On the trip to the base, Father Bob read the pilgrims a passage out of Hebrews, (So then let us also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let's throw off any extra, get rid of sin that trips up-Hebrews 12:1) and reminded the pilgrims that today would not be about competition or a race to the summit, it was about the journey and the bond. At the arrival of the bottom of the mountain anticipation bubbled over as everyone was ready to race up the mountain. After a few steps the task that lay in front of the pilgrims seemed more daunting and impossible than when they had all first arrived.
Halfway up the first mountain several small groups within the pilgrims formed as the more determined ones plowed forward with enthusiasm and drive, and the more patient ones took their sweet time and took plentiful amounts of breaks to ensure their success in reaching the summit. The pilgrims were told by their wise mentors that the summit would take 3 hours to march up and 2 hours to stumble down, a days work was tasked upon the young pilgrims whose tidewater legs were unsure of their ability to make it in the mountainous terrain.
The climb of Croagh Patrick is separated into three unofficial regions, the first is a slow and steady increase in steepness as a nice way to ease into the climb. The middle regions is a well deserved and hailed plateau that gives the legs a break and a chance to regain their strength before reaching the third and final part of Croagh Patrick. The final climb is the most treacherous and dangerous part. It is nearly a path straight upwards that is covered in mountain rocks that are slippery and tricky to navigate. The pilgrims pass many few passengers along the journey who are friendly and willing to lend a helpful hand when needed. At the conclusion of the climb the pilgrims are overtaken by a breathtaking few that was being alluded to them on the journey upwards. Nothing quite compares the view seen from the top, and even the most elegant of words can not describe the true beauty of the site. The pictures can only capture at most half of the beauty and experience felt at the summit. Elation, Breathtaking, Community, Awe, Satisfaction, Friendship, Bonding, Closeness, and Success are only a handful of words that can describe the rush of emotions flowing through the pilgrims.
Croagh Patrick might have been the only stop on this beautiful Tuesday, but it was enough adventure to last a lifetime. When reflecting back, I can personally see the view again, reaching the summit in an hour and forty minutes and being the first pilgrim to step foot on the top I can say that it is the most rewarding journey I have experienced thus far in Ireland. Not only the sights but the conversations with fellow journeyers was enlightening and a wonderful eye into how others live.
Day three of the pilgrimage was an overwhelming success, in the days that approach I know that the bond between us all will only grow and our connection to God will only strengthen.
God is everywhere we look.
Rest easy in Virginia, I only hope the weather is as wonderful as it is over here. We have been lucky in all our endeavors and travels.
Isabelle Brown