StormThoughts

I have just acquired a Flickr account to use for the many pictures that will not fit on this blog.

Here it is.

This was a great journey taking in the states of California Nevada Utah Colorado New Mexico and Arizona. Almost four weeks of travel and adventure. From Sutters Mill to Mesa Verde from Zion Canyon to Valley of the Gods and the Colorado river we journeyed. We Hiked, Mountain Biked, visited rare archaeological sites, drifted down the Colorado river. Took lots of pictures and bought lots of books. I will add some pictures as soon as possible.

Yesterday I did a 7.3 mile hike on the Keenagh Loop walk. Very enjoyable, boggy in a few places, but generally a fine walk. I had a moving average of 3.1 mph that was good. Took a few nice Pictures and include one in Gallery, it is an isolated thorn tree way up the valley of Glendorragha. The stream that flows from the mountain has no map name but loops in a 5 mile journey to join the Crumpaun river at the foot of Nephin More.  The views of Nephin and the north east were excellent.  The sun shone and all was well with the world and me.

Yesterday Friday 6th March 2009  the Croagh patrick Heritage Trail was officially opened. It was a  special occasion for many who had striven to put this 55 kilometer hiking trail in place. I include some pictures in the Picture gallery that describe it better than words.

Next weekend 14th 15th 16th March 2009 there is a hiking festival planned around the trail. For me that will be the real launch.

“The bicycles go by in twos and threes”  Patrick Kavanagh

I don’t remember my very first bike. That is, I don’t remember when I was given it, any way I was only four years old at that time. It was a three wheeler, it had a compartment on the back that opened and could be used to carry things, I never remember carrying anything in it. Fortunately I have a picture of myself on board, taken in 1952, in Bikes were everything those days, all my relations cycled, not for summer time. I do remember many happy spins on that bike, you see we lived on a lane way in the depths of rural north county Dublin, Ballymadrough, Donabate, to be precise. Read the rest of this entry »

Nine hardy souls set of from Bellacorrick to do the 18 miles to Ballycastle, the route followed the Western Way, a hiking trail through the most remote part of North Mayo. The route could be used as a cycling way for those who use Mountain Bikes and like an endurance challenge without the technical difficulties of a Mountain Bike trail per se. It is mostly on forestry tracks and trails, there is however nearly two miles on board approximately 18 inches wide, [see pics] this was the challenge, the fun part, as we tried to stay on the boards and at the same time look around.
Acute bends meant some cycled into the bog [soft landing] The stepped sections were great, I lost control myself on  one occasion and ended up seperated from my bike, on my back in the bog. Everybody enjoyed the trip.The boards were firm and just technical enough, to make one pay attention. we all agreed we will do it again.  This is not a route for the faint hearted or the extreme bikers.