When I first got to Ireland, I had no plans — just a rented vehicle, and a backpack.
I firmly believe that following your interests as they arise (sometimes, just on a faint whim) will make for a much better experience than micromanaging your time down to the last second, trying to stick to a list of someone else's must-dos. That way lies only a feeling that you never quite did or saw enough; that you probably could have done it better, or experienced more, or that you missed just that one perfect instagrammable moment.
Listen, don't do that shit to yourself.
Given this habit of jumping face-first into 'adventure,' I found myself in need of a place to stay the first night. Where I ended up, truthfully, was so much more spectacular than I could have hoped. I mean... if you're willing to bestow the term spectacular onto living out of a backpack and sleeping in the back of a car because the spot you chose smells quite a bit of pee and also being woken up by noisy-as-fuck, inconsiderate sheep who are really not pleased that you decided to break camp directly in their midst.
Welcome to the Irish Defence Force's Coast Watching Service Look Out Post 82.
Ireland had this great plan during the run up to World War II, in that they figured they would just stay neutral. To keep watch for belligerent activity that could potentially muck up this goal, they built eighty-three watch posts along the coastline, on average between five to fifteen miles apart. Coastwatchers manned them solidly for the better part of three years, filling out detailed logbooks (which you can read online, if you're into dry military notation! Just click a point on the map.) of all nautical and aerial activity, and when the war ended, many of them fell into a state of disrepair, and were removed. Some, given that they were essentially out in the middle of nowhere, were just left to their own devices. (In this case, homing transient types overnight, being marched around by livestock, and the aforementioned smelling of pee.)
Here it is, alone on a promontory, being very watch-y. And here's the map link.
After a cursory look around, I decided there would be no sleeping in the bunker itself — both to stay warm, and protect my olfactory senses... but every part of this trip was made more life-changing by the blazing sunsets and sunrises I was so fortunate enough to experience.
Nature seriously knows what's up.
Here are a few last glimpses of closing your eyes on jewel tones, and opening them to delicate pastels.
While being awoken by lambs greeting the new day sounds awfully rural and romantic, let me assure you, after about the third bleat, it. is. not. There were definitely a few thoughts of a mutton breakfast as I sat on the edge of the cliffs and overlooked the ocean.
All of these photos are my own, taken on my travels all over this pretty blue marble of ours. I hope you like them.
Interesting post.
thanks — I think it is, but of course, I'm a touch biased... 😉 When you think of Ireland, would you want to see more natural photos, or would you personally like to see more things like historical ruins?
Yes, definitely.
Amazingly beautiful. Definitely planning a trip to Ireland. Thank you very much for posting!
Definitely do it if you can! I'll be sharing more from this location, and a lot more from all over the country, but let me know when you get your trip arranged, and I'd be happy to go over what I loved most for you to consider adding to your itinerary :)
I love the idea of being spontaneous in this way, jumping out of the echo wheel so that finally things slow down To a pace where you can see them and ther true value . I live in China, already for 15 years and I live in beautiful city called Hangzhou. I will make posts of the trips I have made here if you want to read please follow. I hope I can see more adventures from yours posts
China has some of the most stunning landscapes and history that I've ever seen, and I really hope to come take photos there soon! I'm also hoping to meet steemians all over the world, so that when I get to some of these places, I have someone to drink beer with and take pictures of :)
Definitely take pictures of your beautiful city, and share what life is like there; I'd love to see.
Amazing as always. You're one of my favorite steemers!
Thanks! You've supported me from day one; much appreciated.
Great @crimsonclad Resteemed
Hey, thanks for the love! Can't wait to share some more from this series.
We're waiting)
Looks fantastic.
Honestly, it really was. I would put Ireland in the top five places I've explored. There is so much fascinating history alongside a burgeoning young population and modern cities, but mostly, everything feels steeped in tradition.
I'm here just recently - but this post is about Ireland, great! The photos are wonderful!
Love it! Great pics! You go, woman!
Cool stuff, I've always wanted to go to Ireland
Do it, you won't be disappointed. It's a great place for experienced travellers right down to complete beginners, and it's not overly expensive or hard to navigate. The people are hilarious (you get used to being teased/called a cunt if they like you), the food is fantastic, the booze is delicious, and the scenery stunning.
The place and the landscape are amazing! Ireland looks like a great place to visit.
Awesome introduction post as well, looking forward to reading more of your stories! :)
Thanks so much! I've got lots more to share. I drove over 3000 kilometres, just exploring what caught my eye; absolutely recommended. Ireland is completely stunning, easy to get to, and no real adjustments to make for English speakers.
I have nothing to say except WOW! Those pics are top class, @crimsonclad! Keep up the good work.
You may enjoy reading my new post about cool photography things you can do with a drone: https://steemit.com/steemitcool/@lazariko12/w-h-a-t-y-o-u-c-a-n-a-c-t-u-a-l-l-y-d-o-w-i-t-h-a-d-r-o-n-e-t-o-d-a-y
I would LOVE a drone, seriously. Think of all the
troubleamazing stuff I could shoot with one!Yeah!
Oh my god
What is a amazing view
I like it please do it more :]
Very cool! Is this one of the watch bunkers?!
Words can't describe the pictures you took.Just amazing.
appreciated — would you want to see more from this area?
Yeah sure.
Fantastic photos! Can't beat Ireland on a sunny day! We are currently enjoying our 3-day summer here lol.
we got so lucky. Came in May... had ONE day of rain. Irish twilight zone!
Feel free to correct me on my Ireland posts if I boob any of the history!!
The pics are beautiful :-)
Everything looks do peaceful....
What an amazing post! :-)
Thank you! <3
This is my passion. These wild places, these blazing skies.