The Valley of Two Lakes

Glendalough, "The Valley of Two Lakes."  According to legend, St. Kevin received this land from the king when he made a shrewd business deal.  Heal the king's aged and ailing pet bird, and Kevin would be awarded the land that the bird flew over.  (The wise king thought of course the bird would be too sick to fly anywhere.)  A man of miracles, St. Kevin blessed the bird, and it flew the entire length of the beautiful valley known as Glendalough (glend-uh-lockh).  And thus, Glendalough became the personal property of St. Kevin, a pious hermit, who sought the peace and tranquility of a life outside of community.  Joined by other monks, Kevin's home was transformed over many years into a monastic city. 

After wandering through the ruins and remnants of old Ireland, we embarked on a strenuous journey through the beautiful valley called Glendalough.  Strenuous, because I wasn't quite wearing the proper sort of shoes (I would recommend a comfortable pair of hiking boots for the occasion).  We climbed over a thousand roughly-hewn wooden steps up the steep hills.  We walked beside grassy cliffs.  It even snowed, ever so slightly, when we had reached the top.  We then negotiated our way back down a zig-zag path through rocks, streams, and boulders.  Taking in the stunning beauty of larger-than-life hills of mottled green and brown... standing quietly among ancient grey stone towers, crosses, and chapels... and doing it all with such great company as my fellow ISP-ers was a memorable and pleasant experience.  Enjoy the pictures - some of them weren't so easy to get!

Ireland has been for me an experience I do not want to ever forget.  I returned to the United States with a widened perspective, friendships with awesome people, and a new-found love for the country.  If you have a heart for adventure, good Christian community, and travel - then consider this adventure!  I truly find myself missing Ireland, again and again.