Happy Friday, everyone! As the heat continues to bake nice and crisp here in Texas, a friend who lives in Switzerland sent pictures of a new snowfall there. Just goes to show that nothing is the same.
I will share a few more pictures from my Ireland adventure. As I reflect back on them, my heart fills with gratitude for the opportunity. It was truly special to me.
I will start with the day we visited Inis Mor on the Aran Islands. The water was very rough that day, and anyone prone to motion sickness had a challenge on the ferry that transported us. The island is most famous for the wool sweaters that are made there. Our guide said the entire island is 11 miles long and 3 1/2 miles wide, with a very long history dating back to 490 AD. There is one bank on the island, and it’s only open one day a week. And yes, even though it was cool and windy, there were people in the water in the second picture and on the beach. Not my cup of tea. The climb to the top of the cliffs on Inis Mor is just a little under a mile but steep and rocky. I had to stop once and rest on the way up. And, as the photo of me at the top shows, the wind was blowing fiercely. There is a distinct difference in the way the rock fences are stacked on the island compared to the other parts of Ireland we visited. I loved the horse and donkey that obviously came looking for a handout. 🙂
I loved visiting the Aughnanure Castle. We got to go inside, and it is remarkably well-preserved. Our guide there explained that the murder hole was a real thing and a very effective defense against enemies. If anyone managed to make it through the heavy front door, there were archers poised above the hole to kill them immediately. Notice how thick the walls were. And, of course, there was a dungeon.
A night on the town in Galway City with the group was super fun. My meal was called Irish Bacon and Cabbage. It was more like what we could call ham. And the Espresso Martini was delicious!
I had hoped to hear some authentic Irish music, and we found this at The King’s Head pub in Galway.
The next few places we visited were breathtaking and so rich in history. The matchmaking festival is apparently quite popular, and people come from all over the world hoping to find their mates. I hope you’re not overloaded with all the photos, but I promise this is the last post about Ireland (for a while, anyway).
Many have asked me my favorite place to visit, and honestly, the Cliffs of Morher sit at the top of that list. It had rained hard all that day, and my rain jacket failed me leaving me soaked. So, our coach driver, Billy, loaned me his jacket and hat. I was grateful because I was wet and cold at that point. He strongly suggested that I indulge in a whiskey when I returned to the hotel, so I followed his advice. 🙂
The last night, a smaller group of us went for pizza (yes, pizza in Ireland), then it was farewell.
Oh, and I had to try some Irish dark chocolate. Delicious!
That’s it. I hope you enjoyed the journey recap with me.
In other news, as most of you have already seen, I have a new book available for pre-order, releasing in November, that is part of a series with eight other Story Empire authors. Mine is #5 in the Harbor Pointe Series.
The Harbor Pointe Inn has loomed on California’s cliffs for generations of Hawthornes. For some, it’s been a blessing. For others, a curse. Travel through two centuries of stories to discover the old inn’s secrets.
BLURB:
What’s the point of having it all when you have no one to share it with?
Brandon Miller has his dream job, financial security, and he’s madly in love. Only one thing is missing—a commitment.
Angela Cooper’s ex-husband left her with deep scars, souring her on the concept of marriage. She’s not interested in a do-over. Not with Brandon or anyone. Her heart is locked securely away behind a thick wall.
With a ring in his pocket and hope in his heart, Brandon arranges a romantic getaway to the historic Harbor Pointe Inn, where he plans to pop the question.
Before they reach the inn, Angela’s got her camera in hand and ghosts on her mind. But they arrive to find a much more tangible horror.
Accident or foul play?
Someone is up to no good, and Angela is the next target. When suspects can be worldly or otherworldly, danger and secrets lurk everywhere.
Poised at the perilous edge of too late, Angela and Brandon face the fight of their lives.
I hope you’ll take a look at all of the books in the series! You can find them here: Harbor Pointe Series
Lastly, I want to give you all an update on the new water pillow. I have added two more cups of water to it and am loving it. I don’t wake up anymore with a stiff neck. So, thumbs up for the water pillow!
That’s it from me. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
