Cactus Wanderer

Our last day..... We awoke to a brilliant day in Limerick.  I opened the curtains and there was sun everywhere glinting off the rooftops.  Too bad we're leaving. We're inching our way north toward Dublin through the Irish midlands to Tullamore.  Today is all about whiskey, in this case the triple distilled blended Tullamore Dew dating from 1829. They're ready for us with displays of the grain, overview of the roasting process, fermenting in giant copper vats and blending. The water used comes down the grand canal linking Dublin with the Shannon River in Limerick. Holding a tray with the tiniest, dear little souvenir glasses filled with a wee dram, our guide talks about the casks and how they influence the color of the finished whiskey. In the U.S., the bourbon casks can only be used for three years.  Then they are sold overseas.  Sherry casks are also purchased from Spain. These lend  a very deep color to the spirit. Almost the entire bus has a

The Cliffs of Moher...... We are headed to County Clare and one of Ireland's most visited and photographed spots.  Here the Atlantic Ocean comes crashing into the shore with cliffs towering 702 feet above.  But it is not stark. The ground is sueded with the greenest grass sculpted in a wavy organic pattern by the prevailing winds.  At such a height the surf still seems powerful.  Imagine how high the waves are at sea level. The shoreline is serrated with smaller cliffs that almost appear like abandoned castles and dotted with caves and outcroppings that welcome the puffins in season. There are north and south trails that while rocky are well maintained.  Our luck endures; the sun is poking out and there is no rain.  Oddly, there is no wind.  From the northern trail we can see across to the three Arran Islands, reachable by ferry from Galway. The exhibit center and shopping area are set into the hill, Hobbit-like.  A multi-level

Up to Limerick..... We depart Killarney today to make our way north.  Given our Jaunting Ride yesterday we had a late start this morning with a departure at 11AM.   Ordinarily this would mean a wonderful opportunity to hit the town again and explore and shop but it is raining.  Not a deluge, but enough to give one pause given our upcoming time on the bus.  I imagine that with all the Irish woolens everyone is wearing we might smell like the sheep pen if all were wet. Some did return victorious with interesting and lovely jewelry. I, however, am having trouble of getting rid of the things I already have so I've been  a purist about shopping. Except for some mementos for a literary friend of Irish heritage, grandkid postcards and a hat for Paul, I have bought nothing. Watch out, it's history time! We touched yesterday on James II's ouster by William of Orange.  This is happening near time of the French Revolution and the War of Independenc