The Ring of Kerry

                The morning started out much later than previous mornings this week, and with a hodgepodge of various types of foods. Then it was off to the coach where we were to spend a large portion of the day as we drove around the famous Ring of Kerry.

                Our first stop was in Moriarty’s, a well-known retail store with a vast array items spanning from clothing and jewelry to crystal and pewter. It was here that we were greeted with waitresses carrying glasses of Irish coffee, which most of the team did not find too appealing. They did, however, smell like pretzels. We then rallied back to the coach for the next round of our scenic drive, which took us past some rocks that dated back to the Neolithic age and the highest peaks in Ireland, before emerging out onto the western coast of Ireland, where we made our next stop in a town along the Atlantic Ocean.  

                We worked our way down the beach and waded into the water, ignoring as much as possible the slimy films of algae and seaweed covering the sea floor. The water was astonishingly clear and very cold. This also proved a great venue for another photo op, which also included our friends from Minnesota. Then the more daring of the team waded out further onto an outcropping of rocks where we took a combined photo with people from other states that were likewise willing to risk the potential loss of appendages due to frightfully sharp rocks and angry crabs, and wet clothing for the remainder of the day. After we reached land and bandages were applied to those in need, we hastened back to the coach where we would have only a few minutes of driving until we reached our next destination. At this small roadside stopping-area we took more photos and held some very cute Irish kittens. Then it was on to lunch where we enjoyed authentic Irish cuisine while overlooking the ocean and appreciating how lucky we were to be touring the Circle of Kerry on such a beautiful day. At our final stop we appreciated the beautiful mountains and lakes in a view known as Ladies View, because that’s the view that was most appealing to the Queens of England when they were in town. Upon attempting to use the bathroom at the restaurant, Julia tragically lost her water bottle as it rolled into an occupied cubicle.

                After returning to the hotel, we went on a quick jaunty (carriage) ride through the national park with our guide, John and his noble steed Nancy. After we were delivered back to the hotel and said our goodbyes to Nancy, we departed for dinner in town and then stopped by a small pub for a taste of Irish music at its finest. We briefly stopped by the local grocery store for emergency provisions of chocolate and tic-tacs, then headed back to the hotel.

Quotes of the day: “Hurling is a combination of hockey and second degree murder.” –George (our coach driver)

“I couldn’t find my blue pen and my soul was crushed.” –Julia

Don't forget to check out our pictures from the Ring of Kerry! https://www.flickr.com/photos/marylanddairy2008/sets/72157645015178630/