Well, today is actually today, or tonight is actually tonight, as it is just past 10 p.m. Here is the view out the window of my room here in Annascaul. Red skies at night…
I am in real time now with this blog. But, I might head down to the South Pole Inn soon as they have music on tonight, Saturday night. But, then again, I might not. When I planned this trip, I imagined myself listening to wonderful Celtic music every evening, (actually I was also dancing), but I haven’t done so once as I cannot stay up that late! I am also not much of a drinker, and worry what I might do or say if I have more than one cider…
The only music I’ve heard here in Ireland, other than in shops, has been on the buses – usually modern pop tunes (please save me!), or easy-listening from the 70s and 80s, American-style (Lionel Ritchie is in town!). The radio sounds incredibly, annoyingly, exactly like back home, except for the Irish accents which improve it somewhat: traffic reports, celebrity news, urgings to see some kitten online, fast banter between the hosts, faster yammering on the ads…sheesh!
I had a big travel day today, leaving Cashel at 10:05 for Cork, then a wait before the next leg to Tralee, then another wait before the last leg to Annauscaul on the Dingle peninsula, arriving somewhat behind schedule at about 5:30. Now, I haven’t really been giving details about accommodations, but I can’t resist showing this photo of the Old Anchor Inn, my home for the night, and its lovely dining room and parlor.
Immediately after checking in, I headed off in the direction of Inch Beach, a place that I was very excited to see (having been missing the sea!). Despite its name, it is actually one of the longest beaches in Ireland at 5 km, and is backed by sand dunes. But, the walk there was farther than expected, with a very big hill to climb first, and I grew concerned about the limited evening hours left to get to the beach, actually spend some good time there, and have time to return before dark. So, after about 3 km, including conquering the hill and rounding the corner, I contented mself with just a photo of the beach and then I returned, just a little disappointed in myself, back to Annascaul.
But, on the positive side, I did get to stretch my legs after a whole day on the buses, and I did get lovely glimpses of Annascaul Lake, my destination for tomorrow, off in the distance, past the fields and between the hills.
The walk down the hill was much easier than going up!
I decided to splurge on dinner at the South Pole Inn, which is famous for having been owned by the Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean who sailed with Scott and Shackleton and who was awarded with three Polar Medals for brave and truly remarkable deeds and heroism.
Which brings me to wondering whether I should head down there to listen to some music. But, it’s past 11 now, and I’m quite happy here, so I’ll just say goodnight.
Fascinating! That Shackleton note is pretty cool! One of the grade 6 Vernon reading assessments refers to it. Apparently it was Shackleton’s ad to attract men to join him on his expedition to the south pole.