The calm after the storm.

It might be only the 4th of January but today was like a Spring Day. Totally unexpected after the horror of yesterday. 12 of us headed for Slieve Gullion, with the stronger ones detouring by Fitzpatricks and Ravensdale. We, the remainder, went straight up the Old Newry Road to Dromad. I have rarely seen the mountains look more beautiful, after the catharsis of the storm. The combination of light and cloud, and the heavy mist that came halfway down Annaverna, Clermont and Gullion was entrancing. Ceo draíocht they call this magical mist in Irish and somehow only the Gaelic phrase can convey its mystery and beauty.

I was glad to see the café open because before Christmas the storms had knocked down trees all over the place and it was closed for 2 days. 2 young ladies from Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism went to awful trouble to show me and a handful of others the geological and archaeological gems of this area and really it was a day you wouldn’t put a milk bottle out. We got the usual warm reception in Grounded Slieve Gullion and I must say they really are lovely people, warm and humorous, thank God.

The other gang joined us shortly afterwards, having enjoyed their spin by Ravensdale. We are just so spoiled for choice around Dundalk that anyone who complains should be banished forever. I think there is nothing like cycling to reveal the countryside to you. Because you have worked to go up hill and down dale the contours and the spirit of the land enters into you and you are with it. You are in touch with it in a way you never will be in a car.

Needless to say I didn’t share these musings with my buddies over the coffee break. The slagging was of a more earthy nature but I held my own, I think. I was glad all the same when Donal suggested getting a move on. His group went home by Forkhill and Carricksticken. We came down by Roskeagh (new name for me, hope I’m right) and Peter O’Hagens Pub (still have to stand inside that door, on my bucket list). The tide was in full in the Rock and there were as many people as yesterday taking pictures. It was actually dangerous cycling down Main Street and there was nothing happening except an occasional splash over the wall and squeals of children when they got drenched. 

It was just an absolutely gorgeous morning.