Tuesday in Howth

Another gorgeous day.  Today we are taking the DART to the seaside town of Howth.  We walk to the DART station which takes about 20 minutes and off we go.  It's a lovely, scenic ride which takes about an hour.  When we arrive we decide to have a coffee and decide what to do next.  Excellent latte!  We then have a look in this little shop that has some lovely sweaters and other knit products.  Beautiful things.  We walk down to the pier.  

A short distance off shore is what's called Ireland's Eye.  

There are some ruins from an old monastery on this island.  We then scout out the restaurants and decide on the Brass Monkey as it is very busy and the menu looks great.  

Seafood chowder and a glass of Pinot Grisio does the trick.  

We then discover that the actual town of Howth is a short walk up the hill.  We have just enough time to walk there and have a quick look around before heading back home.  As we approach the top of the hill I suddenly realize that I am travelling light.  OMG!!!  I have left my purse at the restaurant.  It has my whole life in it!  What was I thinking?  Or better yet why wasn't I thinking?  I run, yes run!  All the way back to the restaurant and they have my purse safe behind the counter.  Thank heaven!  I have been saved.  So much for seeing any more of Howth.  We have to get back for the doggies.  Back on the DART and homeward bound.  Another great day.  Tomorrow we go to the theatre.

Bray

On Monday Mary and I head through the green to the beach after taking the dogs for their morning walk.  It's sunny and warm.  

We have decided to walk along the ocean from Shankill to the next town south which is Bray.  The tide is in so the going was a little rocky.   

It took us about an hour and then we took what we thought was the path leading from the beach to the town.  Unfortunately we were a bit premature and ended up struggling through tangles of morning glory and stinging nettles!  After gracefully falling into the stinging nettles I am still suffering the consequences two days later.  

Never the less we head into town and find a lovely restaurant for lunch.  Finally had those fish'n chips!

After lunch we decide to go the Killruddery House which is up the hill.  Only about a 45 minute walk one of the locals tells us.  This house was built in the 17th century.  Beautiful gardens.  

Problem is that when we get there they have a special event on and there are only two tours happening.  One at 3 o'clock of which we have just missed and the next one being 4 o'clock.  Well we have to be back home for the dogs so we don't have time.  It's too bad as this is a beautiful estate.  It was used in the filming of The Tudors and Angela's Ashes.  As we're trying to decide how to get back a taxi drops some people off so we decide to take the taxi back to town.  Turns out that the man driving taxi grew up on the estate.  Played there as a child.  Back in town we pick up a few groceries and take the bus back to Shankill.  We still have to walk the dogs and we're nackered but it's been a great day!

Dun Laoghaire

Today Mary and I head off to Dun Laoghaire by local bus.  We walk into Shankill which takes about 10 mins.  It's a lovely area.  Very peaceful and pretty.  Shankill is a very small village.  I had a great night's sleep and am raring to go.  No jet lag.

A coffee to keep me going!

Can you believe the blue skies!  It's beautiful out.  We are so lucky!!!

The DART system is a very efficient way of getting around.  We decided on bus today because you can see more of the scenery but it takes a wee bit longer.

 

Of course we have to have a pint and with that some lunch.  This is called Carver as it is a special served until 4 pm.  I was really craving fish n'chips but couldn't wait until that was available at 4 pm.  That will be another day.  So will the pint!  (That's Irish pale ale I'm having)

and Mary's having lager!

Off to Ireland!

Well I'm on my way to Dublin, Ireland.  Sue drove me to the airport and we had time for lunch even though it was somewhat rushed.  Thank heaven for Nexus when going through security as there was quite the line.

Arriving in Toronto there is quite the storm happening.  Heavy rain and lightening.  It's delaying my flight as the ground crew cannot go out on the Tarmac while there is lightening.  Reminds me of the time we were stuck in the plane in Vancouver coming back from Cabo.  I think we waited an hour that time.  Hope it isn't that long this time!

Once I arrive in Dublin I catch the Aircoach to Shankill and get off at Mickey Byrnes Bar.  Mary should be there to greet me and if she isn't it will be time for a pint!  I'm sure it's past noon somewhere in the world!

Burnaby Blues Festival

Another year at Deer Lake in Burnaby at the Blues Festival.  The weather was great!  The entertainment was wonderful.  Three stages going so the music never stopped.  What a great day!

Off to visit friends

Our week in Osoyoos has come to an end.  As the family heads off in different directions I start to head to Summerland.  I don't even get out of Osoyoos before I stop at a Saturday market in downtown Osoyoos.  I buy a cinnamon bun that is still warm!  And then I'm off to Summerland.  

I arrive at Ken & Heidi's and catch Heidi mowing the lawn.  They are going to be selling their home after 14 years in Summerland and will be moving to Victoria where two of their three children are attending university.  Can't wait to see where in Victoria they decide to settle.

                                                                         

After a lovely visit I head to Vernon on Sunday to visit Nancy and Don.  Lots of catching up and a great dinner as Don did a chicken on the rotisserie of their new BBQ.  We watch the sun set from the deck overlooking Kalamalka Lake.  Gorgeous.

On Monday I head to Salmon Arm to see Anne-Marie and Herb.  It's always so nice to spend time with them.  We compare notes on our grand kids.  A lovely dinner with veggies fresh out of Herb's garden.  The next morning I go into town and meet Dianna for lunch and then hit the road.  Make good time coming home.  Back to the routine!

Wineries!

Richard and Mike spent one morning golfing and both had the best game ever.  They loved the course (Fairview) and hope to go again before we leave on Saturday.

On Wednesday we went to a couple of the wineries.  A bit of a drive north to Oliver.  It took around 40 minutes.  The road was long and windy as it snaked up the hillside.  We finally arrive at Blue Mountain Winery.  Did a tasting of three wines and selected a few to take home.  Breathtaking views.

Then we descend the hillside and arrive at Blasted Church Winery.  Here we sample several wines and again purchase a few.   Good thing we don't continue our winery visits as I can't afford to spend more on wine even though it's so good.  This winery has a gorgeous pool and bar area and we think perhaps you can stay here.  We are informed that this belongs to the owner however they do book weddings and special events.  Hmmmmm....food for thought!  What a great venue!

Then we go into Okanagan Falls for ice cream.  No trip to this area is complete without a trip to Tickleberry's for ice cream.  So good on a hot day and it is hot!!!