As you can see from the placement of the photographs I still have no idea how to manage where they go or in what order! You can see what I mean however, by the snow walk and then how clear it was once we got down in the valley.

I decided to go to Kilmanogue- the starting point for the Bray Hill Strollers - the day before as a type of reconnoitre trip. My idea was to find a B&B in the village so I wouldn't be late for my first walk. A stop at the pub, which had a B&B sign prominently displayed, resulted in a shake of the head and the imparted wisdom that they haven't done B&Bs since 'the road'. Owing to the sad countenance I didn't like to ask about the road. I was told to ask at the PO down the hill "oh and make sure you visit Avoca".

At the PO a man in reply to the question shouted "no we haven't got anything like that in the village since the road". Over the noise of a six lane highway one metre from his door he told me how the road had divided the village but "had I visited Avoca". Obviously this was the place to be so I set off back up the hill to be pleasantly surprised by an amazing afternoon tea place. Amazing because I had passed no less than three overflow carparks before I found the gift shop and cafe. Thinking of Mum and Wendy I had a beautiful piece of walnut and carrot cake but didn't have anyone to share with so struggled through on my own. Avoca Handweavers are not actually known exclusively for their coffee shop- they also produce woven rugs - but I din't find that out until my reviving afternoon tea. Why the need for revival? I had walked kilometres to get to Kilmanogue and then what seemed to be hillclimbing preparation just to try and find a B&B. However, I was able to avoid walking back along the divisive road to the next village by finding a lovely B&B owner out of town who was prepared to pick me up and drive me into the snow laden Wicklow Hills.

So my reason for coming to Kilmacanogue suddenly hit me in the morning during my Irish fry (I had to pause when I was offered a fry because I didn't hear correctly - was I being offered a fly and what would I do with it?). Because I paused on the offer the lady of the house said perhaps I would like a fry with poached egg - aahhh yes please. Anyway most of it was appreciated and the bacon and toast was wrapped up as my lunch - how had I not thought of it before? A 6 hour walk with no food - my fellow WA walkers would be horrified.

Pick the eager walker, the one who arrived so early no one else was there. However, I was soon greeted by two people who encouraged me to join their B group walk in Glendalough.

Glendalough is an amazing place established in the 7 Century and has stone buildings that date from this time and a Round Tower which reflects the monastery's defence against raids from the Vikings. All of this we walked by on our way into the hills. And what an experience. Owing to the recent snowfalls everything was white. As we rose higher into the low hanging cloud our visibility was reduced and our intrepid leader Michael (pronounced Me hal in Irish) was forced to turn to the GPS, which eventually froze up, and then a compass and a map to keep us roughly on track. I say roughly because after about an hour and a half he had to admit we were way off track and were now bush bashing (or whatever the Irish equivalent of that term is). Owing to the heavy snow from the previous day - we were walking in dry conditions - all the normal landmarks were obliterated and owing to our visibility being about 50 metres, we couldn't pick out the terrain. Thank goodness he and another lady in the group Sally, were excellent map readers as they led us to the summit of our walk with no incidents other than the occassional sinking into a snowdrift. The ski pole walking stick Wendy gave me as a christmas gift was not just useful but essential in these conditions.

I was relaxed as the people were lovely, the conditions unique and my equipment, especially waterproof walking boots, all held out really well. I think the walking I have been doing since I left home has really helped with fitness as I had no difficulties at all even though we did climb steadily upwards for 4 hours before turning home. The descent into the valley dominated by a large lake with beautiful reflections was very special. One of the ladies on the walk Carmel, a professional actor, shared some interesting parts of Irish history in the Wicklow area so the walk was everything I had hoped for.

The fifth member of the team a delightful Belgian lady contributed to the day rather spectacularly by dropping my camera onto concrete while taking my picture. I realised despite my attachment to cameras, I am not overly attached to possessions as I was able to assure her I have good travel insurance and that it was just a bit of plastic and metal that could easily be replaced - and it has been. The photos of the Glendalough walk are all Michael's which were taken with a bit of prompting by yet another one of my roles - film director.

My bit of culture for the week - was a visit to the Book of Kells in Trinity College but was well balanced with the rugby I watched in a pub afterwards. Of course I am supporting Ireland in the 6 nations contest BUT they managed to maintain a lead against France until the 79th minute of the game (full time is 80 minutes) and then they let France score a try! I suppose as a Dockers supporter I should feel right at home.

Love Cathy