Carrick on Suir

Blue Way of County Tipperary I

Today we are off to the River Suir again, ready to start a glorious 21 km (14 mile) walk which I have completed in the past, not in a single go, though. I also recommend Treacy’s Blueway Bike Hire for those who prefer cycling…

Suir Blueway is a 53 km kayaking trail from Carrick-on-Suir to Cahir and a 21km walking and cycling trail from Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel along the river Suir.

A few words about the history of the trail. The Greenways are built on the former railway lines. The Blueways are built on the former towpath for horse-drawn boats.

Carrick-on-Suir has a long history of river transport. From the mid-eighteenth century until the early 1900-s horse-drawn boats were a familiar sight. The boats were often towed in pairs with a team of twelve horses yoked together, four men in charge. An old photograph below is linked to the blog post you might enjoy reading. The photograph was taken from the Gashouse Bridge, Clonmel.

You will see a good few remarkable buildings and ruins along the walk. Davin’s tower in the opening picture is a folly built by Lord Waterford in 1820-s. It is overlooking the Davin’s salmon weir – the science of constructing such weirs was brought to Ireland by the Franciscans.

I have arranged my pictures by location and season. In today’s blog we start out in Carrick-on-Suir, and the season is Summer.

River otter is a common resident. A family of otters live at Carrick-on-Suir marina which is quite a busy place. River otters usually enter water only to hunt or travel. These three otters looked like they were traveling with a purpose.

I hope these cute ducklings escaped the sharp teeth…

We might sit down and rest our feet. Some of the benches have plaques – “In memory” or “Donated by”.

Birds are always present – robins, wrens, stonechats, thrushes and finches. Highly territorial Kingfishers can be seen once in a while. I have never got a photograph.

Heron is hunting in the shallow water. I always smile at his prehistoric looks and unnecessary panic with which he takes off: he is in the middle of the river and we humans don’t fly. Tainted conscience of a predator? Guilty of eating little ducklings, may be? 😉

Swans don’t panic. They have a vegetarian diet and clean conscience. They move with dignity and mind their own business.

We are almost halfway to Kilsheelan at this point. Hope you enjoyed the walk.

The Carrick-on-Suir Clancy Brothers Art Festival takes place on the June bank holiday weekend each year. Here is an hour long concert for you to listen while you are getting ready for the next leg of our adventure.

See you soon!

Have a happy week!

Take it seriously

I walked through the Viking Triangle in Waterford City on the New Year’s morning and came across a Christmas Tree graveyard where I took this photograph. Some thirty decorated Christmas trees were dumped there like no longer worshiped idols. The Holidays are over.

Holiday season in Ireland was darkened by severe and extensive floods that hit the country in the end of December- beginning of January. Property and farmlands are damaged, people are devastated after losing their possessions and security of their homes.

I haven’t been to the flooded areas this year, but I have some pictures taken during the flood in 2009 and 2013.

At this stage, River Suir looks fierce and beautiful – Clonmel 2013.

Carrick on Suir in February, at high tide the same year.

This flood is already getting out of hand…

In summertime, River Suir can be so shallow that in some places a heron can cross it without getting his bottom wet. Now the river looks like a lake – you can watch Cyril Helnwein‘s video and take a 6 km kayaking trip from Clonmel to Kilsheelan – not only down the river…

Unfortunately, there is no fun at all in getting flooded.

For many flood victims, this is not the first time they have been flooded in recent years and they face the current crisis without insurance coverage. Murky brown floodwater, sometimes more than a meter deep, causes permanent damage to almost everything.

Some farmers have to evacuate their cattle to the neighboring farms. Feed and pastures are destroyed, and it will take months the land to drain and recover its capacity to grow crops. People blame the EU Conservation Program.

Floods have always been around, they are natural. Much of the flooding is caused by bad planning, allowing roads and houses to be built on natural flood plains. It seems that unpopular decisions are required, like relocation of businesses and people.

Now that the worst seems to be over, it is time to start thinking about the next flood, and take it seriously.

On a lighter note – we can also dream 🙂 This sweet girl lives in the place where it is snowing in winter. What is she dreaming of?

This lovely girl lives in Ireland. May be she is dreaming of a dry, white winter?

Have a wonderful weekend!

River Suir, Ireland

I have moved. I still live near river Suir, but there are no herons, no meadows and no wildflowers here. City life…

Right before I left the town our Camera Club had an exciting outing: a boat trip from Carrick on Suir marina to Mooncoin and back, courtesy of Carrick on Suir River Rescue.

This noble organization has never received any funds from the Government and has been assisting in rescue and search operations all over Ireland since 1960s. At the moment they have sixteen volunteers who are on 24/7 call. If someone can make a donation, please read this page. They also have a charity shop in Carrick on Suir where you can donate unwanted goods.

Here are a few images from that boat trip.

On the way back it is getting darker.

Good bye Carrick!

When you work some people are happy with what you are doing…

…and some not really…

…and it is OK 🙂

Last week I was nominated for two rewards. Wow. Many thanks go to the inspiring bloggers who are just too kind and supportive.

First one was a One Lovely blog nomination. I was nominated by a wonderful lady who inspires her readers to change their life.

The rules for winning this award are simple. Here they are:

1. Thank the person who has nominated you. Provide a link to his/her blog.

2. List the rules and display the award image.

3. Include 7 facts about yourself.

4. Nominate 15 other bloggers and let them know that they have been nominated. This is a way to introduce others to bloggers that you love.

5. Display the award logo and follow the blogger who nominated you.

So here are 7 facts about myself; they are pretty informative:

1. I have sense of humor.

2. I am a lousy swimmer.

3. I adore cats.

4. I have lived in Moscow 5 years and never visited Lenin Mausoleum.

5. I feel sorry for the elderly. I always did.

6. I love mathematical puzzles.

7. I feel perfectly comfortable going to the movies or theatre by myself if no one is available.

It was hard…

My favorite part. I nominate these 15 amazing bloggers.

http://nananoyz5forme.com/

http://abitofwiggleroom.wordpress.com/

http://aquileana.wordpress.com/

http://ronyaroshauthor.com/

http://therepublicofann.wordpress.com/

http://beefandsweettea.com/

http://sydspix.wordpress.com/

http://sweetafternoons.wordpress.com/

http://believeinadream.com/

http://cynthiasreyes.com/

http://harvestinghecate.wordpress.com/

http://yadadarcyyada.com/

http://keeppicturing.wordpress.com/

http://teagansbooks.wordpress.com/

http://thetropicalfloweringzone.com/

Thank you again for the nomination!

Please check out these blogs!

And here is the other nomination, A Very Inspiring blogger award. Thank you Nana Noyz! You are too kind! I always feel humbled because I know how many really inspiring blogs are around. Please check out this wonderful blog!

Here are the rules:

Thank and link the amazing person who nominated you.
List the rules and display the award.
Share seven facts about yourself.
Nominate 15 other amazing blogs and comment on their posts to let them know they’ve been nominated.
Proudly display the award logo on your blog and follow the blogger who nominated you.

I already shared seven facts about myself… There are the bloggers I nominate:

http://nonsmokingladybug.wordpress.com/

http://olganm.wordpress.com/

http://indahs.com/

http://getoffmylawnplease.com/

http://bookofbokeh.wordpress.com/

http://darkecologies.com/

http://montserratsobral.wordpress.com/

http://justmobilephotos.com/photos/

http://thecrazycrone.com/

http://pacificparatrooper.wordpress.com/

http://charlypriest.wordpress.com/

http://beingbettr.wordpress.com/

http://russelrayphotos2.com/

http://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/

Please click the links. You might find a new blogger friend.

Photography tip of the day: Look in your viewfinder and make a composition before you press the shutter button. I know that it is a digital camera, but still you will spend less time deleting bad quality images.

Have a great week!

Clancy Brothers music festival in Carrick on Suir

What a great time to visit Ireland! This weekend Carrick on Suir, Tipperary, hosts the 7th annual Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival! The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem were an influential Irish folk group in the 60s; they are loved and honored in their hometown and recognized by folk song lovers throughout the world. There are a few pictures of the shop windows decorated for the occasion.

A harvest time for street photography, but for me as a jet lag casualty it is impossible to see everything. I just walked Main Street to listen to the street performing, or busking, competitions, and went to the Ormond castle for a Family Day fun. I find it very fascinating to watch the street performers. Closeness to the art happening in front of your eyes gives you a false feeling of belonging, but when you look in their inspired face you realise how far away they are now, unreachable, deep in their work, focused and beautiful.

Ormond Castle welcomes families to enjoy the medieval experience.

Some people enjoy it even more than the others 🙂

The Falconry exhibition was grand but this 7-weeks old baby owl girl stole the show. It is exactly what we call a cuteness overflow. I wish you could hear the gentle sounds she made and see her cuddling in my lap.

There are so much more music and creative arts events, I wish I could be everywhere… Song writing workshop and competition, concerts of local and visiting performers and choirs, pub live music sessions all over the town, a river walk, children drama workshop and theatrical performances, visual art exhibitions…

Now you can go to the first picture and tell me what is your idea about the Guinness pints on the table. As you see some of them are full, some not 🙂

I didn’t make it to the River festival, so I just share with you my favorite song.

Have a great day!

Saint Patrick’s Day is near!

This is one of my favorite holidays! First, because I am very grateful that Saint Patrick took care of them snakes. And second, because I love the parades!

Every town is getting ready. I took this shot another night sneaking around the Old Friary in Carrick on Suir. The green light changed all the usual night colors, and coupled with the fog it made the streets look dreamy and mysterious.

Also, I have made a Patrick’s Day card.

Tip of the day: Name your photos meaningfully and store them by years. Don’t clutter your computer, don’t keep all those flowers and waves and sunsets. Keep one of each that you like the most.

Have a great day!