Monday, July 30, 2007

Sunset on the 18th at Doonbeg


I love this picture of some of the boys on the 18th hole at Doonbeg. It was late in the evening--around 9:30 PM, and the beauty of the setting sun reflecting off the sea onto the green takes my breath away. Nelson appears to be contemplating something very serious. Now it could be that he had just missed a putt, or he could be just waiting for their 4th to finally finish putting, or--I'll let you all decide your own interpretation of the picture. Whatever it is--it is beautiful, and I believe it is a good representation of The Boys' entire journey to Ireland. The beauty, the history, the fellowship of the game are all reflected here in the late evening shadows.

Their return Saturday night was smooth and uneventful. Boys, luggage, and clubs all arrived in Myrtle Beach intact and on time. They were all a bit tired, of course, but their wind-burned faces were smiling and happy. I know for Michael it was the trip of a lifetime. They couldn't say enough about the quality of the hotels they stayed in, the kindness and delightful spirit of the Irish people, and most of all the marvelous golf courses. They were blessed with a few days of wonderful weather early in the week, but they also experienced the true blustery winds and rains for which Irish golf is so famous. You know it is said that it only rains twice a year in Ireland: August through April and May through July! But our Wachesaw Warriors are proud to say that they never quit--through howling wind and pelting raindrops. (Except for four who finally gave up the last two holes in the squall at Old Head--but those four shall remain nameless here and their secret is forever safe!)

Michael has the most beautiful pictures documenting each day's golf course and the countryside, including castles and ruins aplenty for me to ogle over! He promises to compile a CD of the very best ones and I'm encouraging him to write a brief commentary for each one. (Do any of you really think Michael could be "brief" about something he is so passionate about?!) But truly, I would love for you all to see them. I'm not sure that any other place could have so much beauty and history as does this Land of the Leprechauns.

Molly and Gabby are coming later this week for a two-week visit, and David is coming to join them next week. We are excited to see at least some of our family, and will be surely posting some pictures of their first visit to South Carolina! I hope you all are keeping up with Chad, Rachel, Jake and Brodie via Rachel's blog. http://kahlercrew.blogspot.com She's got some pretty cute pictures of the boys and their new home in Tucson.

1 comment:

Rachel said...

I love the pictures, they make it feel so romantic and warm (even if it wasn't). Yes, please tell Mike to document the trip. Trips of a lifetime only come once in a while. We are so glad they had a wonderful experience. Chad is so jealous :)