Our last day in Westport was mild, without much rain in the forecast. We decided to tackle climbing Croagh Patrick. Those who know me well know that I am no mountain climber, yet this was my THIRD time climbing Croagh Patrick!
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| My brother and me with family friends on Croagh Patrick in 1994 |
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| Climbing with my cousins Connor and Jeanine in 2002 |
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| 2002 |
Saint Patrick was said to have climbed Croagh Patrick during a time of great fasting and penance. Legend has it that it was at the summit of Croagh Patrick that he sent all the snakes out of Ireland! Many, many people make this pilgrimage every year, especially on the last Sunday in July. Luckily we were there on the second to last Sunday in July this year!
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| St. Patrick at the foot of the mountain |
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| A snack break (look out, lady!) |
We made it to the valley just before the highest peak, but we turned back because of the fog. It was another hour climb to the summit and climbers coming back down said there was zero visibility. That last stretch is a tough climb of loose rocks so we opted to turn back this time.
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| Valley before the peak |
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| So foggy up here! |
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| Me with friends Steve, Erin, and AJ at the summit of Croagh Patrick in 2002 |
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| Beginning the climb back down |
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| Jim climbing down |
We were happy we had the chance to make this climb together. Just a week later, the last Sunday pilgrimage was cancelled for the first time in many years because the weather conditions were so bad--lots of rain and very strong winds. We were glad we had a good day for our climb.
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what an interesting climb! do you know how many miles and how many feet of elevation? too bad you didn't make it to the top--you have a good attitude but I would have been disappointed (I like having a goal like that).
ReplyDeleteIt's 2500 feet above sea level. I wasn't as disappointed since I've made it to the top before. Jim would have liked to do it but after we heard people saying you couldn't see anything from the top because of the fog, he was ok with it. We saw great views from where we were.
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