Connemara Hike

Connemara National Park

Galway Branch Hikers on their way up Diamond Hill

This morning we traveled to Connemara National Park for a joint YSA/Branch activity. 
Fifteen members showed up five of which were YSA. Our goal was to hike Diamond Hill. 

This scene was magnificent, the water was just like glass.

The drive to the park was beautiful. We traveled through miles of bog land, ocean inlets and mountainous areas to get to our destination. We arrived about noon and decided to eat lunch, before beginning the hike. It’s a good thing we did, the group who climbed to the top of Diamond Hill(mountain) didn’t get back until 6:00 p.m., 4 1/2 hours later.  It was a much longer hike than anyone anticipated. Gary, who couldn't do the hike, stayed at the lodge and worked on his Institute lesson.     

     The view from part way up the trail was absolutely breathtaking -

 The vista from the mountainside was spectacular. The inlets from the ocean and tiny outlying islands could clearly be seen. Below were lovely green meadows with grazing sheep and a small village. Rising next to the coast (on the right) was a tall mountain with a ring of misty clouds around the top. The whole view looked like a picture from a travel magazine. It was a great day! It's so refreshing to get away and enjoy nature. 

 I hiked up as far as the rocky ascent and this scene unfolded before my view. 
It was quite breathtaking! The Atlantic Ocean is the on horizon.

This is Diamond Hill it's much higher than it appears in this photo.

The Summiteers!

Here they are at the summit. This is a small monument added to by each hiker who makes it to the top.

Another valley is visible from the summit of Diamond Hill.

I thought you would all get a kick out of this plaque we found. It shows the quirky Irish sense of humor! Bottom left we are having lunch before the hike.

    

Brother and Sister Hale are the YSA couple who helped organize the hike. 

Upper left - CK, Alex, Elder Meyer, and Elder Crittendon climbed atop a rather tall rock along the trail

We hope you have gained a nice feel for our day out in nature and the beautiful country of Ireland!

Love you all,

Grandpa & Grandma, Mom & Dad, Elder & Sister Weber