Every now and then Ireland really delivers. You fall asleep to the sound of rain and wind and wake up expecting a winter day only to find the skies washed clear blue and the waves clean and crystal clear. On days like these I can appreciate the 11 degree water that keeps the crowds away, and as I float out behind the waves and watch rainbows appear and disappear over the dunes I wouldn't trade west coast days on this little Island for anything. It's only when you climb out with numb toes that the idea of warm water and warmer climes seems like a worthwhile trade for crowds!
Last weekend was spent in the company of a wonderful crew of friends and new friends thanks to my friend Emmet's band The Beautiful Rooms. This group of friends has started a wonderful tradition, now in it's 3rd year, of gathering everyone down in a small Kerry town for a long weekend of music and surf. It's always a weekend to look forward to and so far has not disappointed. This year my little brother flew over from Lyon to join us, as well as a few Swiss friends of Emmet's so it really was an international affair. We were spoilt with one of those magical summer days that somehow appears in late october. Sam's camera, in the hands of Sam, Rory and Kathy, capture a bit of the sunshine and smiles from the weekend.
This weekend, after a busy week, not much sleep, and a mediocre forecast, the Kerry debate was on again. At the last minute Sara, Natalie and I decided to hop in the van and drive down to a beautiful little corner of Kerry for a kitesurfing get together. The weekend was perfection. Sunshine and blue skies both days, wind that didn't really deliver for kiting but was perfect for surfing, 4 lovely shoulder high sessions on empty waves over the two days, and a small group of really lovely new people. Bbq and wine on the beach in the evening followed by hot whiskey's in the local, and the next morning by coffee in the sunshine after a morning surf. It was with serious difficulty that we dragged ourselves back to Dublin on Sunday evening.
Magic light |
Morning coffee |
Skelligs |
Days like these, I love my Ireland.