Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry

Another trek to the summit of a mountain.  Not just any old mountain, but to the top of the highest mountain in Ireland - Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry.

The day was beautiful as my son Alan and I started out from Cronin’s yard just before noon and headed south towards the Hag’s Glen passing Loughs Gouragh and Callee on the way.  There was a scattering of people heading that direction including a family with two girls aged about eight and ten.  As we neared the foot of the Devil’s Ladder we started to encounter a lot of people coming back having reached the summit – obviously early starters.

The walk to the foot of the Devil’s Ladder is not too onerous, but the ladder itself is slow going, and can be dangerous if weather conditions are bad.  At the top we turned right to make the final approach to the summit, which wasn’t too difficult.

The cross on the summit of Carrauntoohil can be seen for miles around on a clear day.  Most people pose in front of the cross to get their photograph taken to prove they’ve reached the top.  We did also!

Alan and Me on Top of Carrauntoohil (photographer unknown)

The view from the summit is spectacular on a clear day.  You can see across Dingle Bay to the Dingle Peninsula, north Kerry, the Black Valley and along the Macgillycuddy Reeks.  Well worth the trek to the top.

On our return trek we avoided the Devil’s Ladder, instead we headed east towards Cnoc na Toinne but before reaching that summit we took a zig-zag track to the bottom of the Devil’s Ladder, picking up the traditional route and heading northward back towards Cronin’s yard.

All in all a worthwhile day out.  I even got a few decent photographs!

Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo.

‘Come up for the weekend and we’ll go for a walk or trek in Connemara.  You’ll be able to take some nice photographs.’  That was more or less what my son Alan said to me a few days before the August bank holiday weekend.  I arrived late on Friday night and on Saturday morning with the sky filled with grey rain filled clouds we set off.  However instead of heading west towards Connemara we headed north; and before I knew it I was parking the car at the foot of Croagh Patrick.  We drove through heavy rain on the way, but it was dry when we arrived.  We decided to chance heading up the mountain.  The last time I was up ‘The Reek’ was as a member of the Tullamore Unit of the Order of Malta on Reek Sunday in the 1970’s.  That day we stretchered a teenage girl off the mountain after she sprained her ankle.  When we got her to the bottom she walked away!

In the forty or so year since I had threatened on numerous occasions to do it again.  I think Alan was fed op of hearing me say this – thus our trip last Saturday morning.

The way up was tough (for me) but there were plenty of people on the mountain, each making their way at their own pace.  When we reached the top I felt a nice sense of achievement, but one also of relief.  We had quick snack, walked around, took our ‘proof’ photos, and then prepared for the descent.  The views on the way up and from the top are amazing, especially Clew Bay and it’s many islands to the north.

Descending 'The Reek'.  August 2014.

This photo, taken at about 600 metres (2,000 feet), shows a man descending the mountain, while others make their way up.  This part of the track is quite steep and the rocks are loose, making it very difficult to keep your balance.  Many climbers use climbing sticks to help them keep their balance.  The track winds down the mountain, flatten off for a bit (near left centre edge of photo), before becoming steep again for the final stretch to the car park (out of shot).

The descent wasn’t too bad for the first half, but after that the leg muscles began to really ache.  At times my legs felt like jelly.  Eventually we reached the car – mission accomplished!  We were very lucky with the weather, the rain kept away while we were on the mountain.

Just to prove we made it.  Alan and me on the summit of Croagh Patrick (photographer unknown)

I brought my Nikon P7000 on the trek.  I took all my photographs either on the way up or on the summit.  When the shot of Alan and me was taken the battery packed in.  Needless to say I didn’t have a spare with me.  

Western Algarve Coast

Most people visiting the Algarve are familiar with the tourist beaches of the south Algarve coastline where there is an abundance of sandy beaches, small and large, occasionally punctuated by rocky outcrops and cliffs.  Generally speaking the beaches get smaller and the prevalence of cliffs and rocky outcrops increases as you move west along the Algarve coastline towards the Atlantic.

As a frequent visitor to the Algarve I prefer to head for the beaches west of Lagos for my photography.  Here you will find an abundance of small rocky coves and beaches, some of which are only accessible via narrow unpaved roads and laneways.  Many of these roads and laneways are not even shown on maps – so once you find a nice location it's sometimes very difficult to return another day.

This shot was taken down one of the aforementioned unpaved laneways in April 2010.  Access to the cove was via a very steep footpath winding down from a laneway where there was only parking for a few cars.  On the steeper parts of the path there was a rope to hold on to.  Descending the path while carrying a camera bag, tripod, etc. was difficult, heading back up near darkness wasn’t easy either.

The fisherman in the top left of the photo had to wade to shore from the rock he was on and climb the path carrying his rods, catch, nets and other equipment.  He didn't seem to mind the steep climb.  I got my photos; he had a fish supper to look forward to!

Fishing at Sunset.  Western Algarve, April 2010.

I haven’t been able to find my way back to this location since.  I have a general idea where it is, but I’ve not managed to find the correct laneway from the main road.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

No visit to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which is the largest in the United Arab Emirates and amongst the ten biggest in the world.  The mosque is a photographer’s paradise with loads to photograph, from modern Arabic architecture to candid shots of visitors.

The mosaic on the floor of the inner court is spectacular and the motifs are repeated up the many columns around the mosque.  The library is also worth a visit as you can see a huge variety of books on Arabic culture and art.

Heading for Prayers, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Entry is free and there are usually tour guides on hand to show you around and answer your questions.  There are restrictions to entry to certain parts of the mosque during prayers, but this is only a minor inconvenience.  Don’t forget to wear sensible clothing; long pants for the men and full body cover for the women.  There is a free service for women to borrow a hijab for their visit.

My photograph shows a Muslim man on his way to prayers in January this year.  It was taken using a Nikon Coolpix P7000 which I think handled the tricky light well.

The mosque can be reached by public transport which is very cheap in Abu Dhabi, but most people take taxis which are also relatively inexpensive.

A Visit to Mons, Belgium

I was in Belgium recently and headed for Mons for a look around.  As it happened there was a local festival in full swing with loads of people going around in colourful costumes.  Not being a great French linguist it took me a while to find out what exactly was going on.  Suffice to say that the festival goes back to the middle ages and is surrounded with a lot of pomp and circumstance.

We spent a leisurely few hours walking around, taking in the atmosphere, and enjoying the sun.  I took a few shots of the participants including this one of the horse and rider as they were leaving the municipal offices on their way to a local church as part of the festival procession.

Mons, Belgium.  June 2014.

That evening Belgium was playing their second match in the group stages of the World Cup, which they won.  The whole place went mad!

A lovely place Mons.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to visit any of the military cemeteries on my trip.  Perhaps next time!