Mr. Korb's Wild Ride

Without a real plan for the day, our excellent adventure started out in Sixmilebridge. For those of you who don't know, most of my mother's ancestors came from that town in County Clare and I set off this morning to see if I could find out some information. After not being able to find out consistent information, the woman at the parish office sent me to another church about 5 km away. The man who runs that parish office was not available but a helpful woman took all of my notes and my email address and assured me he would get back to me. From what little I know of the Irish, I expect that I will hear from him. While I was working on this, the girls and Larry were busy flagging down a friendly FedEx man who directed Larry to the new FedEx office at the Shannon airport. We have shipped packages to Emily, Larry's work, and home to lighten our luggage. Another 25 kg box went today with all of our shorts, sandals, and bathing suits-needless to say we won't need those things any more. Sheila, the hostess at our bed and breakfast, recommended that we check out The Church of the Little Ark. Although the trip there and back was a white knuckler, at times, it was well worth the trip. The British "occupiers" would not allow the Irish to hold church services, so the parishioners built a small "ark" that they floated off the coast so that church services could be performed. You have to love the Irish spirit-following the letter of the law and yet still getting their way! On the way there (after the airport), we stopped in the seaside town of Killkee where we ate a "shady" lunch. I have included a picture of the front-Jean and Mike will understand why I gave this place a chance...what a mistake. We sat and watched people swim in Atlantic (with full wet suits) while we ate. The girls put their hands in the water...it was too cold to take off their shoes. Irish roads are small and windy...some even resemble one way streets. Aside from that (we are in a Kia Sportage), Larry is driving (which results is anxious moments for me and for Alison as it looks like we are going to be driven into the soft shoulder -perhaps flossing with the local greenery) and he did actually hit the curb on several occasions. It makes for an interesting experience. We are off to The Burren tomorrow (more narrow Irish roads!) and then to Birr in County Offaly for our last night in the Irish countryside.

Alison amongst green

The Church of the Little Ark

The ark

Most likely the family cemetery

The day begins

St. John's Church

Nolan's Deli

Sixmilebridge sign