My favorite days in Ireland are unplanned ramblings. We know we want to spend time in Donegal, but it is more of a general idea than a plan. We say goodbye to the sheep standing in the driveway and head out along rural roads. We wander remote one lane roads until we find a lovely trail at an old Mill site.

The area has been gently kissed by morning rain. Flowers bloom along the trail and the bees are buzzing. Old growth trees stretch their roots along the banks of the stream. We walk around the paving stones set by the old mill race.

Just down the road is Gleniff Horseshoe. A one lane loop road runs through country surely shaped by God’s hands as a masterpiece. The pasture is green and the sky is blue. We roll down the windows and smell the country fresh air.

It is easy to forget where we are going and even where we want to go and get lost in the moment. I feel small and larger than life simultaneously in this ancient place. We are alone in God’s country. It is rare and precious.

Eventually we make it to Donegal town where just finding a parking spot is a major accomplishment. The streets and shops are crowded. After finding a few nice woolen goods, we take to the water. It is peaceful in the bay.

A charming old man sings us along. The boat sings with him. Irish tunes, sung with great pride under an Irish sky. At some point during a rousing rendition of “the wheels on the bus”, my son in law can’t quit laughing. “The mammies on the bus go gabble gabble gabble” is a new lyric to us. But laughter is the point on a day like today.

Joy is bubbling up as we spot a colony of seals. They bob and swim beside the boat. Looks like they also understand the simple pleasures of being with family in a beautiful place. All too soon, the boat turns. We head back singing Sweet Caroline with abandon.

On a good travel day, you lose track of time. The day ends and you wonder how it is already so late. You can’t remember exactly what you did. You just know you feel satisfied and content.