A Walk on an October Sunday

This weekend the weather has been glorious.  Both yesterday and today I took long walks along the Bay and up into Salthill.  Though I had my camera with me yesterday, I didn’t feel like stopping.  Not so today.

As you will see from my photos, I had much beauty upon which to reflect.  I did, however, have a sobering moment.  I was passing a church in Salthill and I saw people gathered around the entry in their finery.  I assumed they had just attended a wedding until I saw a child-sized casket carried out of the church.  My stomach lurched.  What sorrow amid such beauty.

And yet, life continues…  I intend to embrace the grace of every moment. 

On the Old Dock outside my apartment

Look closely--two otters swimming in the harbor

The River Corrib and the Long Walk

Reflection

Moored boats

Swan during low tide in River Corrib

Graffiti

Along the bay

Celia Griffin Children's Park on Galway Bay, dedicated to the children who lost their lives during the Great Famine

"Path to Health," sign along the promenade, part of a program designed to encourage people to walk

These ringbuoys are found along the bay and the river.  They have a phone number to a group, the Samaritans, that helps people who are experiencing distress or depression and may even be contemplating suicide.  The Samartans sticker says, "You're not alone."

On a Salthill street

Trees changing in residential area

More evidence of autumn

Balloon art in the Latin Quarter