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Originally I had intended to walk the Four Days of Castlebar, yet the march was canceled in March of 2001 amidst concern for hoof and mouth being spread by the marchers as much of the route is through farmland and forest. In view of having paid for my plane tickets, having made reservations and having never been to Ireland, I went anyway. I found on board the same flight as many as 12 of those who had been to Viborg for the 2-day who were also going to Ireland regardless of the formal march being canceled.
Landing at Dublin, and a long train across the width of Ireland to Castlebar. The week we traveled this route the track was being repaired and a bus ride the last three train stops was required. Then to the Bed and Breakfast, sitting alongside Lough Lannah (Lannah Lake). The B&B was owned by Marilyn and PJ Quinn. It was a story in itself. They lived at the end of the street of four houses. The houses are all owned by Quinns. During the week I was to meet most of the extended family.
Castlebar is on a normal day a quiet town. The experience of being there without the crowds of marchers balanced out the lack of an organized event. I intended to do some serious walking to stay in shape for the upcoming events I had scheduled. The first day out I walked through the town and explored every corner, and later in the evening adopted McGregory's Pub on the far side of the town. There I met Mike behind the bar and he and I discussed Irish history long into the evening. He had worked in Los Angeles and at one time on the East Coast and along with several patrons kept me company through the week.
My first excursion was on what I believed was a walking tour of historical background, the D'Humbert Trail. General D'Humbert was a French General and a hero of the area. In 1789 he routed the English from the area and forced their retreat back towards Dublin. In 1989 there had been a large celebration with French representatives on hand to celebrate what is considered by the Irish a step in the long journey towards independence. I walked through the town following numbered markers. The route led me out of town and I started walking in earnest. About three kilometers out of town I found one last marker. I continued walking for about two hours more, and finally it began to dawn on me that this was no simple endeavor. I asked a woman along the way how far the route continued, and she answered.....fifty miles. Well, I was into extreme marches but fifty miles one way? I turned around and walked back to Castlebar.
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