The sign above Foxy John’s in Dingle, Ireland doesn’t mix words, only begs the question: Really? The windows are clouded and the door nothing but a few pieces of wood. Opening it is one of those acts of faith. Would confused mechanics holding beers and wrenches greet me on the other side? But like Hansel and Gretel, I can’t resist the strange promise of a houseful of treats and with a push take a peak inside. There are no confused mechanics, only several patrons holding pints and one Foxy John behind the bar. As I step inside, I see the other half of the room. Boxes and drawers of tools as...

I had a plan to hike Ireland’s peninsulas. There are five of them. Like fingers reaching out to the Atlantic, their legendary cliffs rising out of the sea forming calm, scenic bays and nesting small, scenic islands. The northern peninsulas are the most well known and tourist filled. The southern ones are more remote and day-to-day. I had a plan to hike one of each – the Sheep’s Head in the south, and the Dingle in the north. As part of my plan, I spent weekends hiking in Flagstaff building an endurance to altitude and distance. I would be more then prepared for flat, sea-level walks. Then I...

As a marketing person, I’m a sucker for a well-executed party or theme event. But for the Irish, good music, drink and conversation isn’t a gimmick. What is commonly known as the craic, is just a natural way of life on the Emerald Isle. Or so I hope to find out. I got my first taste of craic years ago laughing and singing along to American Pie at Kell’s in Portland on a rainy night. It was one of those “just right” bars that never got too hot or too cold inside. Where stepping out into the rain was refreshing. At least for a few minutes. We have our share of Irish pubs in...

Or “What’s the Deal GFA?!” I have been unusually absent from blogging lately but don’t worry, there’s a good story behind it. Put simply – I caught the travel bug. And not the kind that has you planning your next trip before you even finish the one you’re on. During my spring trip to Belize, I detoured off the tourist track to the small village of Dangriga. Located on the southern coast, it’s a jump off point for the smaller island keys. My objective was to get to Tobacco Caye for some quiet time after the noisy and bustling jungle. When the bus pulled into the station, it...