Our Own Island

As we drove out of Eyeries we didn't turn left to go home. Instead we turned right and headed for the principal town of the Beara Peninsula, that of Castletownbere. While we wanted to replenish supplies in the local supermarket and take the measure of this town, famed for its fishing industry, our main reason for visiting was to research what was, for us, an essential day out: a visit to an island named after us - none other than Bere Island.

As you can see from our first picture we soon found the ferry that would take us across and we noted down the times of the sailings so we'd know when to come back. As we were there in season, there were plenty of crossings every day.

We then got back into the bearmobile and drove round to a viewpoint for our first proper look at the island. This was quite an important occasion so we were all present and, as you can see, while the smaller bears were off exploring, the more sedate members of our travelling party gathered on the roof of the bearmobile to take in the sight and compare first impressions.

It was only 2km away so we could see lots of detail and it looked a very fine island and worthy of a full day out to explore it. There's nothing like a bit of anticipation is there? I think I had successfully whetted the appetites of my friends.

Lots of love Patrick and fellow leprechaun bears xxx

Bearing Along the Beara Way

I decided that, as George & Yorkie had done such a good job of leading us to that wonderful church, I should take the rest of the day off from my responsibilities as chief guide, and let them plan the rest of the day out.

I take my hat off to them, they did a really fine job. They led us on a walk from the church, out to the coast. It was a fine circular walk taking in several miles of coast. Once again we were walking along the Beara Way which would be a great path to do as a long distance walk as it takes in some lovely scenery and places.

Sorry our picture's a bit dark, but it turned out rather a cloudy day, although fortunately not a cold one. It did make for quite a atmosphere though, and, hopefully, it gives you the impression of the empty Irish coastline and lots of space. We passed a bay full of discarded scallop shells and helped our male minder collect an armful, as he thought it would be rather nice to use them for the baptisms he does. 

Not much further along, we stopped to admire a piece of maritime artwork that really took our fancy. A few simple items from the beach had been turned into something rather wonderful - a mermaid, or was it a mer man?

I was really enjoying playing tourist, rather than guide, and the day wasn't over yet.

Lots of love Patrick, George, Yorkie & Co xxx

Wondrous Windows

After 2 days of cycling I wasn't that surprised when the other chaps said they fancied a change, but I was slightly taken aback when George said we should go to church. After all, it's not our usual midweek holiday activity, and I didn't think I needed to atone, or seek confession, after drinking just 2 pints of Guinness in 2 days! 

When we arrived at the church that George had picked out for us, I soon appreciated that his plan made a lot of sense. Apparently, while we were enjoying our Kilmakilloge Guinness on the previous day, he had overheard 2 fellow tourists saying how wonderful the stained glass windows were at the church at Eyeries and, being a curious kind of bear, decided that we should check it out, especially as the Friendly Planet Guide needs to include a bit of culture as well as outdoor activities.

We're not exactly what you'd call art lovers, but we were completely blown away by these stunningly beautiful windows. They were very modern and very colourful and the striking images told the story of the area throughout the ages. If you look carefully you can see George & Yorkie sitting at the bottom of the window, lost in thoughtful contemplation. This was just one of a whole churchful of equally amazing windows. If you ever find yourself on the Beara Pensinsula then you must go and see them.  

Our meditative viewing of the windows came to an abrupt end when George found the biggest container of holy water that any of us had ever seen. We hoped it wasn't disrespectful for him to sit on the top, but it did rather tickle his fancy.

We can certainly say that they don't do things by halves in the south west of Ireland.

Lots of love Patrick, George, Yorkie & Rosa xxx

Not Guilty M'Lud

A spokesbear for Bears Unlimited, when interviewed about the above story which appeared in the national press yesterday, said "this has nothing to do with our organisation or members. All our drivers hold full licences and respect the rules of the road. In fact, our driving prowess is such that there are rumours that one of our members might actually be The Stig.  All we know is, he's called Blue Bear."

Wheels Roll Again

We had enjoyed our cycle so much, that the next day we all decided that we'd like to do more. Again we cycled from our cottage, but this time in the opposite direction. We were pleased to find it was rather flatter, but no less interesting.

As we turned inland we found a lovely quiet road leading to a beautiful lake. At the far end we found the stream which runs into it and it was a lovely spot for a paddle and a spot of rest and relaxation.  The water was crystal clear and not as cold as you might think, considering it had come down from the mountains.

As we came into the village of Lauragh we found a wonderful 'feature' outside the local bar. It looked like a petrol pump, but it purported to dispense Murphys rather than fuel. It seemed too good to be true, so we went for a closer inspection. Can you see us?

Unfortunately the nozzle at the end of the hose was locked down so sadly there were no free samples. We weren't too upset though as we do prefer Guinness to Murphy's. And, before long, we weren't upset at all, when we returned to a quiet coast road and found a perfectly located bar at the Kilmakilloge Harbour. We passed it twice, the first time we pedalled past without stopping, but on the return journey ... well, it would have been impolite not to stop would it not?

As you can see it was a Guinness with a view and it didn't stay in the glass long, but there again, cycling is hard and thirsty work.

Lots of love, Patrick and the Guinness drinkers xxx

Melting Tar and Tired Legs

When we set out on our bikes we had no idea how hilly our coastal headland ride was going to be. Map reading, and interpreting all the contours, has never been my strong point, and sometimes it's best not to know what's ahead anyway. It didn't ruin our enjoyment of a mighty fine day though. After all, the sun was shining and for every up there was a down. We enjoyed whizzing downhill with the wind in our fur, and, when the ups got too steep, we simply got off and pushed. This gave us time to take in the lovely coastal views such as this one.

As you can see from the very blue and cloudless sky, it did get quite hot. The sun caused the tar to melt and this kept giving us sticky tyres: it was quite a strange sensation - and noise - to pedal a bike that was gripping the road so fiercely.

By the time we got back to the village of Ardgroom in the late afternoon, we were certainly ready for a Guinness. We stopped at the Village Inn and sat outside, watching the world go by.

If you've got a sense of deja vu, yes you have seen this picture before - we're just putting it in context now.

The Village Inn is a very fine traditional Irish pub and we did visit it on quite a few occasions, not only for the Guinness though, they did some fine food as well.

We particularly liked the quirky boots flowerpots and the rather cute Jack Russell who seemed to spend most of his time there (although apparently he lived elsewhere).

Have you spotted George & Yorkie, up to their usual trick of playing hide and seek?

It wasn't too hard to tear ourselves away though, as we were all keen to get back to our sea view patio and private beach. 

Lots of love, Patrick & Co xxx 

A Corker of a Cork Stone Circle

I needn't have worried. Our first full day at Sli Na Mara dawned bright and sunny and everyone was eager to get exploring. As we'd spent so long in the Bearmobile the previous 2 days, we decided to explore under our own steam and give the Bearmobile a well earned rest.

We had taken our bicycles with us, and I planned a route that would allow us to cycle from the cottage and explore the coast to the west of us, using quiet roads and the route of the Beara cycle way (I should have said that we were of course staying on the Beara Peninsula - could there be a more apt place for a bear to stay?) 

Our first stop was just a few minutes ride down the road and was the Ardgroom stone circle. There are a lot of stone circles in this part of Ireland, and this was one well worth showing off.

There were 2 particularly tall stones marking the entrance to the circle and, George & Yorkie being avid climbers, couldn't resist the challenge of racing to the top. Gilbert was happy to have a bit of minder assistance. We had some great views of the Kenmare Bay from the top.

I had a slightly worrying moment when I realised the guys, and Rosa, expected me to be an authority on stone circles and deliver a lecture. I was just wondering if I could bluff my way through, when I spotted a welcome sight: an information board. We all went over to find out all there was to know about the Ardgroom stone circle. The raised metal text had a satisying feel under my paw. I think I could learn to read Braille quite easily.

The circle was reached by a footpath which wasn't cycleable. On our way back to the bikes we found a beautiful irish cow guarding the stile. Can you see us on the top of the stile? We like Irish stiles as they are very substantial and easy to spot in their green and yellow livery. They do take a bit of climbing though so are good for keeping fit.

Next stop after the stone circle was the sea and the surprisingly undulating path beside it.

Keep a look out for the next instalment coming soon.

Lots of love Patrick and friends xxx