1 July: Day Ten
Hawk Walk
Rick is always talking about "WOW moments" and for many, this day was one of their WOWS! There aren't too many days when you wake up and say "Today I will hold a hawk!"
The grounds of Ashford Castle were beautiful and just the walk by itself would have been amazing. Our group was introduced to our hawk handler and given a brief overview of these amazing birds. We then took a walk through the wooded paths with the hawk. Each member of our group took turns having the hawk land on their arm and fly off again. Our trio hung at the back, not being ones to rush the line, and we were actually glad that we were among the last to have our hawk encounter as by then the walk had ended out by the castle. (And our hawk photos had a beautiful backdrop!) |
Bog Hops, Ponies, and Memorials
For our afternoon adventure, Declan had been very busy making arrangements so that everything was picture perfect. He had arranged several Connemara ponies to be frolicking in the green fields. Then he took us to a bog that bounced so beautifully that we might have been on a trampoline. Finally he arranged a sky so blue it could make you cry while we contemplated the hunger memorial. Those Rick Steves guides are really amazing.
Free Evening in Westport
Westport was a cute little town, and we could have easily spent more time here. We did have a great time exploring the streets and shops before devouring a fantastic Indian feast. Our evening entertainment was our favorite card game, 5 Crowns. It has traveled the world with us!