November 20
By the time I parked the car this morning, the sun was peeping out of the fog. Decided to venture to Portnabally Bay, next to Down Patrick Head. The rocks were completely different.
Switched to marker since the shapes seemed bolder and more agressive
Getting rather cold starring at the rocks so headed up a hill road outside of town. Amazing how the weather changes with elevation. I could see the sun shining where I had been painting. Misty at the top of the hill.
November 21
Headed out today to explore the west area of County Mayo. First stop was Ballycroy National Park. Lovely for weekend walkers- gravel and wood paths. Personally, I was interested in something a little more rugged so headed back to the car and continued south on the Wild Atlantic Way. ( I have to pause here for a moment and tell you about this wonderful roadway experience. It is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world, stretching from Donegal to Cork with 180 discovery points). I just follow the signs and end up with a stunning view every time.
Heading south drove through peat bogs of ochres, rusts and Van Dyck browns. Then the road started to wind its way up a hill-stacked rocked walls appeared with gnarly trees. I thought I had entered the land of the wee people. Saw on the water's edge, a marsh. but appeared to be moss rather than grass? I asked a few Irish folks at the Center- what is this ground surface? Everyone agreed it was a golf course for fairies.
Made it to a bar in Mulranny. Cheese sandwich (made their way: grated cheese, mayo and butter on whole wheat) with a cup of tea. Enjoyed a chat with a gentleman at the bar and his lady friend. Seems he was a rather good musician at one time. Had songs on the radio.
Headed back up N59 to Belmullet for the evening. Had a lovely stay at Drom Caion Bed and Breakfast. Walked the streets and then returned later for dinner.
Dogs stay close to the owner's shop
Evening sunset
Ended the day at Talbots Pub, Belmullet
November 22
A glorious day - sun shining all day! - to explore the various discovery points on Atlantic Wild Way. Here is a map of my day's travels. Starting a the southern tip - An Fai Moir, then moved north to the two points to the left and then ended at the top - Ceann Lorrais. Breathtaking views at every stop.
Third Stop -Dun na Mbo
Sketch
At each location there is a commissioned work -part of the North Mayo Sculpture Trail, the largest public art project ever taken in Ireland. Below see an example, followed by an interesting architectural stucture - Belmullet's water tower.
Located at the same location- Dun na Bo
Water Tower
NOVEMBER 23
THANKSGIVING DAY in America. Certainly a day to be thankful for our family and friends...and, for me - the amazing opportunity to be here at Ballinglen Arts Foundation. Here are pictures I took today that describe my thankfulness this special day. First, the natural world around us.
Rainbow and a hail storm!
Second, a dog to love for a day. ( Tara at Mary's Cottage loaned me her dog for the day. This is DUDE.)
And, of course, the love of family and friends. Mary (standing) treated the "Americans" to a Thanksgiving dinner of salmon and cod, buttered bread, white wine. And IRISH coffee ( my first one!) with her mince pie. Seated left, John Eckel ( painter from Philadelphia), Chrissie Tighe with Ballinglen Arts Foundation and John's brother Joel. SO LOVELY.