Monday 26 March Galley Head Lighthouse

Went out for a walk in the morning, then back for coffee and toast for breakfast, before getting everyone together to go out. We were off to visit Judith, she had invited all of us to lunch at her Rectory at Balineen about half an hours drive away. We set off in convoy as usual, and arrived in time for lunch. I spent some time cuddling Maud, Judith's little grey cat who is sixteen now. She is as lovely and affectionate as ever, it's some time since I last saw her. Judith's other cat Fluffy is, as her name implies, quite the fluffiest cat I had ever met. She was very cute too. After lunch Judith took us to a National Park, this was about an hours drive from Balineen. The woods were well worth visiting, several little waterfalls, stepping stones to cross the stream, moss everywhere and some fairly steep climbs uphill. The views are wonderful and remind me very much of parts of Scotland. We went down to the lake on the return journey, wandered around taking photos and vid. Gavin skimmed a few stones. We looked around the ruin. I went into the tiny St. Finbars church by the lake. Later on most people went back to Galley Head. Nick, Jenny, Bernie and I went off shopping with Judith to Glengarrif where we went to Quills Woollen Market and bought some clothes, Bernie bought himself a really nice Irish Grandad shirt, which really suits him. Jenny and I each bought a jumper, and Nick bought Judith a red jumper too. We then went over the road to a local pub for a welcome cup of tea, and a cake, before driving back to Galley Head. Louise had cooked a veggie stew for everyone and Jennifer had made dumplings to go with it. Judith joined us for dinner, then later Nick and Jenny took her home. The rest of us curled up around the fire, or played Munchkin in the kitchen. Andrew phoned me, so I sat out by the lighthouse chatting to him for a while, I do wish he was here with me.