Having arrived in complete darkness last night, we’re beyond excited to get outside to take in the sights, sounds, and smells. Especially since the weather has improved from rain and wind last night to partly sunny!
The big sliding door brought the fresh Atlantic sea breeze and gorgeous view right inside.
Hadleigh was quick to get exploring right after breakfast.
“Look at all of these shells underground!” Hadleigh exclaimed.
According to our research, this is very likely shell midden.
People living along the Galway/Connemara coast collected huge quantities of periwinkles, limpets, cockles, oysters, etc., ate the meat, and repeatedly dumped the shells in the same spots. Over time those piles became thick layers, then soil and vegetation formed on top.
Hadleigh began romping around atop this large boulder— perhaps the best vantage point to appreciate the views.
Between the rainbow sighting, sunlight breaking through, and complete isolation aside from a few friendly cows off in the pastures, Jake knew this was the spot.
I told Hadleigh I’d like to get a photo of us standing on the rock. Patiently, Hadleigh waited as I set up the tripod. The wind thought it would be funny to blow my tripod-mounted phone over into a small pile of cow manure. No problem. Unfazed, I readjusted the tripod with some assistance from a few rocks. Okay. We’re ready. It’s go time!
The best surprise in the whole wide world and couldn’t have been a more beautiful day. We have so much more to share – photos, the whole story, and the rest of our day.
We’ve just pulled into a friend’s for the night and tomorrow off to the homeland – County Mayo!! We will make a pt 2 and tell you all the details tomorrow!!!
We love you all and will talk soon 💛
Jake and Hadleigh
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