You will probably be secretly happy that as I stepped outdoors, the beautifully sunny morning gave way to pelting rain after about a mile and a half of exploration. As I am continually pushing the limits of my camera with respect to the elements, I opted here to stop photographing muddy greenery and instead turn around and seek shelter back at the house.

This part of the country is another Gaeltacht region– and while I think it is fantastic that Ireland works to preserve its language, sometimes the helpful signs only leave me pronouncing the word and seeing if I can recognize the anglicized name. This really doesn’t work.

The coastal road would alternate between sun and clear vistas to whipping wind and rain in a matter of moments. It made for a very dynamic drive- one where I was grateful that Olivia was at the wheel. I’d probably have killed the lot of us.

Here we are with what is supposed to be one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches in the background. Of course, you’ll have to take my word for it since our heads are blocking the lovely view. No matter, Olivia is much lovelier than the beach and just as Northern- so it’s a fine trade-off.

We made it out to Fanad Head Lighthouse- by this point the sun was back out and the whole area looked more beautiful than a postcard. The more we saw, the more we were taken with this entire area.

Lunch called for a stop at Rathmullen House- a really fabulous place that is popular for weddings. Down in the bar area we supped on some delicious mussels and then headed back outside and down to the main attraction of the property: the beach.

If you know anything about me then you know that I love nothing more than ocean stretches in inclement weather. This beach had nothing but sunny rain, wandering families and catches of galloping horses going back and forth. I think I might have also sighted a woman breastfeeding a baby on the beach, but I have no further comment on that.

I know that my videos aren’t exactly documentary-ready, but I am always doing my best to convey the indescribably beauty of the neat stuff I get to see. Yes, I know that I am ridiculously fortunate.

Here we have the happiest thirteen month old on the planet. His wordless enthusiasm for slapping around in the water perfectly captured how we felt about these environs.

Olivia’s son has no idea how amazing his mom is for showing him so many amazing places from the very start of his young life. Actually, if you look at his smile- maybe he really does have some idea. That kid is incredibly sharp.

I give you more gratuitous shots of the beach. We spent the afternoon walking the coastline and talking about life in general. Olivia is a friend from college, and even though time and space has separated us with our respective lives, she is certainly a person who I can always count on to provide good counsel. It’s not just the scenery of Ireland that keeps me coming back- it’s also the people I know.

Call it ridiculous but as we were walking, this little zygote of a rainbow did indeed expand to a full arch. Our afternoon outside really ran the gamut of dramatic elements.

After getting thoroughly soaked and sunned on, our evening winded down with wine and a soak in our own personal hot tub back at the cottage. Huge thanks to Olivia for scoring this cottage at the last moment! Our bodies felt completely rejuvenated, and ready for tomorrow’s adventure in Donegal.