A Grand day out

Just back from a full on and  highly informative and interesting day in the field. We rendezvoused with four other historians, G leading the day in explororation of old houses, famine related artefacts and other interesting things around Bantry. We visited a star-shaped fort , three country houses in amazing positions (one ruined, two inhabited with very interesting occupants), some large and derelict mills and an impressive waterfall. My blip is off the salmon leap near Donemark falls - one salmon recently spotted leaping (local inhabitant had the proof on his severely battered tablet which he produced for us). Incidentally this is where Noah's granddaughter arrived just before the flood - she and 50 women and 3 men. It didn't end well. 
See also my cheeky extra blip - I really like this but it's rather personal! Spotted in a derelict farm building near a fierce dog. 
The rain stopped, the wind blew and we even got a bit of sunshine. Great exploring with a very knowledgeable crowd.

Last night we headed out at 9pm to look for the blood moon. After a day of appalling weather, the clouds cleared and it looked hopeful. We went to a local headland and gazed eastwards. There was the most stunning rainbow which lasted for ages and then shortly afterwards a dramatic and lowering sunset - see extras.  No sign of the moon though for the clouds had gathered on that horizon but we didn't mind, what a sky. It was blowing a hoolie but I felt the water - warm! Yes dear, reader, a swim was taken.