Despite being at a popular start of the Camino de Santiago I choose to just think about ut as a stroll. It is too much for me to think about walking 500 miles across Spain. I have to mentally handle it the same way I rode the bicycle across America last year. On the first day of the bike trip I rode 15 miles, stayed at a nice campground and tested a few beers at a brewery across the street. The next day I did 40 and eased my way into 50 - 60. Tomorrow I start my stroll. I plan to walk about 5 strenuous but slow uphill miles. The next day might be 10 or so. I have youth hostel reserations for the first 4 or 5 days to Pampalona. I need the comfort of knowing where I will be at leaset … [Read more...] about Stroll The Camino
About Me
It’s Once Again A Home
Mom loved her cottage on the Royal Canal. It broke my heart to know that it was becoming in decay over the years I could not afford to visit. I am very grateful to my cousin Mick and neighbors for looking after it on a daily basis. Despite making a number of trips to the cottage over the last decade, this is the longest and most productive stay. And now, as my days here are numbered I meet incredible new oeople each day and feel a saddnes to soon leave. Finally I have made it back into a home, with running water and the power source of a generator. A list already developes for the next visit which includes a total rebuild of the original slate roof. And now its back to painting … [Read more...] about It’s Once Again A Home
A Mini Bike Holiday
After nearly two months of work on mom’s cottage I decided to take a short holiday on the bicycle. And so, I packed a few pieces of clothing, bike tools and the much needed rain gear. The journey started right at my doorstep on the Royal canal. A slow paced full day of riding and photo taking brought me to the town of Mullingar. Despite it only being thirty plus miles it was a beautiful and peaceful adventure....just me, my clunky old German bike, the canal and wildlife. I was followed a good bit of the way by a blue heron and later joined by two of his buddies. Didnt see a single walker or cyclist the whole day. Not surprised as it rained off and on all day. Two overnights with TV, … [Read more...] about A Mini Bike Holiday
Hansi Will Be Greatly Missed
I just received word from Austria informing me that my dear friend Hansi had passed, after a long battle with Cancer. Our friendship goes back to the late seventies when I spent a winter living and working in Westendorf Austria. A few years ago, while cycling from Geneva to Bratislava I returned to Westendorf and as able to locate him living in Kitzbuhl. I was fortunate to spend days with him in Westendorf and also in Vienna after my bike ride. This past winter we met up for a blessed day in Innsbruck. Hansi was a great, honest, hardworking man of beautiful spirit. I felt deeply loved by Hansi and cherish our time together. Here is the posting I had listed after the meetup in Innsbruck … [Read more...] about Hansi Will Be Greatly Missed
Water Flows, What A Gift
There is much we take for granted in life, like food, water, shelter and on and on. We turn the faucet and out it comes, hot water , cold water...whenever we want it. I am told that over 10 % of the world’s population doesn't have acces to good water. Sometims it is good to do withiut....I do believe that. Despite no water in the cottage I was lucky to have canal water for wash up, rain water to boil up and kind neighbors to provide me with dinking water. A few miles away I had access to paid showers and flush toilets. And now I sit in a cozy inn sipping Guinness and feasting in celebration with a warm meal. Life is certaing good. Today water was brought to our Irish Cottage. It … [Read more...] about Water Flows, What A Gift
A Day With Uilleann Pipe Masters
So I ride about an hour in the rain to Corlea visitors center. It’s National Heritage week with free events all week throughout Ireland. Despite the rain I am motivated for a talk on the history and development of the uilleann piles. I arrive, soaked, for the 2 pm event, which seems to start closer to 3 pm, Irish time. The historian suggests I use the blow dryer in the bathroom to dry off a bit. We are eventually led into the tea room and offered a free buffet of tea and coffee, in fine china of course. Out comes cakes, pies , candy treats and sandwiches. We sit around a long table just ten feet from two pipers. The Corlea historian plays a mean uilleann pipes but has to borrow a set since … [Read more...] about A Day With Uilleann Pipe Masters
A Day In The Life……at Frances Cottage
Life can be simple, life us good, I count my blessings every day. It feels like the clock has been turned back and I am living in a different age and time. I wake to the sunrise and prepare for bed not long after dark. Luckily the light still shines now till around 10 pm here at Lock 44, on the Royal Canal. Unaware of the time of day, the morning light wakes me around 6am. On overcast days I am woken as the first tractor of the day races along Savage Bridge just outside my door. I give thanks for the day as morning prayers are said. I always remember to also pray for wisdom and patience especially as I wait for carpenter to show and water services to be reinstated.....hooefully … [Read more...] about A Day In The Life……at Frances Cottage
Back In School
Just returning from a one week traditional music school. Here’s my take on the wonderful week.... Back In School I wander past a kid, around 7 or 8 years of age, as he sits alone playing the Uilleann pipes (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uilleann_pipes). I am so impressed with his diligence I throw a two Euro coin in his bag. Moments later I pass another kid on the banjo, three children playing the concertina, then two young girls doing a jig in front of a girl on the banjo. What surprises me most is that it is past 11pm here in Drumshambo, Ireland. The scene seems quite normal to these kids and families; many of whom spend weeks traveling from one traditional music fest to the … [Read more...] about Back In School
Happy To Be Back
I am always a bit nervous at the start of a new adventure. I think of all the reasons not to go then I force myself to go. It always works out once I get beyond the freakout stage. The lockhouse was just as I imagined it to be.... full of cobwebs and bugs, plus a bathroom floor ready to collapse. One thing is always for certain....the neighbors are kind and generous and a real blessing. My first task is always to put on the floral sneakers that my mom wore in the nineties. I feel her presance everywhere in the lockhouse and am overjoyed to work on the promise I made to her in her final days. She loved the cottage so very much...I do believe it prolonged her life. Upon arrival at … [Read more...] about Happy To Be Back
Homeward Bound
On my way to a simplier life. After a flight to Dublin and and bus to Longford and a taxi to Killashee I return to the cottage that had great meaning for my mother in her final years of life. Her last request to me was to look after it for her. And so, please stay tuned for the updates on the restoration of the home and also of Rosie. It has been a difficult couple of months, mostly made difficult by me, myself and I. The journey to the peaceful cottage life comes at a much needed time. Things have fallen into disprepear and I need to step back up to the plate. It is a joy to spend time in an historic cottage right on the Royal Canal. No electric and currently no water (though … [Read more...] about Homeward Bound