Snowdonia

". . . when you are on your own you start to look at nature, and to love it." - Erich Maria Remarque

In an earlier blog where I reviewed All Quiet on the Western Front I pulled this quote from the book. It's a true statement and has a lot of meaning to me. During the many weekends that I spend alone in Ireland, I try to get out and see something - nature specifically. It's a way to distract me from thinking about how much I miss Beth and RJ. Last weekend, I was very distracted by the beauty of North Wales. It was gorgeous. I don't think I can properly describe how magical and beautiful the area is, so I'll just show you pictures.

The Roman Fortress at Caernafon


Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed


The Snowdonia Mountain Railroad
It takes you to the peak of Mount Snowdon (1085 meters)
A wonderful view if there aren't any clouds. I got clouds.


Some Perspective - That's Mount Snowdon in the clouds at the top right of the picture below.


Sunset over Mount Snowdon after hiking halfway up it along The Miner's Track.


Castle Dolbadarn

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

I had a recent crisis of conscious when I realized that all those great books that I was supposed to read in high school - I didn't. A couple of you guys reading this blog (I'm talking to you, Jaime, Chuck and Wally) might remember Mrs. Herringer's junior year English class. All Quiet on the Western Front was one of the books that we were supposed to read.

I'll admit now (to the world) that I short-cutted the book by watching the movie, instead of reading the book. Years later, I've come to realize that I might have missed out on some great books, so I've decided to throw a few of them in as part of my 10,000 pages challenge.

All Quiet on the Western Front was a brilliant book. I don't think that I stand alone when I say that and its probably not news to anybody else. However, I would like to take a quote from the book because it very pertinent to me and my adventures overseas. Remarque wrote (from Paul Baumer's perspective):

". . . when you are on your own you start to look at nature, and to love it."

It's an obscure piece of wisdom that I've found to be completely true. In the weeks that I'm in Ireland by myself, I tend to spend my weekends in nature. It can get lonely over here, but when you see the majesty of nature you don't feel so alone. In fact, you quickly realize that you are not alone because God is with you - God who created the majesty.

Here's one of my favorite places thus far: Port Magee in County Kerry. Unfortunately it's over 4 hours drive away.



I've really come to love the rocky shorelines of the Emerald Isle. I'll miss them when I'm gone. 2150 pages and counting.