New Hobby: Hill Walking

Ha' Penny Bridge in The City Centre dressed for The All-Ireland Finals.
Photo By: M.

On Saturday, D and I left the city for the afternoon and made our way out East to the Wicklow area. The weather is noticeably changing for Fall (or a harsh winter for a newbie like me from the South) and I really wanted to spend the day outdoors. 

I went on my now usual morning run/walk through the neighborhood and around Corkagh Park. When I got back I felt rejuvenated by the sunshine, clear skies, and cool weather. D and I made a carb friendly lunch (#youknowaboymadeyourlunchwhen..... it's a lasagna sandwich!) and got our backpack ready for the walk/hike. I learned a few tricks about how to pack for this, because as I'm a lifelong learner, and a drop out girl scout, I'm still earning some badges for the great outdoors. Just look for me on the cover of National Geographic next year, it will be epic.

The bus dropped us here and we walked into the brush there.

 Photo By: M.

I would honestly consider this a hike, because it's a steady climb up and steep. I think of walking as a more leisure form of exercise and something I would do around town. I'd also consider what we hiked a mountain, but it's only considered a hill. I'm not going to argue with geography, nor will I beat my chest about walks v hikes. Either way, it was a great workout and beautiful afternoon! I am now raising the bar in my own personal journey about what walks, hikes, mountains, and hills are. Fair play to you, Europe.

The view from the road just before we set out for a path.

Walking through some cleared fields. Anticipating at any moment hearing, "Hey! Get off my land!" #wedidnot
Photo By: M.

Photo By: M.

Beautiful colors from summer still. Photo By: M.

View of Baby Sugar Loaf Hill and more of the lush Wicklow Mountains about half way though. Photo By: M.

Me after the path ended and about to start the rock climb. Photo By: D.

The rocky slopes on Sugar Loaf Hill.

Sugar Loaf in Irish is, Ó Cualann  Photo By: M.

View from the top of Sugar Loaf Hill. Also known as The Great Sugar Loaf! Photo By: M.

As my mom tells me often, "It's important to live your life today and live a healthy life, because you don't know what tomorrow could bring." Photo By: D.

More gorgeous views with the sun setting atop Ó Cualann. Photo By: M.

Photo By: D.

All you need is LOVE.

Ponies along the Sugar Loaf hill.

I want to adopt a baby lamb. The perfect present all year long.

This afternoon/evening walk was really rewarding. It was healthy, great for all our senses, something different to do, and left us both feeling accomplished. I also can't say it enough, it's beautiful here and all over the world. I love exploring it and challenging myself to new heights. Sorry I'm not sorry for the cheesy pun. Until next time!

Cheers,
M