Inspired by the antics of Evelyn and Craig (who have been clocking up the km in prep for the rogaine champs), and feeling increasingly sluggish, we agreed last night that we would run in the morning. When the alarm went off at 6.15 it didn't feel like such a good idea, but when we headed out it was a beautiful still day. Down below the town in the Dingle harbour they were still loading a big boat with sandstone chips (which means that trucks keep driving up and down the main street with loads for it) while the still water reflected the pale grey sky.
With a phone map, and a dodgy local tourist map in hand we did the best we could to make ourselves a a bit of a plan. Our route took us past the tiny craft and tourist shops, and the many colourful pubs, bars and restaurants as we headed up the hill. We tried to get in to the town park, but the gate is locked till 8 am, so we headed on. At the local oval they have a huge net drawn back which hangs on wires strung between what look like extra tall power poles on at least 2 sides. We guess it is to keep the balls in the park, instead of in the farmers paddocks. Our run also took us out past the stone commemorating Fungie the dolphin, who made a home here 30 years ago and stays still... But our map and phone didn't quite tell the whole story, and we ended up backtracking down the frosty streets due to dead ends. It was certainly nice to see Dingle early before the crazy tourist activity starts for the day.
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast once more ( so much for the run) and headed out for another morning of supervised exploration.
First stop-a farmer with his sheep dogs for a demonstration of their work. In some ways this was a comedy more than anything else. He has one very old dog who is now rather senile. The dog is tied up while a younger dog works, and is then let off a little later on to assist the final act-rounding the sheep into a pen. The funny thing is that the dog has a mind of his own and the farmer is shouting at him furiously while he happily ignores his master's voice. It could rate as a clown act in the circus and I was in stitches of laughter. The dogs were rounding up three types of sheep-Scotch, Texan and Suffolk.
Apparently farmers are paid "headage" to keep sheep-which encourages quantity rather than quality. This has recently been reduced and is causing a change to some practices.
The Starlings are starting to arrive early for the autumn and were lining up on the wires chattering away. Apparently many of the migratory birds make their way here for the winter because the gulf stream keeps this part of the coast relatively ice free. Henry, our driver, is a great observer of wildlife and very knowledgeable about such things.
The scenery along the Dingle Peninsula is amazing and I took too many photos. If I offer for you to see the complete set say no.
We hopped out and walked or viewed a number of times.
There are many flowers along the roadsides-mostly orange (monbrechia? ), red (fuschia) and white (meadowsweet), but while walking on the heath land there were many grasses and small flowers also.
Trevor couldn't help imitating the giant who has been sleeping for nearly 2500 years and is due to wake up very soon.
Apparently other Irish counties sling off at those from Kerry. (Why do dogs from Kerry have flat noses? - from chasing all the parked cars) Today we went over a bridge at one stage which had water running over it!! It did prove the point a little.
Then we headed back to Dingle and had the afternoon to ourselves.
After a light lunch we returned to the icceream shop. I think butterscotch and caramelized brown bread are both excellent flavours. Trevor liked the sea salt.
Trevor slept for a while while I hit the streets to admire the local crafts.
Evelyn-you should have come shopping here for woolen wear. They have some most lovely and modern wraps and shawls as well as the more traditional. I'm sorry to say I didn't buy you one (or me one).
I also revisited the crystal maker ( this time at his shop instead of his factory). The crystal is so beautiful, but very expensive and very heavy so I left it where it was.
Now we are heading out to dinner and maybe on to listen to some Irish music in one of the pubs.
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