TARA AND FISH

Bruce will fish this afternoon, so we plan to drive to the Hill of Tara this morning.  We're in the Valley of the Boyne, which is literally scattered with ruins pre-dating the Egyptian pyramids.  We won't see them all, and we certainly won't understand all that we see, but we're going anyway.

The Hill of Tara is one of those places that's really much better seen and appreciated from a slow flying airplane about 1000 or so feet above ground.  From the ground, it's thick grass, uneven terrain, abrupt hills and valleys.  If a site wasn't marked and explained, a neophyte wouldn't have a clue.

It's a picture in need of a story...I'll make it brief.  This was traditionally, or mythically, or historically (take your pick) the area which served as the seat of the High King of Ireland for centuries.  Ireland apparently abounded in kings, but out of that group one High King was chosen and he was ruler of the land.  The King was crowned near a stone pillar which (yes, the stone pillar) roared three times if the King was a true King by fulfilling the requisite three challenges.  The roar could be heard across all of Ireland.    Scattered over this hill are burial mounds and other formations still being studied.  Despite the on-going evolution of thought, Tara has always been (and continues to be) a gathering place for political and religious movements.   This hill is an evocative site, atmospheric and spiritual when you pause to reflect on the prayers, incantations, hopes, dreams and hearts that have flown heavenward from this grassy place.

    

Yes, it's Saint Patrick again.  He is also associated with the Hill of Tara.  It was here that St. Patrick confronted Ireland's High King of the time--obviously a pagan--and explained the Holy Trinity to him using a three-leaf shamrock.  The King was so impressed, he gave St. Patrick the right to preach throughout his Kingdom and the folk flocked to Christianity.

We hurried back to Trim and our home away from home--Cranmor--in order for BC to prepare for the fishing expedition.  He's waited nearly three weeks for this and he is oh, so ready to go.

BC and Marc O'Regan--our B&B host and Fishing Guide

While BC and Marc fished, I relished the atmosphere of Cranmor and it's lovely surroundings.  Anne, our hostess, is an outgoing, comfortable woman often surrounded by grandchildren who are absolutely thrilled to be with her.  She asked me to join her for coffee and conversation in her large, homey kitchen and  we had a wonderful afternoon...I felt like I'd known her for years.

Cranmor

Cranmor's Front Garden.

But now to the really important happenings of the day.  BC, trout and the River Boyne.  Fortunately, the fishing was successful and Marc forwarded these pictures to us.

He's got him!

Here is one happy boy!

(Lest you fear for the fish, BC is a catch and release kind of guy.)