The life and times of "Captain America": Surf, Sand and Stone...

It is amazing how much I accomplished up to this point so far in my journey... I recall the two things I wanted to do while in Ireland; the Guinness Factory tour, and visit Mountrath. Already done and so much more. One of the ideas that struck me as unique about the Emerald Isle was the surf culture. That's right, surfing. Apparently on the Atlantic side there are some little known (except for avid surfers and folks like me who stumble on them) great spots to surf.

I took the rental down one morning and chanced the weather was great that day. Most of the time it is either overcast or even rainy, and up in Dublin downright chilly. Unusual for this time of year - figures the fluke weather hits while I'm here. It took me a bit to figure out where the rental shop was. I ended up chatting with a man living in his RV on the beach for directions. The folks at Jamie Knox's were super. I think the guys name was Greg, and he set me up with a good kit after sizing me up for a wetsuit and board, I was on the way to Brandon Bay.

I am hooked! After snowboarding for so long I figured surfing wouldn't be that difficult to pick up. Boy, Is it! Although in my first day I only manged to get up on the board and ride some whitewater in once, it was a great accomplishment. Surfing is HARD. On snow you have a constant surface to work with varying your speed and cuts. In the water it is a totally fluid environment. I truly appreciate the Zen in the art of surfing now. To ride the perfect wave has got to be such a rush... I foresee a lot of California beach time in my future.

Another great place in Kerry County (where Cork is) to go is the Blarney Castle. Yep, off to kiss the stone. The castle is a very cool tour in itself of the Manor House type of castle.

The crazy worn narrow spiral stone staircases gave me a little vertigo at one point near the top when the steps got really small. The gardens were also incredible.