Ceramic artist who was using interesting heat and firing techniques in order to produce some very strikingly marked rural landscapes. We were tempted, but now that we are in economy mode were not willing to pay 250 euro for a 9 inch square plate!
When we got fed up of being wet we went for a cuppa in a café/art gallery, but again were more impressed by the prices than the paintings.
One of the high spots of the day for me was buying some home made bread from a stall holder, and hearing how her mother had got started.
As I am desperate not to loose my soul again to the public sector if I can at all help it, (nor do I think that I will survive too long working in Booths however fine their reputation!) my aspirations at the moment are to join the ranks of all the Artisans that we have met or purchased work from over the year. Now, unfortunately here is the rub!!! As I cannot paint, turn a pot or create a stain glass panel I will have to look to something that I can learn more quickly… ah bread! I love buying those tasty interesting wholegrain power houses of goodness, so why not make them!!
Well another pipe dream hits the dust when I learned about the installation of the stainless steel kitchen, back to Booths then!
Before we headed back to the caravan for an early supper, we stopped at a local hotel that had free internet access so that we could check our emails.
We had had a very scary phone call from Vodafone earlier telling us that we were about to receive a bill for £1,100 for usage of the dongle whilst abroad(!) However they were going to pay it for us(!!!!!!!!) most confusing. The girl at the other end of the line was well trained and kept us calm, and though I still don’t really understand it, it looks like we should have been on a different tariff, but as it had not been set up, presumably they couldn’t charge us, and the call was to set up the appropriate tariff. Well lets hope so, we haven’t seen the bill yet, so I may have got it wrong!
We didn’t have any luck at the hotel, as we could not access their connection, but spent 2 hours and 12euro trying(!!!) before we gave up and went back to the van to eat before returning to Matt Molloys to listen to their Irish music session. We had been here with the kids before, and were so impressed with this hostelry (owned by Matt Molloy of the Cheiftans) that it had been on the top of the list of things to do, on our Irish leg of the tour.
We were not disappointed, in fact we were impressed and staggered in equal measure. Impressed because the Irish do seem to know how to have fun, and it is always a joy to watch their obvious enjoyment at bashing out the old tunes; Staggered at the amount of alcohol that they consume, and how late it is before the party really starts. The music session did not begin until gone 10pm, and musicians were still coming to join in at midnight.
We were also entertained by a group of young women all strangely dressed and sporting outrageous wigs, well they were entertaining until the drink made them too loud to hear the music!
The high spot of Chris’s day came in the shape of two free pints.
When we found our table, it already had on it two freshly poured pints of Guinness. Well this was almost too much for a Guinness appreciator. He eyed them up for an hour, but when it became apparent that no-one was going to claim them, he made them his own – joy – all that enjoyment at no cost – well not until the morning anyway!

Sunday 5th - day 343

We enjoyed a very leisurely start and a little bacon and black pudding this morning! The weather was fine and sunny so once recovered and well fed we set off to visit the Clew Bay area. It was not quite as we expected it though. I had thought that it was a rocky low lying bay dotted everywhere with peat bogs and white washed cottages, but no it was green and hilly and you didn’t see the bay full of little islands until you had climbed the highest peak, So after a drive around, this is exactly what we did. We parked the car at the end of a small causeway and walked along the seaweed strewn road to a road/track that took us and over the little incline so that we could get a fabulous panoramic view of the bay. As the early evening light so soft, and the air was so still and quiet, we carried on down to the next peninsular to walk along the stony shore until we had seen enough, and decided to that it was time to return for supper –a fine piece of Trout fillet that melted in the mouth!