After the rain

No wonder we talk so  much about the weather in Ireland, it is a thing to marvel about. Having had several days of fat thick mizzle and downright wetness, the most beautiful sparkling day emerged today. I was in the water by 8.15 and this was taken at 8.10, everywhere looking glorious. How thankful the organisers of Ahakista festival must be for today was the main fun day - with kayaks and  sailboards and races going on. When I went by for a second swim at 5pm the whole place was absolutely heaving. All events were done but families mostly  were just enjoying the sunshine and the  views and the pints - and a very good band. Where does everyone come from?

And it is of course Reek/Garland/Bilberry/Garlic/Crom Dubh Sunday welcoming in the festival of Lunasa, the harvest and Autumn. A day to traditionally climb a mountain, visit a holy well, gather bilberries, harvest your garlic and frolic. Staggering up Croagh Patrick is probably the most famous of the pilgrimages (5000 people did it today!) but three years ago I did the traditional climb of Mt Brandon Mount Brandon - the second highest mountain in Ireland and yes, there is a well on the summit!   I'm still recovering!