It was a two hour drive from Galway to Liscannor where we met our own tour guide Tom, who escorted us around the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, an old castle now an art school and numerous local spots all the while giving us our first up close and personal encounter with a true Irishman! Tom was a combination of Hugh Howser and Alex Trebec....he knew lots about a wide variety of topics delivered with passion and flair. After spending five hours with Tom we drove another three hours down to Dingle and oh my what a ride it was!! Guided expertly by our GPS and Eric behind the wheel we roamed from highways to country hairpin roads designed for a buggy but used by all. We frequently clipped the foliage on the side trying to stay in our skinny "lane" while skimming by cars and farm machinery coming the opposite direction. It gave new meaning to the saying "seeing the whites of their eyes".

Dingle was a sight to see after dropping down from the green rolling hills....a beautiful bay spread out before us lined by a charming seaside village. Our B and B is situated across from the bay and has lovely views of the water and today lovely views of the storm! Yes, the real Irish weather made its first appearance today with churning sea, dark gloomy clouds and lots of moisture. We had been experiencing almost balmy weather since arriving on the isle so it's no surprise that Ireland's true colors should show themselves. A day of just window watching and soaking in all that makes Ireland so green is appreciated at this point although it did interfere with the planned bike trek we were hoping to do. We have all been struck by the beauty of the land and the warmth and kindness of all we meet. These are truely special folks and are each a piece of gold in an overflowing pot of beauty and goodness.