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On the train on the way to Bray. |
This is the sea my mother loved, the Irish sea, on the east side of the island. This is the sea I first fell in love with when I was a child. It reminds me of an old song my mom used to sing every once in a while:
'By the sea, by the sea,
by the beautiful sea,
You and me, you and me,
Oh how happy we'll be'...
The Irish sea from the best vantage point in Bray, County Wicklow, known as Bray Head, holds memories of a wonderful day when I was thirteen years old, and my brother and I climbed to the top of the mountain with two of our cousins. If you peer into the photograph below you will notice a large cross on the top of the mountain. We were determined to have a close-up look at it. When I look at Bray Head now, I am in awe of it, but it also makes me laugh because it reminds me of the fearlessness that childhood gives you. The climb that day was wonderful, and wonderfully terrifying. The view from the top was well worth it. It seemed as though the sea went on forever.
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Along the strand looking toward Bray Head |
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The dog in the photograph swims everyday, as his mistress runs alongside him on the shore. |
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Looking back toward Dublin, way in the distance. |
Click on images to view larger versions.
Lovely Jennifer. The sea is so restorative isn't it, but I admit I have an Aussie "thing" about white sand ;-) That dog and his mistress must be determinedly fit -as were you and your brother and cousins when climbing Bray Head.
ReplyDeleteHi Pauleen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments; they are much appreciated. I too like nice soft white sand. I took off my shoes and 'ouched' my way across a short span of stones to put my feet into the water on this day. When I first saw the dog I felt a bit nervous because he seemed so far out, but when I spoke to the very fit woman with him, she said he would swim back and forth all day if he could. :):)
Cheers,
Jennifer
Didn't envy you the ouch but I laughed at the dog;-)
Delete:):)
DeleteDelighful post Jennifer and so love the photos. Reminds me that my,"I'm BRITISH and proud of it!", Dad hated our Oz sandy beaches and, when we were able to entice him down, wore shoes and socks so the sand wouldn't get between his toes:-).... Thanks for sharing your joyous memories.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Catherine.
Hi Catherine,
DeleteThanks for your comments. As always, they are much appreciated.
Fortunately, not all Irish beaches are rocky, like this one at Bray. There are beautiful sandy beaches in Donegal, Kerry, Cork, and Galway, among others. There is one little spot in particular on the Dingle Peninsula which holds a special place in my heart. My father and brother played hurly there one bright afternoon, while my mom and I scurried up and down the beautiful white sand beach, and played in the ocean. I’ve only been to Liverpool, London, and bits of Kent, so have not had a chance to enjoy the beaches in Britain.
Cheers to you,
Jennifer