The Green Scene

Green is one of my favorite colors. It's the color of spring and new beginnings. The color of nature in all its glory! After the rains, when the Sonoran Desert turns green and purple and yellow, it draws me to be outside -  I find that it even restores depleted energy when I go for my walks. 

So many images come to mind when you think green: Green grass, the grass is greener, greener pastures, emerald green. green tea, evergreen, Mr. Green Jeans, green with envy, putting green, Green Bay Packers, green eyed monster, green beans, green card, green thumb, green room, green around the gills, greenhorn, green light, greenway, sea green, go green... 

...Not to mention the 40 shades of green in Ireland.

Have you been? Well it certainly is not an exaggeration. Gene and I spent a few weeks walking the beautiful Irish countryside in search of what's new. It was a reminder that being surrounded by all of that green gives you a sense of balance and harmony. 

And isn't that what a vacation should do? 

Come Walk With Me!

The Walking Connection offers a variety of hiking trips in Ireland, both self drive and guided so you too can experience "the Green Scene." From island hopping Cork & Kerry in the south to exploring the Causeway Coastal Route and Donegal in the north. Your vacation, your way. 

Twelve Days A Pilgrim

In the fall of 2019 I trekked 12 days on the Camino de Santiago from Portugal to Spain, covering 140 miles (226 km)...

IT WAS AWESOME!

My biggest concern had been how I would feel walking longer distances for multiple days in a row. I knew if needed I could catch a ride, but I really wanted to explore every inch along the way.

By day three I got into my own rhythm. Realizing that I had all day to get to the next destination, my time slowed to pedestrian speed instead of the frenetic pace of everyday life. Each moment then could be savored...

Lakeside Lookouts

Forest Bathing

Seaside Saunters

For 12 days we were pilgrims, peregrinos to the locals as they would call out "Buen Camino!" - wishing us well on our path ahead.

Passing through a village or on a country road, blue and yellow Camino markers pointed the way like a beacon in the fog. Knowing we weren't the first nor the last, they nudged us forward drawn by something bigger than ourselves. 

Whether walking this trail for a spiritual quest, a personal challenge or just to slow down and take in the experience the intention was the same -- reaching Santiago de Compostela. 

As you draw closer trekkers are arriving from all directions each with their own aura of accomplishment. And when it was me standing in the square encircled by all of the energy of kindred spirits, I knew that it was my life's journey that gave me this gift...

Wishing you all 

BUEN CAMINO!