May 31- Our hike in the Burren in County Clare (Lough Avalla Farm Loop) was the most difficult and extraordinary hike I have ever done. Rocks, rocks and more rocks… a geologic wonder found no where else on earth. I was most concerned about my balance and footing, so I began to think about it as a moving meditation – focusing on each and every step in the present moment. 5.6 miles with probably 2/3rds of it walking on stones or heavily stoned paths. Whew – wonder and challenge!

At the end of our Burren hike there was a lovely coffee and tea house run by the woman who owns the cattle farm where the trails run through. I had tea made from fresh lemon balm from the garden and apple pie. It felt like an enchanted cottage in the forest, and was such a delightful and unexpected way to end a strenuous hike.

June 1 – Hiked the Cliffs of Moher trail from Doolin to the visitors center with a small group and guide. About 8 kilometers of spectacular scenery!

“Sittin in the ditch” on the cliffs of Moher trail. Farmers would rest on the burms on their farms – a perfect angle to rest and catch the warm sum.

Vital and beautiful Galway! We really liked Galway – easy to get around… vibrant with young people…” lovely”. Left Galway on June 2nd to head to Killarney for our last 4 nights. Stopped in Limerick for lunch and were very surprised by the size of the city. Our Google maps and waze apps were very unkind to us today on the leg drom Limerick to Killarney. In detouring us around a back up it took us on very narrow, back roads for 40-50 kilometers. My least favorite part of Ireland has been the narrow (often one lane) anxiety producing roads, as both a driver and passenger. So grateful to Bill and Bob who have done the lion’s share of the driving.

June 3 – Muckross House in Killarney National Park. This house was built in 1843 during the famine. Villages were being abandoned nearby and this opulence was being erected.

Took a short boat ride across Muckross Lake to Dinis cottage with a family from Tralee on a Saturday outing. The boat ride was fabulous ! Our captain John was born in Dorchester, MA of Irish parents, but had returned to Ireland many years ago.

Walked back to Muckross House (about 3 miles) through incredible rhododendron forests. Unfortunately the type of rhododendron are an invasive species. Saw Torc Falls on the walk back and then found a perfect burm to practice “sittin in the ditch”.

All for today… back with you for the final 2 days of adventure. Went hiking today but I have run out of steam catching up with the blog.