After touring many of the major cities in the UK and Ireland,
we find ourselves back on the trail in Killarney National Park. But, our
opinions differ as to what parts of the park we should see with the one day we
have to visit before moving on. The answer? Let’s split up. We can meet up
later in the day when we can share stories and pictures.
MK heads south of town to the east side to see the lakeshore
and some of the ruins inside the park. The deep green meadows are framed by the
lake’s blue waters and the distant hills that alternate between being cast in
shadow and illuminated by the bright sunshine.
The trail turns and in the open are the ruins of an abbey. She
finds it to be mysterious, mystical actually.
Its ancient walls are grey and
mottled. An adjacent cemetery is over grown. Its weathered headstones have descriptions
difficult to read. She relishes being alone amongst this antiquity and its
natural setting. 
I have taken a shuttle to the Gap of Dunloe, a passage
through the mountains carved by glaciers many millennia ago. A steady climb up
the narrow road takes me past streams, lakes, and abandoned farm buildings. The
higher elevations place me closer to the passing rain clouds which do not disappoint
for I am frequently in and out of my rain gear.
At the top of the pass, I pause for lunch. The skies have
cleared. I turn to look back. The sunshine has produced rainbows down-valley.
Wow..
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