It’s not very many folks who can say they travel to Ireland, and the weather is both warmer and dryer! However, Molly and I arrived on the SW Coast of Ireland yesterday, and clear sunny skies and temperatures which range up to the mid 50’s each day are super for us northern Minnesota kids.
We knew we were not in Kansas anymore as we drove up to the remote farm house we have rented for one week. While not on the water, we have great views down to the Atlantic. While the “Ring of Kerry”, is not too far distant, we are situated on the Skellig Ring. This region is more remote than the Ring of Kerry, and was where Star Wars was filmed (The Force Awakens).
While I have not encountered any Jedi Knights, the birds have been fun and “new for me”. Here is how everything looked when we arrived yesterday.
Out the Front Door of our Cottage
Out the Back Door (and up the hill)
The First Found of Birds!
European Kestrel
European Robin (not a thrush like our Robin)
European Robin and Stonechat
Hooded Crow
Rook
This trip is extra special for me. I have not been to Europe for 6 years (Bicycle Tour through the Norwegian Arctic) and those years have been difficult … eye disease, Covid, open heart surgery, and prostate cancer. With the Grace of God, I seem to be doing very well. I hope to now stay healthy, and the doctors say all looks good!
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Thank you for sharing photos from your trip! Makes me feel like I am there.
I love Ireland.. 🇮🇪 have a wonderful week! Prayers sent for continued good health and strength to do whatever you desire! Judy
Looks wonderful! If you are travelling at all while in Ireland, you might be interested in dropping down a peninsula to the Beara Peninsula and visit Eoghan Daltun’s rewilding project — just a thought! https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/04/reforest-rewilding-beara-peninsula-ireland-eoghan-daltun
So glad to hear you & Molly are back to Europe. I remember the first time I met an European “robin” – so very different from ours. Happy times to you!
How great that you can really live life to the fullest! Thanks for your examples and modeling. I know you will enjoy every minute of this adventure.
Happy that you have recovered from all of the above enough to make a trip to such a beautiful place with birds different from home. Thank you for including us in the fun through your photos and commentary!
Fantastic pictures Rich, congratulations on persevering through your health issues!