Ireland day 1253. Tuesday 04 March 2025- Springlike

Today’s summary	Val still away in the UK. In the morning I had a video call with a friend back in Lancaster, UK, then went out and got a haircut and did some shopping. After an early lunch went on a quick walk round the demesne then had another video call – this time with a friend in Houston, USA. In the evening I went to Spanish class in Portmarnock and on return had a video call with Val
Today’s weather	Bright and dry with quite a lot of sun. Strong southwesterly wind. Appx 10c. Feeling quite springlike, especially when out of the wind

Today’s overview location (The blue mark shows the location of my route)		Close-up location (The blue line shows where I walked) (Click button below to download GPX of today’s walk as recorded, or see interactive map at bottom with elevations corrected): Springlike walk in the Demesne

Commentary

Some days there’s a quintessence in the air – which isn’t just related directly to the weather but must somehow be – which feels like spring. It’s an intangible thing, and one that’s hard to describe – but today definitely had it. Even though it wasn’t particularly warm and there was a strong wind blowing. Whatever it is, though, it always makes me feel hopeful and positive – that the warmer, brighter days of summer are on their way.

Given the auspicious air, I tried to make as much of the day as I could. Val’s still away, so I had freedom to do pretty much what I wanted. Anyway, I started off with a video call with a friend back in Lancaster, UK, which was nice as we hadn’t spoken for several weeks and there was lots to discuss. But after an hour or so, we had covered most of the main issues so decided to call it quits and get on with the rest of the day.

My first objective was to get a much-needed haircut. I had tried to get one before we went to Fuerteventura but the barber’s shop was packed with schoolchildren and the queue was enormous. So I abandoned it then and had to wait till today for the next opportunity. I had better luck this time – no delay – and came out feeling instantly ten years younger. I don’t know quite why, but having longer hair always makes me feel dishevelled so getting it cut off always puts a bit of a spring in my step.

After a little shopping, I returned to the flat and had an early lunch – chicken salad again, and it was delicious! After lunch, I wanted to get a bit more sun on my face, so I went out and did a quick circuit of the demesne – quickly fitted in before my next video call, to a friend in Houston, USA. Unsurprisingly we had a lot to discuss, and we successfully managed to avoid spending the whole time discussing the maladies and inconveniences which come with the stage of life which we are both currently inhabiting.

Next on the agenda, it’s Spanish down at Portmarnock. I haven’t been for three weeks, because of the interruption of Fuerteventura and the mid-term break. I’m a bit apprehensive about it – two hours can seem like a very long time when you don’t know what everyone else is talking about! Then, once I get back later this evening, I’m planning a video call with Val, and probably finally a short film from the Vancouver festival – which I’m very much enjoying, by the way.

Anyway I must sign off now and dig out my deberes!

Today’s photos (click to enlarge)


The unusual hollow tree-stump up by the car park. It would be fanciful to imagine fairies and magical creatures of the night living in there, but actually it seems mostly just to be used as an ad-hoc litter bin	There’s a castle lurking somewhere in there, up amongst the trees

Midway round my clockwise circuit of the Demesne	I do like these petite daffodils. Perfectly sculpted and beautifully coloured



Feeling ten years younger after a haircut!