Billy and the Poisoned Glen

Dunlewy Laugh

We had woken to our first totally blue sky in a long long time. The sun peeped above the hills around 9am, so we knew today was one to make the most of and not to be wasted. Himself suggested that we drive up to the Poisoned Glen. Apparently noone knew exactly why the poisoned glen had been so named. We heard that it may have been misnamed or mispelt in the guide books hundreds of years ago, something lost in translation, perhaps it was the poignant glen, the pointed glen, the possessed glen or just the glen position. Who knows, but the general consensus was that it wasn't  poisoned , there were no poisonious plants, insects or animals  and it was definately  a lovely place to visit. Himself hurriedly packed the thermos and a few provisions and we were on our way.

It was an hour's drive North of Kincasslagh, our trip was made a little longer by roadworks. In Ireland we've  noticed that there are several different ways that they control traffic, where roadworks are carried out. I'm not sure how they choose the method - maybe its up to the number of workers who turn up on the day.

If noone turns up - they use the portable traffic lights to control traffic at either end.

If a couple of men turn up -  its the old hand held 'stop and go' system that we have in Australia.

And if a lot of men turn up -  you have the luxury of being escorted down the road by a lead car. A couple of men still hold up the 'stop and go' signs (so the lead car can get it right) and the rest of the men  look on, give advice and wait for their turn in the escort car.

The church ruin

Eventually we arrived at what we thought was the Poisoned Glen, no signposts around, only the one on the main road several kilometres back pointing us in this direction. We got out and rugged up ready for the walk. We could see the glen in the distance between mountain peaks about an hours walk away.
It wasn't long before it become apparent that himself had forgotten the most important item.  He'd bought the camera, our gloves, beanies,  rainjackets, scarves, water and lunch but forgotten our wellingtons. 
Even though we had waterproof boots the terrain called for wellingtons as it was so wet underfoot in parts that you could sink to your ankles.
Regrettably, we turned back and made our way back to a ruined church seen on route. 

Over the stone wall

Time for a cuppa

A sheltered seat in the sun to have morning tea. It was perfect as we sat down, leaned back and soaked up the sun. A rare luxury over here. Himself poured the tea and I sat back sipping hot tea and enjoying the scene before me. The view in front of us stetched down the grassy slopes towards the lake.

Mt Errigal

Looking towards the glen

As we drove home past the field near our house, where Billy and his mate had been eating  for the last three weeks, Billy stopped nibbling, looked up questioningly and seemed to say ' Back so soon'!