Retreat in the Heart of Darjeeling

Yesterday I carefully reviewed the directions for each day of my walking trip in Ireland coming up on May 7, my departure date from Los Angeles.  Here are some key words that popped out at me each day:

• Bog, boggy
• Steep climb (almost a scramble in places)
• Muddy and slippery
• Electric fence
• Cliffs very close to the sea with a rope hand-rail to assist you
• Copper mine shafts
• A bit daunting in bad weather
• Be careful at all times, but especially in fog
• Crossing a wet gully
• How do you like this? “The track goes straight across this road, and through the garage area of another house, climbing some steps at the back of the garage area (PLEASE respect the privacy of the folks in these houses).”
• If you have to climb over the gate, do so at the hinged side of the gate to minimize damage (Damage to what? Me??)
• And last, but not least, “You will almost immediately pass a couple of farm entrances with with  hyperactive dogs–keep a stick or a stone handy!”

My experience with hiking directions is that they are often thorough and not as bad as they sound. Nevertheless, may Saint Patrick be with me and Archangel Michael watch over me. Or, as the mantra says, “Strip us of all doubt and fear, (3x) Beloved great I AM.”*

Of course, there are also inspiring words and sites to contemplate in the daily instructions such as:

• Holy Well
• Rewarding views
• There are beautiful views north over Bantry Bay, and south towards Dunmanus Bay as you proceed
• Across the heathland
• Up on to the col (I had to look up “col”–a mountain depression or passage)
• Highest point on the peninsula
• Look right at the cliffs, waterfall, and a rockpool
• After the rockpool, you will see a tarn (I had to look up “tarn”–a small mountain pool)
• Today’s walk takes you around the coast, past cliffs, the light-house, a signal tower and back into Kilcrohane
• Look at the Cove
• Through a copse and out on to gorse-covered ground
• Tough option and easier option
• Into the forest
• Picnic stop and viewpoint

The elephants pictured are in India, but might be helpful on this journey!

*(c) Summit Publications, Inc. 1962.