May , 2009

Rain pelting my window woke me at half past six. However, by the time I was showered, dressed and out, it had begun to clear. The sun was making a valiant attempt to find its way through the clouds. A quick good morning to Joe & Maura through the kitchen door and I was off to photograph the cliff area beyond their house and a bit Northward. I love walking that area at first light. There is silence save for the sea and the cows grazing on the cliff's edge.

I was able to use the fresh light and shadow to get some excellent photos of various rock formations, tidal pools and the ruin of a herder shack. I headed back toward Man of Aran around half past eight. As I headed up the drive to the main house, I came across Kris & Jorge just as they were preparing to leave. They asked if I would take a quick picture of the two of them. I was happy to oblige.  After saying my goodbyes to Kris & Jorge, I went into find a hot cuppa tea.  Dave & Karen came in for breakfast at nine o'clock. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast. My eggs and bacon were cooked just right. The breakfast breads were fresh and warm. It seems that every time I stay at Man of Aran, they give me the table in front of the Hearth. I have often joked that they should but a brass plaque on it that reads "The Cowboys Ate Here". After finishing up our breakfast, we spent a few moments chatting with the other couple who were staying. They were visiting from a small village outside of Paris, France.

We had asked Maura to ring up for a van to take us into Kilronan. John Flaherty picked us up in short order. Not only did he take us into Kilronan, he also gave Karen and Dave a grand tour. Because of Karen's hip problems, Dun Aengus & the Black Fort were not viable options this time over. John did drive them up towards Dun Aengus so that they might see it. He then took the side road to Na Seacht Teampall, the Seven Churches. As he drove down the side road, he pointed out that they had just had a film crew on the island filming a "major production". That certainly gives us something to ponder. John let us out at the gate to the Seven Churches and then went to turn his van around and wait. Just outside the gate, we encountered and Aran man and his dogs. He was standing with a pike pole and his bicycle. Karen felt compelled to take his picture. I had to photograph his dog. I think that Karen & Dave enjoyed their wanderings through Na Seacht Teampall.  Seven Churches is an ancient Monastic settlement. It has two churches and several outbuildings along with ancient gravestones and an ogham stone. Once we were through at Na Seacht Teampall, John took us over the top Coast road to show them the Lighthouse. He then turned around and went back down the Coast road towards Kilronan. He stopped at the Seal Colony so that we could get some pictures. The seals looked to be enjoying the sunshine that had made its way out and chased away the rains.

John left us off in Kilronan after arranging to pick us up at three to bring us back to the Cottages. We wandered down the Aran Sweater market and spent some time choosing scarves and socks for a few of Karen's people back home. I found a great deal on the Aran Sweaters and wanted to pick one up for a friend. I didn't know her size though so I called her up in Idaho.  Yes, it was quite early but, after a brief moment of panic, she was quite happy to help me out with a size. Karen and Dave were darlings for helping me choose the colors and pattern. After the shopping was done, we walked a short ways down toward te Pier hoping to find the Tourist Office open so that Karen could pick up some brochures. They  were closed for lunch. The sign on the door indicated that they would be opening in a few minutes. I had my doubts but left Karen and Dave resting on a stone wall whilst I took some photographs of  the boats in the harbor, the Ponies harnessed in their traps and caught up with some of the Jarveymen.  After giving them ten minutes to open, the three of us decided that lunch was in order. I took them to my favorite Fish & Chips place for lunch. I can never remember its name but it sits right across from the American Bar and has much better food for less money. A bit of a laugh whilst ordering came when Dave ordered Cod for Karen and was told that there was no Cod and that she could have the Pollock instead. Dave wasn't sure that was a good choice but I assured him that she would enjoy the Pollock. I knew that the Pollock would be fresh caught form the morning runs. I also knew that even though they showed Cod on their menu board, it was rarely available.  Karen did enjoy her Pollock and the heaping amount of fries which came with it. After wards, I talked them into sharing a piece of decadent chocolate cake. We finished up just as John was pulling up to collect us.

After John dropped us off at the Cottages and Dave & Karen turned in for a rest, I grabbed my camera gear and headed back up toward the Na Seacht Teampall to get pictures along the way which I hadn't been able to get whilst in the van. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk. I photographed some Thatched cottage ruins, horses, donkeys, cats and windows of ancient dwellings long inhabited by the spirits of those who had lived within the walls.  along the way back, I became puzzled by the large number of drivers who would smile and wave as the drove past. Don't get me wrong, I am used to the friendliness of the Aran people. It was the fact that they seemed to be laughing at something just out of my periphery which I found puzzling. I happened to turn quickly enough to finally see what everyone found so amusing. I had apparently become the Pied Piper of Inis Mor, as I was leading a small parade consisting of a black lab, a West Highland Terrier and a Marmalade Tabby cat. As I turned fully toward them, they drifted apart as if they hadn't been following me at all. The Tabby jumped up on a stone wall and the light reflected made for a perfect shot.

I returned to the cottages around half past six and, after washing up, went up to visit with Joe & Maura whilst they prepared dinner. We had chosen to eat there, which was definitely a splurge. Maura is a world class chef. I always try to have at least one evening meal there. I always enjoy Joe's salads, as everything in it is hand-picked from his organic gardens.

After dinner, Maura & Joe started Man of Aran on the television in the front parlor. Neither Karen nor Dave had seen it. Man of Aran was a fictional documentary on life on the Aran Islands released in 1934 by Robert J. Flaherty. The Man of Aran Cottage was built for one of the interior scenes. I had an early ferry to catch the following morning so I wasn't up too late.

TomorrowSunshine Promises and a meeting of friends at Bunratty Lodge