In the day of all the sunshine a week ago it was great to jump into Muckross lake at Dundag. There are those who say fresh water is never as good as salt. But Dundag is closer, there are no jelly fish, no danger of being dragged out by currents, here it is sandy underfoot and the water is warm … and where else could you get a setting like that – the mountain amphitheatre, the weather sculpted limestone caves and the rich cloak of woodland.
After following in the footsteps of Pat Moore in Asdee (Nature Notebook 18 7 ‘17) I had promised we would swim on Littor Beach but we went on to Ballybunion. Spectacularly colourful cliffs and great expanses of silver beach. But it was at low tide and the prominent red flags really did mean it was dangerous, the drag of the tide was frightening. Swim in Ballybunion – but not at low tide. And luxuriate in the soothing mineral rich experience of a seawood bath.
In Muckross last Saturday with four and three quarter year old grandaughter Sarah and American nephew Brian of more advanced years. The richness of the blossoms in the rock and water gardens is now at its most luxuriant.
The boat trip from the Dundag boathouse is a special experience. Across one of our deepest lakes under the shadow of Torc mountain. Refreshing soup and sandwich in Dinis and home by the endlessly varied limestone shore that would delight and depress any sculptor. A fuller notebook on all of this in the coming weeks.
Three or four swims at high tide on Banna in recent weeks the exhiliration of being pounded by great waves is always more enjoyable, and safer, if you are well within your own depth.
– Frank Lewis
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