Let me say that on these days I did and I plan to continue to do as little as possible. Some blogging, some birding, some reading. I am reading Amy Tan's Fish Saved From Drowning—thank you Marcia! Mostly we talk to friends and relatives all morning, move ourselves outside in the afternoon for some small unambitious field trip that involves the least amount of driving. Then we enjoy the ever better and better dinner attempts and spend the evenings in more talk, some alcohol, puzzles, and music. Steve's sister's husband's sister's husband's sister's husband Martin is a versatile and accomplished keyboard player in Irish traditional music and Steve and he are having a blast playing together on some nights—joined by Joe and his guitar and Joe's brother George's banjo. It is a laid back, slowed down bit of our vacation, meaningful and memorable.
Martin, Steve and Liam
There is no news here. Only catch-up and the chance to be a family in affectionate proximity. Nothing to write home about. Best of all it is all set in this gorgeous corner of Ireland. Every ten steps warrants another photograph. I will try to refrain from overwhelming you with too many pictures because you might become too envious or devote the rest of your life to figuring out how to move here.
There is a beautiful small stretch of white beach, a vast tidal area, and rocky promontory making up Derrynane Bay. This has almost satisfied all of our needs to sightsee for a week. It is within 5km of the house, so Ring of Terror driving is minimal.
The rocky promontory and its sheep.
The white sand beach at Derrynane
Meadow near tidal flat and a marsh orchid
We traveled a trail set up in the woods surrounding the Derrynane House grounds, another neighboring manor house and its holdings. Some one had set out fairy houses all along the trails for children to discover. There was also an amazing arch of an old rooted tree with a wall propping it up.
Mattea opens up a whole new world
One day we visited Staige Fort east of Westcove up in the hills below a long-distance trail called the Kerry Way. This "fort" or family/royal enclosure dated to 300 AD and was minimally interpreted and sturdily restored. I enjoyed the full access to walls and far views afforded by this high platform. The first fort we had seen was Caherconnell back in the Burren. Staige Fort was a little smaller but due to the lack of official interpretive fuss it was more interesting and evocative of the time and the feeling of security it must have imparted to its residents.
Steve and the more mobile of our group hiked up to the ridge after touring the fort. Note the ring fort below, to the left of Mattea's pink hat.
This week is all about family, and beloved friends and how important our time is together. With memories of Jevon and the revisitation of some of his favorite places, favorite foods, favorite activities (except no bicycling here, thank God) and his favorite people—we have gathered to celebrate the future. This future is full of new additions that are just beginning to make their connections to this beautiful place.
Mattea, Tobin and young Landon
Joe with grandchildren
Ramble at Derrynane Beach
Every day some group of us would travel by foot to the nearby home of Joe's sister Janet and her husband Finbarr. They have beautiful views and a little harbor for their boats, including a curragh that three people can row at one time. This activity was in much demand by visitors as the sea is often calm and the nights are light until late. This is where tomorrow's celebration of Jevon's life will take place. There will be whiskey, spoken memories, and ash offerings back to the land and sea.
Janet and Finbarr's beach
Latest addition to the clan, Shay, in Liam's care (Finbarr's oldest child, though child no more), Landon and Joe.
Jevon's bench, placed atop one of Jevon's favorite spots, a cliff top that hugs his aunt and uncle's home. Alida is helping Tobin read out the plaque.
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