Day 6: April 1
The long hard climb.
From Westport to Croagh Patrick. The day started with a hearty breakfast of toast and tea and a short drive to the visitor's center at Croagh Patrick, the highest peak in Ireland. Legend has it that St. Patrick fasted 40 days and 40 nights on the peak of Croagh Patrick during lent a long time ago. But before I go into detail about our trip, here's a bit of an Irish toast for you, "May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies and quick to make friends and may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward."
As for the Trinity Youth Group climb, every one made an effort to reach the top (2,150 feet above sea level). It was exhilarating to stand on the top and have a 360-degree view of the Atlantic, Clew Bay, Westport, and all points south. Prayers were offered and PB&J sandwiches hit the spot for lunch. The trip down was almost harder than the way up due to loose rock. But what a great experience for the youth group.
In closing, our group subscribes to the following Irish saying, "There are good ships and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the seas; but the best ships are friendships and may they always be."
Thanks for all your support that has allowed us to do this trip.

Day 7: Westport to Galway
Back to the Big City
From the quiet and quaint Westport to the hustle and bustle of a big city during rush hour. The Trinity United Methodist Youth Group revisited Croagh Patrick to see a coffin ship monument that memorialized the large immigration from Ireland to other countries. We also visited a monastery that was built in the 1300s and a grave yard with grave stones from many eras.
At first, a few words of wisdom from the Irish: "To live above with the saints we love, that's the purest glory. To live below with the saints below, now that's a different story."
After leaving Westport, there was lots of curb dancing on narrow roads all the way into Galway. About a 90 minute drive. We crawled through Galway rush hour traffic to a little town Spiddeal for lunch and an opportunity to shop for souvenirs. Spiddeal is a hot spot for the traditional Irish language (Gaelic). The sun shone bright and we all enjoyed the beach on Galway Bay. Then back into rush hour traffic and to our hostel for the night. At dinner, we were treated to a highly original Irish rendition of Kenny Rogers, "The Gambler" and "Know When to Hold 'Em", and Janice Joplin's "We and Bobby McGee." You had to be there to know how bad it sounds in Irish brogue.
Around 10 p.m. we took the kids out to explore the lively downtown area. After many humorous propositions to visit night clubs, we found an old pub with several musicians playing traditional Irish music. There were fiddles, guitars, an Irish flute, mandolin, concertina, and a banjo, and someone singing. We ordered a round of orange sodas/cokes and listened 'til after midnight.
Tomorrow ... the Aran Islands and everything wool.
I'll leave you with a last thought,
"May neighbors respect you
trouble neglect you
The angels protect you
And heaven accept you."