Celebrating the Prodigal's Return

We were all very happy when our minder returned and we were all together again. We went out for a special meal to celebrate. We'd picked somewhere that we'd heard was good, and are pleased to report it was much more than good, it was stunning.

So where is the place to go if you ever find yourself near the Cork/Kerry border? The place to go is Josie's restuarant which is at Lakeview House, in a remote spot overlooking the delightful Glanmore Lake.

We had a warm welcome as we arrived and were taken to a cosy table right by the window so we could look out over the gardens, lake and mountains.

One of our minders started with seafood chowder and when the bowl came it looked lovely, and was big enough for Yorkie to swim in. It tasted as good as it looked, and Yorkie even abandoned his usual pirana devouring approach to food, and decided to savour it, so as to make it last as long as it could.

In between courses we had a chance to look out the window and admire the view ...

... it was very special. It was just a shame we were there just after the longest day so didn't get a chance to see the sun setting over the mountains, but there again, as it was so light, we could enjoy the view for the whole of our meal.

The main course was a lovely piece of salmon with beautifully cooked potatoes and vegetables. As salmon is one of a bear's favourite foods, what more can we say ... other than the Eves pudding we had was desert was also most spendid.

However good the meal was, it was even better to have our minder back. Mind you, if we are every back in the area - which we hope to be - Josie's will be one of the first places we head to.

Lots of love, Patrick and co xxx

La Tour de Ireland: a Tough Stage

But the guys and Rosa were going to be kept in suspense a bit longer, as there was a bit more sight seeing to do before we worked up to Bear/Bere Island - I'd deliberately designed this trip for the mid point in our stay.

So first of all, it was back on the bikes. What a glorious ride we had, but I did get quite a few black look from the chaps, at the start as it was extremely steep: as I've said before I'm not very good at reading the contour lines on a map. There was certainly a lot of pushing that day, as we quite simply ran out of gears, and then ended up having to jump off quickly before we went too far backwards. It was quite like trying to cycle up a Lake District fell, until we got to the top and it all flattened off. There was even a convenient rock on which to take a rest.

The views were magnificent and, unlike the Lake District, we had it all to ourselves. What's more, there was a great downhill, which lasted several miles, and took us all the way to our lunch stop, and some easier afternoon cycling, taking in the tourist town of Kenmare.

That evening, after our meal, I resumed my usual dusk wildllife watch from the window, over the sea ...

... I was looking for something very special and, would you believe it, that night my luck was in.

You'll have to wait for the next post to find out what I saw.

Lots of love Patrick & friends xxx