Hey, Europe!

Phew! The past couple of weeks have been busy, and not just because the end of term is coming up (though that doesn't help). Jon and I have been bouncing around Europe visiting Scotland, Spain, and France!

Scotland was great because we were able to catch up with some Cobleskill friends, and hang out with them for the weekend. Then on Sunday before we flew back to Dublin, we spent the day in Edinburgh. After enjoying Scotland for a couple of days, I cannot wait to go back.

Pictured here from the top left, is my friend Jess, who we were visiting; me and Jon on top of Hailes Castle; and a shot of Hailes Castle. The castle was right down the hill from where we were staying - on a farm. 

The crest at Edinburgh Castle, Jon and I at Edinburgh Castle looking over the city, Edinburgh Castle, and the world's best bagpiper (because it can't actually play- hah!) and Jon.

Spain was phenomenal. We really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere here. We toured around the city, visited another castle, rode in a cable car, and enjoyed a very sunny day at the beach.

We picked up my brother Logan in Barcelona, and the three of us made our way to Paris. We took a bicycle tour around the city and got to see some of the incredible sights. We also enjoyed a delicious crepe for lunch. Logan and I stayed in Versailles, and were able to see the Palace of Versailles (bottom left picture).

Logan and I flew back to Dublin after a slightly disappointing time in France. We were supposed to visit Normandy, but with the Easter holiday, the tour company's wires got crossed and gave us the wrong info. Long story short, we didn't go to Normandy :(. While in Ireland, I took Logan up to Northern Ireland for a day trip to the Giant's Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Belfast. We had gorgeous weather for a day on the northern coast.

I had a ton of fun adventuring around with my not-so-little brother. Hopefully we'll get to do it again in the future. Can't believe that boy graduates from high school in June. Man, I'm getting old.

Ducks across Ireland

While we were home for the holidays a retired racing duck found its way into our luggage bound for Dublin. The duck, a former member of the Oswegatchie Adironduck fleet, used to spend its days swimming down the West Branch of the Oswegatchie River. Now, the duck is making its way around the Emerald Isle.

Last week while my parents were visiting, the duck got a grand tour around Ireland.

From the top left: the duck with the infamous Molly Malone, who in addition to delivering cockles and mussels, enjoyed a trollop with the scallops; Me, a leprechaun, and the duck; the duck and it's handsome Irish duck friend; and, my dad and the duck having a blast at Bunratty Castle.

From the top left: the duck enjoying the local libations at the Old Jameson Distillery; the duck along the coast in Northern Ireland; me and the duck at the Cliffs of Moher; and, the duck at the Giants Causeway.

Stay tuned for more quack-tastic adventures of me and the duck. If you're interested in adopting a retired racing duck of your own, give Oswegatchie Education Center a shout. All money raised goes to a great cause - sending kids to summer camp!