Howth

One always needs to fulfill promises, and I fulfilled one made to a face book friend this past week. Last year when Phil (from Ireland) posted his poster for this charity bike ride (scooters & motor cycles) I told him I would be at the next one. would not be on my scooter, but would come and meet up with him. This years ride took place this past Sunday.  He had posted on his FB page that he was concerned with the weather and was expecting a smaller turn out.  I believe the participation was less, but they actually made more in donations this year than last.

Tom and I drove to Howth, which in itself would be a wonderful place to spend the day.  It's a small village on the Howth peninsula which is north/east of Dublin right along the coast. There is a castle and gardens, couple of museums, a wonderful walking path that circles the peninsula, ruins of a medieval Abbey and bird sanctuary. It a working harbor with lots of boats, private as well as commercial. The harbor is surrounded by a high and long sea wall and old light house built in 1817 at the very end.  I was envious of the beautiful homes that dot the hill side, they must have tremendous views.  A train actually goes directly into the village so I see a train trip in our future, perhaps when all the tourists have gone.   There was much to see and do, but our main focus was to track down Phil and his scooter buddies.  

We parked at the very end of the road, along the sea wall and walked back towards where the village begins and low and behold the street is lined with scooters (be still my heart).   I did not see Phil at first and asked one of the riders is he knew where he was.  We search inside and and and finally we spotted him coming across the street with his hands full.  He stopped and put a box down on a table and looked up just as I snapped his picture.  He recognize me and yelled "SUSAN!!" we hugged like we were long lost best friends.  I introduced him to Tom and the 3 of us stood along the sidewalk and chatted.  His daughter, Emily appeared and he introduced us

to her as well  He got back to his business of collecting funds and we visited with his older brother, Steve. Turns out Steve's got a boat docked at Carrick-on-Shannon and has invited us to take a ride in the next few weeks.  It was a great visit and I'm so happy to have finally met Phil and his daughter.  I hope to see him again before we leave Ireland.

PHOTO ALBUM