Day 6: Clifden

*Due to the water related activities, we do not have any photos. We will load up the next post with tons!

To start Day 5, the group was told to be at breakfast at 7:45, but with a few stragglers left sleeping in, (mostly) everyone was punctual for another impeccable breakfast, with orders including a traditional Irish breakfast, pancakes, a vegetarian option, as well as grab-and-go cereal, fruits, yogurts, and assorted beverages.

After waking up some more and getting some fuel for the day, we were off to the Killary Fjord, the only thing in the way was an hour long bus ride through County Galway where we were all pleasantly were joined with music, played by me (Cat), and singing from most bus riders. The scenery was straight out of a movie and with the fog over the mountains with the water beneath, it made for a breathtaking view from any seat on the bus, even the very front where Jaiden found his place and his microphone to avoid car sickness and find his new passion for tour guide voiceovers!

We arrived in good spirits, to be met with a mist and colder temperatures than the day before—it didn’t seem to be a problem…yet. We were sized for wetsuits and after a quick briefing on how to put them on, we hurried inside the dressing rooms to change, figured out they are really cold, and contemplated shoe choices for this activity. As we all gathered back as a group, life jackets and helmets on, we were educated on the mechanics of kayaking - including a paddle briefing, tutorial on if we capsize the kayak, and some encouragement to ask questions along the way, by which if you asked at least five legitimate questions, you were allowed to dunk Sophie - whether anyone asked the questions or if Sophie kept her word will remain unknown.

A fjord is formed post ice-age, when once glacier covered mountains melted, and the water and ice traveled downward, creating channels in the area that then connect to the sea. Certain rivers and streams, as well, flow into the fjord creating a roulette of whether the water will be salty or more fresh depending on the day and time.

As adventurous as we were, we paddled from County Mayo to County Galway, a gruesome 200 kilometers? Miles? Meters? We will leave it up for personal interpretation. After creating a raft and being told about the seaweed of Ireland, how it is some of the best in the world, and there is a surplus in the area, our kayaks then ventured to the mussel farming section of the Fjord. Here we learned about the extensive impact of mussel farming on the health of Irish Waters.

We were informed that the waters’ native seaweed is “edible”—every variation is consumable to those who dare—not all taste good! Despite the great fun, the cold temperatures and sideways rain took up our activity, literally. I (Cat), Ava, and Max were “dunked” and everyone except Bandana Leader Van (who brought gloves) felt their hands grow numb. On-water games, such as “World Domination,” a game of strategy and paddle taps, kept spirits up despite the weather, though we were soon back on dry land, toting both kayaks and new knowledge of the ancient landscape. 

A sloshy walk back up from the fjord awaited after Andy convinced ALL OF US that you could go barefoot, and he “usually goes barefoot” leaving us all dumbfounded when we realized you simply could not nor could you wear flip-flops, leading to a couple of individuals obtaining a random person's shoes located in the “abandoned shoe pile.” It is essential to note that Andy pulled out neoprene booties upon arrival, making us look on in despair at our soggy shoes.

For some, warming up was no issue (Van specifically), though, for some, that was not the case. Parker Lial had an unfortunate case of borderline hypothermia (maybe a slight exaggeration) and after graciously taking layers from everyone, she reminded me of Ralphie from The Christmas Story, where he could sadly not put his arms down. P.S. She turned out just fine and had ice cream for dessert, signifying her increase in body temp, mostly due to the fact Nicole Richards resembled a penguin huddle, warming Parker up, although I cannot be sure it worked.

After a shower, our group took a short bus ride to the Seafarer Bar & Restaurant, a rustic spot dotted with vintage advertisements, renowned for its wide selection of Irish seafood “fare.” Starters ranged from the Mussels to Fried Goat Cheese, with mains covering bases from American-style burgers to staples such as fish & chips.

 

Riding the high of a good meal, the group piled back into the bus, motoring back from Seafarer to the Woodfield Hotel in Connemara, where most rested up for an hour before an afternoon on the town. I (Van) took advantage of the time and went for a rainy, wind-swept run through the punishing hills surrounding Connemara, continuing a streak of skipping and jumping through every Irish locale we visit—there’s no better way to get acquainted with the landscape!

After (for the most part) a good rest, the group was let loose to surf the shops of Clifden—going off in pairs or groups to explore the wide offerings of the nearby area. Purchases included a shawl, necklace, and other gifts for Nicole Richards and family, a ring purchased by myself (Cat), gifts for Van’s family, appreciation gifts for both Andy and Sophie— Parker and Ava walked out of a glass art store with a few ornaments between the two of them; a successful couple of hours until shops started closing and the sun traveling under the horizon, signaling for us to meet back in the hotel for reflection.

After an hour spent journaling our experiences and preparing individualized send-off speeches to be given on the final night of the trip, we enjoyed a meal of pasta, salad, and seafood at Woodfield’s own restaurant. With full bellies and warm hearts, we stepped out onto the Woodfield Hotel Terrace for the nightly bandana ceremony. Though many were deserving, I (Van) chose to hand over the privilege to Nicole, whose enthusiasm and good humor (as well as generosity in giving out gum to the group) warranted special recognition.

I (Van) spent a good deal of time reflecting on our conversations with Lorcan Collins, Irish Republican extraordinaire, who provided deep insights into the simmering issue of Irish unification. His experiences with Sinn Fèin and the radical sects of the Irish Republican movement were deeply relevant to my topic, the development and international connections of the Irish Republican Army, shattering my worries that this piece of Irish history would be lost to time. 

Today was the day I (Cat) was most looking forward to. With my topic specifically delving into the landscape of Ireland, and mostly in the West, it has been no short of absolutely stunning. I have learned more about not only the surface of the landscape, but also what lies below–peat and mussel farming to name a few. Everyone we have been fortunate to meet and speak with has been helpful to my project, engulfing me in essential information I could not have simply found online. I have found the source I have been looking for all along, in-person experience.

With Day 5 coming to an end, yours truly, Cat Atch (Kansas, OG Bandana Holder) is signing off. This is VC, the one and only Vandana Leader, signing off! 

Here’s to a great day on the Aran Isles tomorrow!