Just five minutes from Newport, near the statue of Gráinne Uaile, our motorhome Gráinne, named after the pirate queen herself, was involved in a serious road traffic accident. There was an irony to it that did not escape us, meeting her fate almost within sight of the woman she was named after. In an instant, a trip became a moment we would never forget.
Thankfully, everyone walked away safely. Everything else could be replaced.
Saying Goodbye to Gráinne. Saying Hello to Vinny.
Thank You
As we reflected on what happened, we realised just how fortunate we were, and how many people stepped forward to help.
To the people who stopped at the scene, Garda Mick and his team, the National Ambulance Service, Brendan from Gibbons Recovery, Michael at Keel Camping, Peter Gerraghty and Ger at Maynooth Motorhomes, thank you. Each of you offered something different, whether it was practical help, expert advice, reassurance or simple kindness. We will always remember it.
Goodbye, Gráinne
Saying goodbye to Gráinne was far harder than we expected.
She was a beautiful Laika. Compact, elegant and perfectly suited to the kind of travel we love.
Our time together was short and sweet, but more than enough to introduce us to a different way of exploring. She slowed us down, encouraged us to take the scenic route, and reminded us that some of the best experiences happen when there is nowhere particular to be.
In the time we had her, she carried us to quiet beaches, historic towns and unforgettable sunsets, and gave us memories that will stay with us far longer than the months we spent together.
For that, she will always hold a special place in our hearts.
But every journey has another chapter waiting to be written.
Meet Vinny, our Weinsberg CaraCompact 600 MEG.
His name was chosen by our daughter, inspired by Wein in Weinsberg, shortened to Vin, with a small nod to wine and, hopefully, many memorable adventures ahead.
Vinny is different. Perhaps not quite as elegant as Gráinne, but dependable, practical and exactly the companion we need for the next stage of our travels. He represents something every traveller eventually learns: it is never really about the vehicle. It is about where it takes you, who you meet along the way, and the experiences that stay with you long after you have returned home.
Journeys that stay with you.
The Photographs
Gráinne taught us to slow down and discover the joy of travelling differently. We hope Vinny will take us further still, introducing us to new places, new people and new experiences that are worth sharing.
Because, in the end, every journey leaves something behind.
And every new road begins with a single decision to keep going.
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