Beginning August 14th

Camping in Ireland Part I

Doolin – Cliffs of Moher

The day broke gloomy and rainy. Phil and I took turns taking showers and finished packing clothing for our eight day excursion to Ireland. Around 9:25, Phil left to get a few last minute things at Decathalon (camping/sporting goods store). I alternated between last minute clean up and watching a movie on Boomerang with the kids. At around 10 am I put our individual steak pies in the oven for our early lunch. We ate at 10:30 when Phil came home and were out the door and packed in the car around 11:15. We were finally headed to East Midlands Airport outside of Nottingham (yes, we passed through Sherwood Forest). Our flight was schedules to leave at 2:05 pm. The airport was about 1 hour from our house. We started a bit later than we wanted to. But we figured even getting there at 12:15 we would have time. A little way out of Sheffield, Phil said he need to get gas. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem in America where there’s a gas station practically on every corner. England is not America. We get to Chesterfield and finally break down and ask Jane where there’s a nearby Petrol Station. 0.9 miles away on a detour that added 10 minutes to our estimated drive time. But by then we needed gas. So off we went. Let’s just say Jane didn’t expect them to tear down the Petrol Station to begin building some shopping complex. Okay the next Petrol Station was one mile away. We tried to follow Jane but she kept trying to take us down bus only lanes. We finally got to the Petrol Station and by the time we get back on course we’re scheduled to get to the airport at 12:49 pm. AHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Fearful of missing our flight we tore across the country side on the M1 and find the airport. Next we had to go to long term parking. Which is waaaayyy away from the airport front door. Lucky us. We parked and then had to go into reception. It’s now 1:05 pm. I called the airline and they said we had until 1:25 to check in for our flight. We hopped the next bus over to the airport. When we located the check in, the lines were forever. I figured at this point we were doomed. But just on the other side of the long lines was an open station for passengers going to Shannon. YEAH!!! We were checked in and heading towards the boarding gate by 1:20 pm. Talk about cutting it short. The airline is the cattle call that is Southwest Airlines. And we spent the remainder of the time standing in line. The plane ride took all of 1 hour. Lady Jane was especially excited to arrive in Shannon. We got our rental car and headed to Doolin which is situated on the Cliffs of Moher. It’s raining and Phil hurriedly sets up the tent. Then we go down to a pub for some Beef Stew in Guiness for me, Fish and chips for Phil, and chicken nuggets and chips for the kids. Then we went into a little shop and I picked up a knick knack. I didn’t need it. I don’t have a specific use for it. It’s just pretty. Then we came back to camp and noticed the wind trying to blow down our tent. After moving said tent, we are finally sleeping for the day. Well, everyone except for me that is. But I’m on my way. Yeah, Ireland!