Orange is not just a fruit

Today we had and still have an orange rainfall warning. It's the second highest level of intensity, followed only by red which means, "we hope your Ark is almost ready to launch." 

The original plan was to head south to Cahir, Tipperary and visit the Swiss Cottage and maybe Cahir Castle. The rain was quite steady and the two-hour drive no longer held much appeal, so we, almost literally, set sail for Avondale, Beyond the Trees. Our optimism that the rain would abate by the time we got there was definitely not justified. I mean, there was an orange warning. In fact, it was positively teeming by then. 

We paid our €5 to park, but then once in the parking lot, decided that it was total folly to continue. The high-above-ground boardwalk (Beyond the trees) could well have been closed and indeed should have been. Slippery would not have come close to describing the walking conditions. After availing ourselves of the "amenities" following a quick dash from the car, we took a selfie to prove we'd been there. But we can't say "Done that." And we certainly didn't buy the t-shirt. We were underneath a fairly thick canopy of leaves and the photo doesn't show the conditions accurately.

See the sign - we were there

We still had the map of Wicklow from yesterday's day in the sun and decided that an indoor venue would be best. Wicklow Gaol! It was not very far away and we would be out of the elements. 

Getting there was half the fun. The last part through Wicklow Town was a bit hairy on the narrow, hilly streets. But parking was free for visitors to the Gaol. 

We began with a virtual reality experience which was an overview of the history of the gaol from the early 18th century to the closure of the gaol in 1924. Conditions were horrendous and the crimes were barely misdemeanors in today's terms. Men, women and children were crowded into the same cells. They were maybe big enough for 2 prisoners but often held more than a dozen. There were no "amenities" so one can only imagine the smell and the lack of privacy. Ugh. It was both of our first experiences with virtual reality and both of us found it remarkable. 

The numbered exhibits and monologue that started when you entered a cell - representing the voice of a prisoner who had "lived" there. I'd send a link but I've tried that twice already and neither one worked so I'm giving up on that optional info opportunity. Note that Hallowe'en decorations have been added.

Interior of Wicklow Gaol

We paused our tour to enjoy lunch in the cafe and then completed it afterwards. We were given directions to the nearby library to check the genealogy section. And, the directions came with an additional three hours of free parking.

It was quite the wet walk even though it was nearby. Alas, the genealogist doesn't work on Fridays. We did take the lift to the top floor for a view of the coast. The picture is about as clear as the view. The waves were numerous, high and threatening-looking. We declined the opportunity to walk out onto the balcony to enjoy the fresh air and bucketing downpour.

View from the top floor of Wicklow Library

Then I had the brilliant idea to take the coast road from Wicklow to Arklow. No motorway for us. The excitement of the narrow winding climbing roads that took us out of town should be adventure enough. But not for us. We are not going to be remembered for 100% wise decisions. This was among the worst.

Initially there were large puddles, which later caused rooster tails as we drove through very slowly, and I swear we left a wake. The puddles grew in length and depth. Then we came to a part of the road that looked like Lake Inferior. No way was I going to attempt that, even with fingers crossed. Now THAT was a smart decision. 

I backed up about 100 yards to a turn-off. As we sat at the intersection wondering if that road would lead to Arklow, a car approached from that direction. The driver stopped and with windows down we learned that the road we'd just backed out of, was actually closed at the other end. Not, of course, at the end where we were. But we were assured that the narrow road they'd just left, would lead to Arklow, or more helpfully, the M11.

Fortunately we didn't meet any oncoming traffic because we never saw a single spot to pull over and let another car pass. And it did lead us to the M11. Never was I so pleased to find the motorway.

From there it was a better and safer drive, even with overhead warning signs that this was an orange rainfall alert. 

En route to the cottage, we stopped briefly at the Rocktavern to pick up Laura's guitar which Braden is going to borrow next week. Thank you Laura. And we had another nice visit. 

Now home, fed and relaxing, we are weighing the decision to visit the Byrnes and/or the pub. Maybe we'll tell you our decision tomorrow.