Today we celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary with a kiss atop Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park. We asked a French woman to take our picture and everyone tsked-tsked us to stop kissing. After climbing up 400 meters (over 1300 ft) in blustery 60 to 80 mph winds, we were happy to embrace and commemorate our special day. (To see how windy it was, click on the link and notice how the umbrella flies at 90 degrees from my body. 2013-08-02-Clifden 038.)
As we climb, the wind was very strong and cold. My nose was dripping and before I could pull out a hankie, the wind blew the snot right off the mountain. At times, it was all I could do to stay where I was, waiting for the wind to die down a bit before taking the next step.
At the summit, we were rewarded with a break in the wind, a bit of sunshine, and fantastic views. We could see Kylemore Abbey, which was built as a wedding gift and is now a tourist attraction and abbey for Benedictine nuns. Dennis and I exchanged platinum rings as wedding gifts; he did not build me a castle, though I have often claimed to be Queen of Blanchardom.
On our loop walk, we spotted the Connemara ponies, known for their athleticism, versatility and good disposition, and a donkey. Since it was so windy, we did not see any of the Connemara carnivorous plants. As we sat at the summit eating a banana, I did see a yellow jacket…how it managed to fly in that wind is a wonder.
We returned to the Vaughan B & B in Clifden, had a celebratory meal and bottle of wine, and retired early. Tomorrow is a travel day; we will make our way to Belfast.
Happy Anniversary! How wonderful that you two soulmates found each other!
I love the final picture of the B&B.
Thanks, Sonia. The B&B is run by Sean, a very gregarious Irishman. He has been a wonderful hosts.
Happy Anniversary you 2 love birds. You would think the French would cheer you on, rather then tsking you… lol… Many more adventurers years to come. Ingrid
Thanks, Ingrid. We do hope to continue our adventure and revel in our memories.
Wishing you and Dennis a very happy 39th anniversary! I still remember our first meeting, awed at how sweet Dennis and you were together…I never knew you were together for 39 years! Beautiful to see!
Kris
Kris,
Thanks, Dennis and I realize our friendship is special and how lucky we are.
Happy anniversary!! They wanted you to stop kissing–for real? or were they teasing?
Happy trails and celebrating!
Susan,
It was done in jest…or maybe embarrassment. Young people sometimes have a hard time imagining that two old coots can enjoy kissing.
Congratulations on your anniversary…what a memorable way to celebrate 39 years!!!
I am enjoying your blog. Eric and I hope to hike in the UK soon. Blessings to you both…
Cheryl and Eric Matheson (Camino friends)
Chery and Eric.
Best wishes on your journeys…as a birdwatcher, you will find the UK interesting. Hope my blog gives you ideas about where to hike.
Buen Camino.
Happy anniversary! Much love to you both, safe travels tomorrow.
Happy wedding anniversary!!
How wonderful happy healthy couples you and your husband are!!
Love your special meaning of the kissing pic on the top of the mountain
Jae,
We need to take every opportunity to celebrate life, and a kiss is the perfect way to share that moment.
I thought you guys were only 40!
Judy,
Isn’t it amazing how young the spirit remains as the body ages? In my mind, I am still in my 20s.
Happy anniversary! Retired early, eh? Right!
Elizabeth,
No “under the apple–or olive–tree.” it was almost 10 P.M. by the time we finished supper.
Congratulations on 39 years. What a great milestone. My husband and I had our 43rd anniversary on July 6th. Where do the years go? I know I’m a few days late for the party, but I’ve been so busy, I just haven’t had a chance to get caught up. I’ll keep working on it though.
Donna Jean,
Thanks for the belated anniversary wishes and for the comments. I really appreciate them. Perhaps time has flown by because we are active and happy–for others I am sure time is unbearably slow.