Pumpkins at Suyematsu Farm

Kristen, Dan, Ava and their new puppy Roscoe went in search of the perfect pumpkin at Suyematsu Farm on Bainbridge Island.

Fall on Bainbridge Island

Our First Visitors!

Mom & Dad Visit Ireland

Mom and Dad were our first house guests! They came for 2 weeks and we were very, very busy seeing all the sights of Dublin and beyond. Here's an overview of what the Kelly Dublin Tour includes: Croke Park (Gaelic Athletic Association stadium and museum), Kilmanham Gaol (prison built in 1787 where many of the country's heroes were incarcerated during the struggle for independence), Trinity College & The Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, Phoenix Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Temple Bar, Powerscourt Gardens, and then all the museums, cafes, restaurants and pubs. We also took 2 weekend trips; one to Galway on the west coast and one weekend we went to Belfast in Northern Ireland. There is so much to see and do!

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Causeway Coast

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

What is The Giant's Causeway?

The Giant's Causeway is a natural pavement of huge basalt rocks projecting into the Atlantic Ocean off of Ireland's north coast. It was formed 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. Because the lava cooled slowly and evenly it formed columns with regular sides. Before there were scientists, myths and legends helped to explain strange landscape features like the Giant's Causeway. The story of the giant Finn MacCool has been told for generations. Legend tells of Finn MacCool wanting to do battle with a rival giant in Scotland, know as Benandonner. The two giants had never met, so Finn built enormous stepping stones across the sea so that the Scottish giant could cross to Ireland to face the challenge. The story is that Finn was frightened when he saw Benandonner approaching and ran home and had his wife disguise him as a baby. When Benandonner saw the size of the "baby" he assumed the father must be gigantic indeed, and fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway as he left. This is why they say that there are similar colums at Fingal's Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa.

The Old Bushmill's Distillery

 

Bushmill's Tour

While visiting Northern Ireland we took a tour of Bushmill's, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, established in 1608. It was very interesting. The best part...according to Craig and Wayne, was that they were both chosen to be the "official tasters" at the conclusion of our tour! If you have any questions about whiskey, you now know who to ask.

The Walls

There still exist 26 walls in Belfast that separate the Catholic and Protestant areas of Belfast. They were built in 1969 as a makeshift "peace line" but have not been taken down by request of the people. "The Troubles" as the problems were called have eased significantly, but the tension is still very close to the surface. The gate shown in the picture is still closed and locked every night to divide the areas.

Belfast: A City Still Divided

Belfast Murals

 

Belfast Murals

 

Belfast Murals

 

The Murals

The murals in West Belfast have been created by both the Loyalists and the Republicans. They demonstrate the allegiances of the people in the neighborhoods and characterize the violent struggles of the last few decades. They are fascinating and disturbing.

Galway