Going to the mountain, the Sliabh an Iarainn mountain that overlooks Ballinamore is, for my Dad, going home, as he was born and raised there. It’s also where I spent many happy childhood days at my grandparents house.
Last week we went up for a spin just the two of us and even though he has Parkinson’s I struggled to keep up with him. This is definitely his happy place and I love to listen to him talk of all the people used to live here, their work, their houses, even their children, all gone now, not a trace of them. Only the forestry and the mountain remain. Isn’t it strange.
Here’s a few photos I took on the day. I’ve paired them with quotes by John Muir
“The mountains are calling and I must go.”
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
John Muir
“Going to the mountains is going home.”
John Muir
“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.”
John Muir
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
― John Muir, The Mountains of California
“The sun shines not on us but in us.”
“This grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.”
― John Muir
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Gorgeous photos Jane, what a lovely way to spend time with your Dad. x
Thank you Karen
Write those stories down, Write about the people,the houses, the work. Write it all down on paper. You think you will remember but memories fade. Recently we came across a diary written by my great grandmother and though it is short it is so so special. I used to listen to stories my nanny would tell and i thought i would always know them but some of them escape me now.
You are so right Sinead, thank you for suggesting it
Beautiful, just beautiful xx
Aw thank you Emily
Thank you Jane for sharing your special time with your Da and his special place. This is poignant and amazing. You are an angel who takes some amazing pictures.
Love,
Shalagh
That’s one I haven’t been called before!
Thank you Shalagh 
Now that’s my cup of tea
Thank you for sharing it with me.
Aw your’re welcome Avril, thank you