The Light of Ireland - Day 3

(A series of posts leading up to/including The Nocturnes Photo Tour in the West of Ireland, July 15-25, 2013; with a personal Genealogical Research Extension, in and around Ballina, July 25-29 - with follow-up posts continuing here!)

Here is another entry from Michele Houghton's journal from The Nocturnes' recent adventure on Irish soil - The Light of Ireland.

The day dawned overcast on Day 3 of The Light of Ireland adventure. We knew the marine layer would not last long as the temperature was forecast to be very warm.

Our hosts provided us with a wonderful Irish breakfast of fruit, yogurt, eggs, and Irish bacon. Then it was back in the coach to explore the mountains of County Mayo.

Our first stop was just outside of Westport at the beautiful Mohar Lough. This serene little lake is hidden just on the outskirts of the village.

We then started meandering down a country road. This road takes us to the backside of Crough Patrick. Along the way we saw the sheep being herded off of the mountain by the sheep dogs. Oh, and I found the house I am going to buy.  It is at the base of a mountain, at the back of a valley, and I would only have 2 other neighbors.

For lunch we had a picnic in the Sheffrey Mountains - just past my new home of Barnaderg (Irish: Bearna Dhearg, meaning "red gap"). We sat on the side of the mountain and watched the reflections of the clouds paint Tawnyard Lough wondrous colors. The scene was constantly changing. I could of sat there for days and watch the world roll by. We were occasionally greeted by hill walkers who were walking the Western Way. (The scene would have been perfect if we weren’t being harassed by biting black flies and midges.)

We stopped for a pint at Delphi Mountain Resort. This resort provides spa services and extreme sport opportunities.  It is also where you can pay up to $200 to fly fish.  Prince Charles is a frequent guest. The resort is also near Doo Lough, which is another lovely lake. 

Doo Lough is another location of a famine memorial. Each year there is a famine walk at this location to remember the hungry of Ireland and of Africa. Olcan played us a song at the memorial on his tin whistle that he played when Archbishop Desmond Tutu joined the Famine Walk. 

We got a news update from the radio as we were heading home. March was the wettest month on record.  But Ireland is now officially in a drought and water rationing has begun. Tomorrow the temperature is forecast to be 77 degrees F. Today in the sun it felt like high 80s.

We headed back to Hillcrest House for an early dinner. Olcan, our guide, is a flutist and his band is playing at a pub in Westport tonight.  So our plan is to go to the pub and then photograph Westport.

Michele
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From The [not so] Daily Nocturne