Traveling Chariot

The rains have returned after a relatively dry spring. It has ushered in the humidity I've lived with my whole life but never gotten used to, as well as the return of my favorite fungi! Let the mushrooming begin! A bending beauty at the base of cedar tree. This tiny triplet was probably only an inch tall.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. -Robert Frost The lush woods, dark clouds, & bright sun of these wet spring days have been creating a magic light.  

All in a day, we stopped at along the rugged coast of Mullaghmore, Sligo and three ruins that were all closed for renovation/repair (Ballymote Castle, Boyle Abbey, & Ballinafad Castle). It is a bit discouraging to drive out of the way, via remote byways, only to discover you cannot explore your destination. And since we aren't the kind to climb over fences or ignore literal "Danger" signs, there's nothing we can do about these road blocks but move on. And so we did. Mullaghmore Coastal Drive - You should almost always take the coastal drive. There is always somewhere to park and get out and explore. Slippery but splendid. Ballinafad Castle Caution Onward to Roscommon Castle, a huge ruin of a 13th century Norman castle. It is nearly in the middle of town, but tucked away just enough and is situated next to a park and pond. Roscommon Castle Roscommon Castle Stairway to nowhere at Roscommon Castle Roscommon Castle Rosco

Entrance from Interior of Fort From our base in Derry, we took a loop north to the ancient stone fort, the Grianan of Aileach, which I have no idea how to pronounce. It is just about 30 minutes from town. One my of go-to travel tips is to snap a picture of the information boards at historical sights. It is a great way keep information and I usually trust this information more than what I find online, as it's been researched, written, and approved by some historical board or council that cares for the sight. The Grianan of Aileach is an incredible site, with strategic & stunning views. I'll let my photos and the info boards do most of the talking for it. (It is worth checking out Guarding Grianan Aileach  , which is a very cool site tracking the solar & lunar alignment of the fort with such fabulous photos!) A Holy Well just below the fort

This ancient city is the fourth largest in all of Ireland and is known as both Derry and Londonderry. Derry is the older and common name from the Irish, Daire meaning oak grove. The name changed to Londonderry in the 17th century, when in 1608, the British Crown seized land in an attmept to "anglicize Ulster and create a loyal and acquiescent population....The various lands were handed over to various guilds of British traders to develop and manage." (from www.culturenorthernireland.com ). Being on the border line of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Derry has long been enmeshed in conflict between Catholic Nationalists and Protestant Unionists known as "The Troubles." It is a complex and storied history that I am not qualified to explain but you can read more about it here . That said, today Derry is a peaceful, beautiful, & robust town with so much to offer. My favorite thing about Derry is that it's a walled city. There is a complete wa

If this is real, I adore it! If it is not real - maybe it should be. Been dreaming of Cornwall lately... that gem of England tucked away in the corner. Photo Source Unknown

In bloom now: Shining Blue Stars, flowers with an appropriately beautiful and delicate name.

Happy May Day, the old Celtic hinge of the year through which we enter the light half of the year, the green half. It is customary to gather flowers on May Day, which I did, and to give them. So for you - a photographic bouquet of the wildflowers gracing the forest floor with their presence, their lush colors, and diverse forms. A vivid reminder that the green has returned, as it always does. I'm relishing the green. For more about May Day and the older Celtic tradition of Beltane visit last year's post here . For today, pick some flowers, give some joy. Shooting Star Shooting Star Shooting Star Rose Verbena Bird's Foot Violets and Yellow Star Grass Violets Yellow Star Grass Hoary Puccoon Blue False Indigo -My personal favorite here Blue False Indigo