June 30, 2003
Middle Earth
I was back in the Sliabh Blooms again this weekend, by a twist of fate. This hill-walking lark will be the death of me. More specifically, it will be death by midges. The air was thick with the little hoors. I was using Thomas Joyce's "Bladhma - walks of discovery in Slieve Bloom" which is an excellent guide book (though no mention of midges). I walked the Ridge of Capard, from which one can see the the Wicklow mountains (unless my map-reading was off, I could see Lugnaquilla), the Blackstairs and unidentifed mountains in the west (it was too hazy to identify them clearly). We rose a couple of grouse and identifed some plants - Joyce's book contains a number of his sketches of flora and fauna.
On the way back, we stopped by Cathole Waterfall. Yes, that's what it's called - I'm not sure which cat its named after.
I can only presume that the water doesn't taste very good.
While Iwas on the way to the start of the walk, I passed this sign.
Spot the typo. Meanwhile, in a nearby field, these silage bales demonstrate a good example of the imperative tradition in the midland literary oeuvre.
Posted by Monasette at June 30, 2003 10:52 PM