Here We Are...

The people in front are our British friends, and the other two are our friends from Colorado, Joannie and John. We had so much fun with them. We were all together for a special dinner on the Queen on one of our last nites on the ship.

Riding the Capitol Limited

Coming home from Martinsburg, WV on the Capitol Limited. I just love that train. Everyone is just so friendly. However, this time I just stayed in my room, locked the door, took off my shoes and curled up to finish the book I started on the Queen.

Finally Home

My train pulled in late last nite to Quincy. Brian was there to meet me and we got home in just a few minutes. Mickey was waiting at the back door and was very glad to have me home. I went to bed and slept all the way through. This morning I went to visit my Dad and Aunt Sis. Both are doing fine.

The Metro Lounge

The crowd is finally thinning out a bit in here because they have loaded the California Zephyr and are getting ready to board the Empire Builder, the train that goes to Seattle. That means I may be able to get up and go get something to eat without losing my seat in here. When I entered the lounge this morning it was almost empty, so I was able to choose the best wifi spot at the best table near the restroom and the coffee pot. On the train from Martinsburg, WV, I met a little girl and her Aunt at breakfast. They came from DC and are taking the Empire Builder from Chicago. I saw them come into the waiting room and find seats quite near me. Then the Aunt left hours ago to take her service dog out to go to the bathroom. The little girl was getting anxious because the train was ready to board and the Aunt hadn't come back yet. There was this nice older woman who was sitting next to the little girl and she was also looking out for her. But, I kept my eye on that situation to make sure things went OK. I finally saw the little girl get up and start wandering around. So, I walked over to where she and the other older woman were standing. The Aunt had still not come back. So, I went to look for her. I found her out in the terminal on her way back into the lounge. I can't imagine leaving a little girl alone for hours in a waiting room...but, you know what they say...you can always rely on the "kindness of strangers". Crisis adverted.

The Hag of Beara

Overlooking the sea in southwestern Ireland on the Beara peninsula, the Hag stone formation has many stories that are connected to it. It embodies the energy of the ancient goddess that was/is worshiped all over Ireland, under a variety of names. I had read about the Hag while researching our trip and really wanted to find her. My sister, ever the faithful companion, persevered and got us there. As you can see, the view was magnificent, the color of the sea amazing... it was quiet and peaceful up here alone with the Hag. Many pilgrims had been there before us, as evidenced by the numerous offerings on and surrounding her. The ground was a bit boggy but we managed to navigate the wet mucky areas and sat for quite some time with the Hag. From this height, we looked back across the bay and saw the Ogham stone we had just visited, where we met Skippy, our tour guide dog. The large stone was standing straight up, off in the distance, visible through our binoculars. Once we knew where to look, we could see the giant stone unaided. Amazing......

Kilcatherine on the Beara

After we left the Hag, we drove off in search of this old church called Kilcatherine. While it is no longer in use as a worship site, people are still being buried here. Up here on the mountain amongst ancient, old and recent graves, wild and cultivated plants grow alongside each other. The roof no longer exists but it is clear this place still holds great power for many. We spent quite sometime, wandering among the burial sites, examining the graves, paying our respects... looking at the many high crosses and the view. Once again, we were the only ones here....... a beautiful place to rest after passing from this life.

Argroom Stone Circle on the Beara

This circle was far out in the country on private farmland.....lots of sheep grazing nearby... curly horned rams sleeping under a tree. From the small parking area, at first we could not see the circle but a women who was waiting for her partner to return, pointed it out to us. As we walked towards it, climbing over fences, the few people who had been visiting it, passed us going out. On second thought, the woman who had originally helped us, decided to join us so it was the 3 of us in the circle. You can see the ocean and bay in the distance. This was as wild, and wind swept place as ever I have been. Huge mountains were off to the right, that came crashing right down in to the ocean. Incredible views....... the energy here was so very pure and clear.