Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Lost in a Fairy Mist

You can’t see the fairies unless you were born in the evening, or so the saying goes. I was a dawn baby, so I doubted I’d see them, but I knew they were there in the fragrant Irish woods. The cascades and narrow paths behind the Anam Cara retreat tingled with magic that lingered long after I scraped the mud and grass from my shoes. I had no blackthorn or hazelwood sticks for protection, but I didn’t need them. The fairies, in this part of Ireland at least, seemed friendly enough.

Yet they caused their share of mischief. The weather was hot and dry, and before I left Cork City for Eyeries, I had to shop for warm weather clothes, which I never bring to Ireland. During my first night at Anam Cara, youngsters partying across the stream lit a campfire that quickly spread and would have devoured those fragrant woods if a gallant neighbor hadn’t doused the flames with the retreat’s fire extinguishers. Worst of all, crows robbed the duck house of two precious ducklings.

The fairies’ antics couldn’t override the glory of the Beara Peninsula, however. Each day I cranked up my laptop and wrote while gazing out at Coolagh Bay and the Iveragh Peninsula beyond. I watched the waves roll in, and instead of wincing at the racket made by cars and trucks and planes, I savored the lowing of contented cows. When I needed a break, Anam Cara’s walking paths provided tranquility that let my thoughts make themselves known, and I thanked the fairies for allowing me into their domain.

I know I imagined them.
I know they weren’t really there . . .

21 comments:

  1. These photos are gorgeous and yes, the fairies were there!

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  2. What lovely photos! Beautiful country!

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  3. Beautiful pictures, Pat!!!! Those naughty fairies!

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  4. Beautiful pics! Looks so peaceful!

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  5. Awesome stuff. I especially love the second photo (with the waterfall). Someday I'll have to go with you and see it for myself. I do believe in fairies, I do, I do.

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  6. These photos are absolutely gorgeous, Pat! Really got me in the mood for my upcoming trip there. Can't wait to see some of those fairies myself!

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  7. Wonderful pics, Pat. And yes, the fairues were there. I heard a whisper of a giggle and shivered when I looked at the pictures. Thanks for sharing!

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  8. I'm so glad you're all enjoying these pictures. West Cork really is a magical place (yes, the fairies were there). I was sorry to leave it. Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

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  9. Gorgeous pictures and great article. I'm going to try and steer clear of the fairies.

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  10. Thanks for visiting, Katie. Steering clear of the little people is a good idea!

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  11. Oh, Pat--how lovely. Your writing is wonderful, a little story in itself. The photos are fascinating and beautiful. How can Ireland be hot and dry? Texas is hot and dry! Believe me. Loved the photos so much. Celia

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  12. A writer's retreat in Ireland. I don't think it gets any better than that! Beautiful pictures, Pat. All the best with whatever you were working on there. It will be inspired work, to be sure!

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  13. Pat, I love the telling of your experience. I've never been to Ireland and one day would love to go, especially the area around Donegal.

    Thanking for sharing.

    Renee

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  14. Hi, Celia and Liana! Thanks for taking time out from the "Spa" to "Put the Kettle On" and visit with me and the fairies.

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  15. I'm so happy you dropped by, Renee. I've been to Donegal, though just to the southern part. I had to see Killybegs for research, and the castle in Donegal Town was a treat to tour. Good Italian restaurants everywhere, too! Is your family from that area? It's a beautiful part of the world.

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  16. how lovely, Pat! I totally enjoyed your Ireland pics. Plus I was born in the evening. Saw some pixies too!

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  17. Maggie, I don't doubt for a minute you saw a pixie or two. I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures! Thanks so much for stopping by.

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