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by Paul Shaw, Member, KTA Board of Directors
Fifteen KTA members enjoyed spectacular scenery, generally fine weather, and the warm hospitality of the Dingle peninsula on KTA’s just-completed Ireland hiking adventure. Co-sponsored by Treks & Trails International, participants hiked by day and stayed in comfortable country inns and B&B’s by night.
Several of the inns featured live traditional Irish music, enlivening the evenings for all.
Over the 94-mile route along the Dingle Way, highlights included:
• the tiny village of Annascaul, home of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, and site of his still operating and welcoming South Pole Inn;
• the delightful Brigadoon-like seaside town of Dingle, where live music and delicious fresh seafood abounded;
• passing by ancient Celtic ruins on the way to the magnificent views of the Blasket Islands from the perch of Slea Head, high above the Atlantic Ocean;
• hiking along the craggy shoreline and wind-swept beaches on the north side of the peninsula;
• the challenging but ultimately rewarding 1800’ climb up and over the pass on Mt. Brandon, Ireland’s second-highest mountain;
• the warm hospitality and delicious meals provided by the various innkeepers, pubs and b&b’s;
• the abundance of ripe blackberries and gorgeous flowers, both wild and domestic, which obviously thrive in Ireland’s cool, damp climate;
• the mix of bucolic countryside with its abundant hedgerows, rock walls and sheep and raw mountain beauty, always within view of the sea;
• hearing the melodic Gaelic language, extensively spoken on the Dingle Peninsula;
• the camaraderie of our 15-person entourage as new friendships grew from our shared experiences.
“Lowlights” were few but included:
• the “black pudding” (blood sausage) offered with the Full Irish Breakfast;
• traversing several muddy bogs which served to keep the group humble and once again proved the worth of gaiters.
The trip was organized and led by KTA Board Member (and Treks & Trails co-founder) Paul Shaw, ably assisted by KTA Executive Director Curt Ashenfelter. All agreed that extended hiking in scenic splendor is a great way to travel and look forward to future adventures. KTA is planning another group hiking excursion in 2013. Stay tuned for details!
Treks & Trails International provides hiking adventures of a lifetime to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Look for our 2013 schedule at www.treksandtrailsinternational.com. |