A Coastal Cliff Walk

Today was interesting because I headed out of town on the DART train to the Howth peninsula just outside of Dublin. It was another beautiful day and I was looking forward to a hike along the coast with high cliff views of the Irish Sea. It started great enough, with a gentle upward trail and rugged, gorgeous views of the ocean waves, a sail boat and seals playing in the water. But as my walk started to run parallel to the ocean the winds picked up and my hair and earrings were blowing against my face so hard! Then the weather changed for the worse. By the time I reached the halfway point at the top of the island (and near an old lighthouse that perches on the south end of the island), cloudy skies were bringing even more fierce winds inland and there was a visible mist rolling onto the island. I thought I was about to get poured on! As much as I love looking at stormy seas I don't like to be caught in the crossfire, so I hopped a bus back to the village trailhead, rather than hiking back down in the weather! It was an adventure for sure. A local later told me I had experienced true Irish weather-all four seasons in one day, and that I was lucky not to be snowed upon! But after a lemon-butter-sugar crepe and a latte I was refreshed and headed back to town to rest at the hotel and go to dinner with Ruben. I had spotted a French restaurant in town and we wanted to remember the joys of dining in Paris. Sadly, his beouf bourgeinon was not up to par but my salmon with some kind of buttery sauce was delish! And so was the strawberry tart and creme brûlée. Viva la France! He finished work today so we'll explore the countryside tomorrow!