Day Three: Aran Islands

Today we woke up to a postcard perfect partially cloudy Irish landscape. Having been sung to sleep by Irish drinking chants the night before while allowing the cool Galway sea breeze to seep in through the hostel window, Dan woke up early with a couple other energetic and well rested pilgrims to go for a run. The rest of the group woke around 7:30 and drooped down the stairs into the kitchen where cereal and oatmeal revived the more drowsy pilgrims. At 8:30 we hopped on the bus for a pleasant 40 minute bus ride to the ferry which we took to the Aran Islands. The ride was brisk and choppy, however the voyage was scenic and this combination allowed for many games such as who can take a picture without tumbling into their neighbor. After striking many a heroic pose on the boat, we made it to the Inis Mor Island where we rented bikes and made our way through the winding roads leading to Dun Aengus. This is an ancient fortress situated on the top of a cascading 300 foot waterside cliff. This was absolutely spectacular, not to mention the ruins and miles worth of now superfluous stone walls. The Fortress was breathtaking, lunch was delicious, and after refueling we set back across the Irish countryside on a mission to make it back to the harbor before the ferry left at 4:00. The path became unforeseeably treacherous, much of it uphill. We began to take our bikes for walks (which can be difficult considering wheels like to go down hill), and eventually reached the highest point, near the center of the trail. From here the trail was almost all down hill allowed for a fuller experience of the not 90 degree Irish breeze blowing through hair. Unfortunately, at one point Kathryn hit a rock and fell off her bike, injuring her lip and receiving cuts and bruises throughout her body. The group really pulled together to take care of her, some friendly locals agreed to give Kathryn a ride to the local doctors office and as she was tended to we all helped comfort either her or each other. We caught the ferry and got Kathryn to the hospital where she was very well taken care of by a cheerful staff (yay social healthcare). It was determined that she’d need a couple stitches but otherwise nothing was broken and she would be fine. Upon returning to the hostel a wonderful dinner of baked potatoes, salad, and delicious cake bread was consumed by all. We shared evening prayer in the room with Kathryn who was in good spirits, played some games and Now are going to rest up for a big day tomorrow. Although unfortunate, the events of the day have really strengthened the group as a whole really pulled everyone together.

Matt Bulleit for the Confirmation Class Pilgrims