“When you are back in the States…” A few short words, I have always spoken to other people throughout my life and never had said to me. I will be, very unfortunately, missing an exciting event for a friend due to our travels in Ireland. After sending a regretful RSVP yesterday, woke this morning to an understanding message with those words and the impact of seeing them is mind-boggling. Traveling has been a pipe dream for me and much to my amazement, it is not a pipe dream anymore. During the hustle and bustle of getting from one destination to the next on this grand adventure, it is easy to forget where I am and how lucky I am to be here. This morning, as I listen to the sounds of the owls outside the cottage, I am taking the time to reflect on just how blessed I am and to do a happy dance in my mind, as my actual dancing would result in bumps and bruises and more than likely wake Kevin and the girls. I am in Ireland and when I am back in the States, I will take this adventure with me, wherever I go, with a grateful heart and joy in my soul.

One might think that after exploring the quaint, picturesque, history-filled village of Ardmore, there would not be much more to do here. That is, very much, not the reality. Today was beach day and Ardmore boasts one of the most gorgeous beaches I have ever seen. Located right off the village center, the flat, sandy beach stretches out along the bay allowing breath-taking views of the cliffs, the greenest fields, and gently rolling waves to be seen from wherever one may be sitting. Although the water was a bit too cool for me, Kevin, Audra, and Ellery had no hesitation and close to three delightful hours were spent frolicking in the waves and playing in the sand. We paused briefly to eat sandwiches we picked up on our way into town from Quinn’s Foodstore and Ellery made a friend with a young boy named Matthew. It was such a delight to see her building sandcastles and playing made-up games along the shore, having the time of her life. Seeing as though it was the first day full of sunshine in quite sometime the beach was filled with an abundance of people playing games, walking the shore, sunbathing, swimming and having the best of times. I could have sat there for hours watching the crowds, hearing the laughter and the waves. Instead, we went back to the cottage to clean off the sand, have a lazy afternoon at the cottage, and get ready for dinner in Dungarvan.

Dungarvan is a coastal town filled with shops, pubs, and restaurants. We had dinner at a pub called The Local. The food was excellent. Audra had the day’s special and enjoyed prawns and Ellery detoured from her normal choice of a burger and instead had pasta. Both girls loved their meals and much to my surprised agreed that it was the best pub we have frequented thus far. It is always a wonder for me when the two of them agree on anything. We left the pub out the back alley, exited a blue gate door onto the street, and wound up taking a quick walk to capture some photos before the short drive home filled with more of my blurry photos from the car. Dungarvan is on the list of places to explore more thoroughly, but for tonight, it was a short stop for excellent food.

During evening tea we mapped out tomorrows excitement and made a phone call home. Kevin enjoyed swimming today and found it to be very refreshing. I do believe Audra was of the same mindset. Ellery’s joy came from the thrill of making a friend at the water. An easy day of recovery before today’s outing; one, everyone is quite excited for, but only after I finish my cup of tea.