by Peg Prendeville

I took a few days off to myself last week and left my children look after their father! It is different to be going off alone rather than with company.  It is always nice to have somebody to share the day and special moments but fate seems to have decided otherwise. I am lucky in that I am comfortable in my own company and can stop when I like, where I like, if I like. Anyway one is never alone with a mobile phone in the hand. I headed in the direction of Killarney with my first stop for a coffee, from my flask, at the viewpoint before Castleisland. It was not a sunny day but at that time it was quiet and peaceful and pleasant to just sit and take in the peace. I had a brief chat with a County council employee who happened to be having his coffee break also.

My next stop was at the Mobility shop in Farranfore. Turn right at the lights, towards Tralee  and take immediate left to industrial estate. This shop has everything you would need in the medical line from comfy socks to motor wheelchairs. My business done I headed to Aghadoe and took a little walk around the old graveyard and read up on a little bit of history of the place while also looking out over the lakes. Still no sun only the threat of rain. By the time I got into the town it was raining so I spent some time in the leisure centre in the Gleneagle. That’s what I mean about travelling alone. One can change plans without having to confer with anybody else. I would love to have walked up to Torc waterfall but it was raining too much so I rested in the hotel and read my book.

I had booked into a B&B near Tralee for the night so decided to take the scenic route toward Tralee instead of the main road. It takes the boredom out of driving. Google maps is great. If one gets lost it will find a way out again so I do not panic.

I have to mention my B&B. It is one of the nicest places, better  than any hotel for the comfort and variety of breakfast choices. So if you ever get a chance try out the Brook Manor Lodge on the Fenit road. You will see what I mean.

I passed my evening reading, whattsapping or playing Scrabble online which is one of my current addictions!

Next morning, after a luscious breakfast, I took a very blustery walk along the Tralee bay pathway from Blennerville out toward the bay to the canal lock. The mist covered the mountains and the grey sky did nothing to lift the mood but the fresh air cleared the cobwebs. I got back to my car and headed towards the Maharees. It would have been a beautiful drive if any bit of sun appeared but alas! I drove right out to the tip in spite of the weather and enjoyed the isolation.

Back again to Tralee I headed for the Rose Hotel and treated myself to a back massage in the Spa. I was lucky enough to get an appointment without prior booking so the day was not wasted after all. Before the evening came it cleared up enough to take a pleasant walk around the Town Park. I was disappointed to see that the rose beds were very dilapidated looking with no life at all. I am not sure if this was as a result of our bad month of July or due to lack of care. They can look beautiful on a fine summer day.

Another relaxing night in my B&B and I was ready for home next morning. Still no sun but it was a nice break nonetheless. This has been a miserable summer with all the rain.  Jim was well looked after while I was away. Must do it more often 🙂

No news in Knockdown. All is well. Marian Cummane’s absence is still sorely felt by all.

A big funday is planned in the Abha Bhan Parish park next Saturday with lots of activities for all.  Should be fun. I hope the sun breaks out by then.