Ireland!

In 3 days I will be heading out on quite the adventure!  Last September after getting back from Ireland with my daughter, niece and dad I decided I really wanted to go back and put my boots on the ground, and see the country a bit more up close.

Our trip was amazing and one I will always cherish - but we spent a great deal of time in the cities (Dublin, Galway, Cork etc.)  I LOVED it all, the pubs, the people, and the company. My dad was 91 at the time and he outlasted me dancing in the pubs. But my favorite part of the trip was New Grange and seeing the ancient site at Knowth.  THAT is what I wanted more of.    So with this in mind and knowing I wanted to walk or hike I started my research into companies that provide that type of experience.   That is when I found Ireland Walk Hike Bike and Linda Woods. After exchanging several e-mails I signed up for two trips, an 8-day in Donegal that was a guided walk and a 4-day in Dingle that was a self guided Hike.    After converting the distances and altitudes to American measures I started to slightly hyperventilate.   Granted it was September and I was not leaving till June.  I took a deep breath and contacted my friend Sueann who had been doing some hiking with me.  I corralled Sueann and Mitch, her significant other into the “training-for-Ireland-hiking-group” we never really had a name for it but – this sounds good! 

Mount Hood from Council Crest

Mount St. Helen view from Council Crest

A trip to Silver Falls

With their help I began to add distance and altitude to the hikes we were doing.  We are truly lucky here in Portland to have easy access to a wide range of hiking opportunities.  Forest Park, which sits in the heart of Portland, has over 500 acres of hiking trails.  In addition, we have the Tillamook Forest, the Columbia Gorge and the Coastal Range all perfect for hiking and within driving distance. 


Forest Park was our first stop.  Mitch and his amazing sense of direction took us on many adventures in the park.  I think my favorite was to Pittock Mansion and then on to the Zoo  It was a 10 mile round trip with a 1500ft altitude gain.  We went to Council Crest and had amazing views.  For Christmas Suann got me a book about Forest park with many hikes listed.  We began the fun of checking them off.  
Next we began to go outside of the Park to Hikes around Portland. Silver Falls, Angels Rest, Cape Lookout on the coast, Mount Hamilton, Saddle mountain and local hikes along the Tualatin Hills Nature trails.   So many fun adventures!

Silver Falls with Karen, Mitch and Sueann

At the top of a difficult climb the columbia behind me.

So now three days out I am excited to explore Ireland. I will try to post every day and give information about where we are, what I find most amazing and what I've learned.
So... here we go!!!