Saturday Bantry

Mizen Head. The name strikes terror in the hearts of those of us who have done this before.

Mizen (pronounced mizzen) Head is the farthest southwest point in Ireland, a granite promontory surrounded by granite shoals, and a hazard to navigation.

It was also Guglielmo Marconi’s station for early telegraphic communication with ships at sea in the north Atlantic to improve safety in navigation.

It features a signal light and is the site of the former Fastnet lighthouse tower built of shaped interlocking granite blocks that, when the light was turned into an automatic system, had to be disassembled layer by layer.

Getting out to the buildings is frequently hampered by high winds, sleet, snow, lashing rain, and chill.

When we were here 8 years ago, we were driven back by wind, rain, and sleet. This time Paula made it across the bridge and even looked over into the gorge below.

She did turn back out of respect for her hips and knees. James pressed on, determined to achieve the farthest, safest point and redeem the earlier failure.

Did it. Weather was blustery, but moderate, no rain or sleet.

A picture of our tour leaders.

Lunch in the cafe, root vegetable soup and a BLT shared between us. Then back to the bus and to Bantry in time for a nap before placing some last minute side bets, James included, and seeking a viewing pub.

An exciting race, and while the syndicate broke even, few of the side bets paid off, and none of ours. Maybe next time.