A cheeky horse and more deer!
Horseback riding was amazing. Seriously one of the best things I’ve done all trip. There were two guides from the stables and one little boy out. And it turns out riding is like cycling – it comes back really quickly – after posting a couple of times with my hand on the horse’s mane, I was able regain my balance and focus on keeping the reins the proper distance and such. We had 3 trots, including the last one which was a serious power-trot. I did fairly well – although my mount and dismount were dismal – my legs are just not very bendy these days. And I definitely was stretching muscles that I haven’t used in a couple of years, but I walked around Killarney afterwards and I’m feeling good now.
Anyways, the ride itself – the scenery was absolutely stunning. For a big part of the ride we were looking down across fields, woods, the lake and across to the mountains with snowcapped peaks. It was stunningly beautiful. I saw mostly the same assortment of birds; hooded crows (not ravens – oh and the sanpiper bird is a whimberel), wood pigeons, a little brown bird with orangy sides and a white throat, mockingbirds. And then we turned to a path by the river in the woods, and we saw a whole herd of deer! Now, these were much smaller than the one I saw the other day – and not because I was on a horse. Turns out they were Sitka deer, which were introduced from asia. A couple of full grown males with nice antlers, and about 10 females. They watched the horses, but didn’t scatter. They were about 15 feet away (the river was about 8′ wide). So the ride was great. I had the best time – and I definitely need to take up riding again at some point.
Wandered around town for a bit, had a coffee in the cutest little coffee shop/choclatier (the place smelled SO GOOD). I’ve been fighting with internet for a while, but I’ve managed to add a couple hi-res photos from Killarney (it is still being fussy though). Treated myself to a thai restaurant in town (vegetables in sweet and sour (broccolli! Beans! I need to eat less takeaway, despite the cheapness) and mint ice cream with dark chocolate sauce. Mmmmm….). Talked to Kristl and Hayden (whoops – interrupted a date… so sorry!) But where I was planning on skipping Cork, because I’ve been there, they’ve convinced me to go, for some of the day trips (the Fota animal park – it like the San Diego wild animal park – in Ireland and smaller) and the Michelstown caves and such. I’m going to go to the tourist office tomorrow and ask about Glengarriff – neither K nor Hayden knew much about it. Hayden suggested Dingle – I’ll check my guidebook tonight. Ah – to be able to go wherever I feel like whenever I want – I love it. So I’ll be back in Dublin probably in 4 or 5 days (it’ll be cheaper to see Kildare and maybe Wexford as day trips (although I might spend a night in either Wexford or Glendalough, or both. We’ll see). I’m thinking a long day hike tomorrow through the park to Muckross estate and the Yew Woods. Back to the hostel to read my book. I might go out for a hot whiskey though – its raining again (at least it was clear today…) Think thats it for now.
Oh right – the horse. My horse had quite the bad attitude (that tends to happen with me and horses – my favorite horse at PO was Eminem, so named because he was difficult) Anyways – this horse kept trying to forge his own paths, block the guides horse from passing, eat the grass, canter, etc. etc… Cheeky horse.
I predict a riot – Kaiser Chiefs (how badly do I want to go to Coachella this year?!? RHCP, Kaiser chiefs, bjork, interpol, jarvis cocker, regina spektor, amy winehouse, the decemberists, arctic monkeys, sonic youth, peaches, lots of bands I’ve heard really good things about – but don’t know very well (damn not having limewire on the road!) not to mention we are scientists – go 5Cs!)
Tags: Travel
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