Page 4 of 172

Ireland: A Big Move Back to Our Roots

Reg Spittle Leave a comment

Sue and I have journeyed to Ireland to help our son Andrew and daughter-in-law Charlotte settle into their new home in Dublin.

We are excited by their adventurous spirit, but sad that they will be so far away. Andrew is bringing our family back to its roots. His grandmother was raised here and her Johnston family members were longtime farmers in the Waterford area. So, Andrew, his brothers, and I are Irish citizens, but can’t prove it since birth certificates have been elusive.

Andrew and Charlotte led us on a driving tour southwest of Dublin through Glendalough National Park, which reminded by us of the Scottish Highlands without the tall mountains. Like Scotland, Ireland is home to roughly 5 million people, but boasts a milder climate. Thanks to a U.K.-Ireland agreement, my British citizenship allows me to live here, but I doubt that is in our future.

Our visit also presents us with a look at a country brimming with distance trails. Hmm, which will be first?

Ageism: Does a Number Define You?

Reg Spittle 2 Comments

How does ageism affect your life? Do you witness discrimination based on numbers and appearances?

The link will take you to a post in Section Hiker that weighs ageism and its impact on the lives of hikers older than 60. I would love to know what you think.

As a teen-ager, I experienced ageism when I was not taken seriously during some newspaper interviews with famous athletes. But have I felt its effects during preparations and walks on 10 distance paths in seven countries since I turned 60? I am 73 in the above photo with Sue during a break on our recent trek in Italy.

While I consider my response to the article, my feet continue to take me farther than I could have walked as a young man.