Ireland - Day 5

Our new digs for the close of day 5 in Ireland allows us to not only look out onto the ocean but also hear the sounds of cattle roaming the hills of a nearby farm.  I'm pretty sure this resembles my eternal resting place.
Today started with us finishing our list from yesterday, a stop at the Gap of Dunloe. The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass forged between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain by glacial flows. Because we weren't allowed to drive from the start of the Gap to view the pass, we decided on a jaunting car (horse-drawn carriage) and not trek the 8-mile round trip. Pretty sure we both were feeling the effects of the 127 steps we ascended and descended for the gift of eloquence at Blarney. Besides our driver said the equine-powered cars had been taking visitors to the gap for 200 years. Pretty sure that was part of the sales pitch. Sally (horse), John (driver), Katie and I trotted, and walked when not coaxed, down to the Gap.  Passing in front of a former still that once made moon shine (some things are cross-cultural), crossing a wishing bridge (yes, I did make a wish and no, I can't tell you), listening in Echo Valley, marveling at the darkness of Black Lake, we arrived at our view. To say it was worth the back tracking we did in order to check it off our list or the expense of the jaunting car is a tremendous understatement. I have used the adjective breath-taking in the past but those previous instances have all been exaggerations. My breath was taken away. I am constantly awe-stricken by this land. There could be no monetary value put on the experience of seeing the Gap, hearing John's stories and lessons, and listening to the Gaelic between the drivers. John told us he lived at the beginning of the Gap. He sees it every day, but in his words, "I have to have the visitors remind me how beautiful it is.  I take it for granted." That became one of many lessons learned in the jaunting car. How often do we miss the beauty in the places and people surrounding us? We need to be reminded.The day ended with a journey along the Wild Atlantic Way and a trip to Dingle. We had seen a travel documentary about the Dingle Penisula and an ice cream parlor named Murphy's ice cream. I would never admit that we planned this day around ice cream, but if you know me, you would not be astonished at that fact.  Murphy's uses milk from the Kerry cow. The Kerry cattle are a rare breed of dairy cattle, native to Ireland. They are believed to be one of the oldest breeds in Europe. Murphy's use natural ingredients and creates unique ice cream flavors. They have a fascinating story.  [Link]
We ended the day with a drive along the ocean edge to our B and B and take away (Ireland term) dinner at a picnic table at our home for the evening, bundled up and feeling the cold wind from the salt water.  It doesn't get much better.
-MW


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