Family Getaway in Clare

        

          With Abby and I both leaving for college at the end of the summer, combined with cabin fever, responsibilities, online classes, and Dad's 51st birthday (happy birthday Dad!!), Mom thought it would be a good idea to get away for the weekend. Overseas was out of the question, so we ended up in Clare! As is typical the weather was not on our side, it rained for most of the weekend, and since most of the attraction to Clare is tied up in the outdoors, we didn't actually do that much. And you know...we had a blast. Just being away from it all, and spending time together was enough (wow that sounded corny!). Here are some pictures of what we got up to. They're not that great, but my camera's a piece of junk, and the lighting was pretty bad for the whole weekend (wink!).

And we're off!

Tunes!!

A bit of light reading!

Wrestling with Sammy...who's idea was it to bring him again?!!

Rest stops!!

Helpful local direction

We stopped in Kilkee to walk around and stretch our legs a bit. It was a little eerie to see what once was a vibrant tourist town, so empty due to the recession.

We finally chilled in our lovely little holiday cottage

Having fun with the information book

          Saturday we set off into the rain (without the dog) hoping that the weather would clear up, and  that we could take a boat out to see the Cliffs of Moher. Instead the weather ended up driving us literally underground... into Doolin Caves.

It was a bit of a tight squeeze!

Dad the brave explorer!

Apparently it's the biggest stalactite in the world! Our tour guide can talk about billions of years all she wants; I look at this and think "wow! God is cool!"

After our cave adventure, we went to the town of Lahinch in search of food!

It's funny how when the weather's bad in Ireland, that's when the surfers come out! You may not be able to see it in this photo, but all the people on this beach are surfers!

The most delish seafood chowder!

We finished the trip off with a Sunday service at Ennis Evangelical Church, and a lovely lunch and afternoon spent with the Duffy family. No sun; but a wonderful holiday!