Trip to Ireland - Day 5 - Derry, Castles, and Forts..oh my!

My hair has been a mess most days.
Seriously, with the scattered rain, the intense wind, and the humidity - it just has a craziness about it. I actually have been just enjoying it. I don't care and it's nice to NOT have to care. :)

 We drove onto a gorgeous beach yesterday and just walked along the sand. We were the only ones there except for a man and his two dogs. Because of the rain we got the day before there were waterfalls and it had created a small river on the beach. This guy was so sweet and was giving rides across it with his jeep. The Irish hospitality and generosity is everywhere. We, Americans, could learn a few things.

The whole Vagabond group

Random Beach Lookout spot.

The three solo travelers in our group.

We stopped off in the walled city of Derry/Londonderry and did a walking tour to get the history. We also got an in-depth look at the site where Bloody Sunday took place. Lots to take in. Well worth the time though. Beautiful city. I could have spent a lot more time there. 

  

Bloody Sunday Mural taken from newspaper clipping

Beautiful flower garden in downtown Derry/Londonderry

Soup and wheat bread was my lunch most days. Yum!

We went inland and drove across rugged, rocky land. Still green, but different then what we had been seeing. We visited yet another old Neolithic ring fort up on top of a large hill. The view was amazing. We soon saw a storm quickly moving in and we barely made it to the car before it was a downpour. Don't worry though it only lasted 5 minutes and the strong wind blew it off. The whole concept of scattered rain showers has new meaning. The weather has been mostly rainy, but we find ourselves not even noticing or caring anymore. It's just part of this beautiful country and we are embracing it. As our guide says, before we know it we'll be sleepin' in our rain gear.

 

We also visited a castle not far from Donegal. It was pretty spectacular. Out in the middle of no where and overlooking a large loch (lake). It was quite fascinating. My pictures of the castle didn't really turn out, but here are a few of the gardens out back.

Jennifer was so classy and cute!

Heated swimming pool out by the lake.

Half shower walls

I don't know why but a lot of the showers have only half a shower wall. It's in a bath tub, but it has only half a shower door that covers half the length of the tub. Not quite sure about the logic behind that one. Makes for some interesting shower maneuvering so that the water stays in the tub and not all over the floor. If someone knows why only half...please fill me in. :)

Tomorrow we are stopping by a weaver's to see how he makes scarfs and such. We might even get a chance to do a bit of shopping.

Our tour group is becoming quite close and we enjoy each others company quite a lot. Some will be leaving in a few days and that will be sad to see them go. It has been a gift to know them though.

Here's my Irish blessing of the day:

May good luck be your friend
In whatever you do
And may trouble be always
A stranger to you