Today is a travel day. We are driving from Adare (the prettiest little town in Ireland) to Dingle on the Dingle Peninsula in southwestern Ireland. We have noticed a new weather pattern -- light to moderate rain followed by partial sun and repeat the cycle over and over.
Some roadside sculpture.
The first part of the trip is on a nice (but wet) divided highway.
We don't make if far before the need for coffee and a WC strikes (not necessarily in that order) -- with wifi as a bonus.
After we pass the sizeable but unpicturesque town of Tralee, we are on the Tralee Bay (north) side of the Dingle Peninsula with hills and beaches.
Another National School in the little town of CastleGregory. This one is segregated, boys from girls.
The weather pattern continues.
The sea views are fantastic...
with broad deep beaches.
The clouds hang around the mountain tops.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Kathy's affectionate term, (heretofore referred to as HMMG, appears when you least expect her.
The tidal effect is deeply dramatic in this area -- large tidal flats.
Even the iPhone's pano view can't adequately capture the magnitude of the panoramic views.
We are down to single lane roads much of the time on this portion of the trip -- if you an oncoming car, someone backs up.
You can never get used to the views....
including the patchwork green.
Another rain - sun cycle.
There are small towns with the colourful pubs all along the way.
And churches.
We are starting up the hill toward Connor Pass. We have no idea what is ahead! The road narrows and rocks become more plentiful.
ACHTUNG!! No busses or lorries beyond this point. TURN BACK NOW!! We are not a lorry nor a bus; nonetheless, Kathy is already ready to turn back! Tom is driving, but she is white-knuckled anyway.
We are near the summit with breathtaking (literally) views.
Beyond the ACHTUNG sign, the single track road narrows considerably. We have to squeeze past these cars. The other side of the short stone wall is straight down!! Terrifying, according to the passenger in our car!
We end up waiting in line for several minutes while a car pulling a trailer backs up the hill to a passing point.
Tom as the fearlessness to LAUGH at this point, quipping cheerfully: "This really IS a pass!" No rejoinder from the passenger who is near apoplexy at this point.
We make it to the downhill side; the road widens a smidgen; and we (translated...Tom) start to breathe again.
We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel -- our destination, Dingle City. Look carefully...it is in the far distance, on the water.
A better view of Dingle
Finally, we arrive at Pax House for the next two nights.
We have the least expensive room....no view, no TV. Given that we never turn on the TV except for sporting events, we are fine with that. And given that the views from the common areas are stunning and the wifi is only available there, we are fine with that. What we DO have in this remarkably priced accommodation is SPACE...and lots of it.
Except, of course, for the shower....
There are 3 gathering/common areas...
We are immediately served tea by our wonderful host, John. See the bird cage with an apparent bird in it?
The "bird" is a strainer for loose tea!
Each of the breathtaking pictures below is taken from the Pax House verandah/sunroom. Pax House sits right on the Dingle Harbor where we can watch any vessel enter or depart. There is also a dolphin named Fungie who has been in this harbour for many, many years...we didn't see him; however, he is so predictable that the guides give full refund if he is not spotted during your tour.
Rio, the resident dog, rests beside a dog sculpture. Our room is the only one upstairs and she is waiting for us at the top of the stairs whenever we go up.
After tea and "settling in", we wander downtown for dinner. John has made a reservation for us at "Out of the Blue". Kathy picked that one for two reasons: 1) she likes to do things impulsively, i.e., out of the blue and 2) everything on the menu is fish and fresh....their ad reads "If no fresh fish available this day, we are not open!" This is our distance to town....
Down the hill, no problem....coming home, we'll see.
We got the last and only table available for the evening when John called....6 p.m. This little shelf was built in to the wall by our table to make a wee bit more space.
Something different for Tom...John Dory fish atop sea bass
Kathy had seared scallops, accompanied by tastes of carrot, beetroot, lentils, parsnips, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes. Both dishes were extraordinary in diversity and flavour.
The bill is in the box!
It has started to rain. We don't fancy walking the mile back in the rain and knowing that it will stop soon, we stop for a beer.
Really? First time we have seen this! Dogs' poo is a huge problem apparently, but this is a wholly different matter (pardon the pun)
The patrons don't look like counterfeiters, thieves, cheats...
As a matter of fact, this group was having such fun, they had us laughing at their laughing. Now they may not be counterfeiters, but the couple had been at the horse races all day....dressed up! It's the Irish version of the Ascot, I guess, right here in Dingle!!! Asked him if he won $, said he won on Friday, but not today!
Rain has passed. Here are those boats which bring the fresh fish to "Out of the Blue" and way beyond Dingle, as well.
Random art
The sun is setting....more pictures from the Pax verandah.
Surprise! John's turndown service is not just a piece of chocolate on our pillow. The chocolate is accompanied by wee dram of Bailey's!!!
