Sleeping in a campground has it's merits.
Including sleeping in, without worry of being disturbed.
I left the campground, after saying farewell to Helen & Paul, heading south. My plan was to visit Tree House Brewing - a world renowned brewery.
The ride was an easy set of rollers. Unlike yesterday's thousand foot climb, over the course of a mile. After cruising through the country all morning, I passed a massive stone cow perched in front of a farm that proudly said Stone Cow Brewery.
Well, that is perfect.
Of course, I dropped in for lunch. They only served paninis, but that is great - a grilled sandwich sounds incredible. I sat in their massive barn, which I later learned was recently rebuilt after a fire tore it down, enjoying delicious food and a solid brew.
While eating, I checked Tree House's twitter account - they're famous and actively use social media to keep folks informed. The line to enter the brewery was already 150 people deep. Just to enter.
And this was at noon.
No thanks.
I walked over to the folks working the bar and asked them if they had any camping recommendations in the area.
With no suggestions, they pointed out of the founders of the brewery - Sean. He told me the story of the brewery, their goals, and what they wanted to achieve.
Self sustainability, recycling, giving back.
Stone Cow originated as a dairy farm, but the plummeting dairy industry of the last few years prompted them to look at alternative income sources. Although they still flourish selling homemade ice cream, brewing farm made beer contributes to their farm and efforts.
They try to grow as much of the food and ingredients as possible, or work with local sources.
And their dedication to quality certainly paid off. The barn was packed by the early afternoon, patrons enjoying sandwiches and beer.
And the moment I tried to take a photo, everyone went outside...
Sean told me I could camp at the farm. Just pick a spot by that barn over there.
Oh, and by the way, were having a wedding later. Come join us.
And that was my first wedding invitation on the bicycle adventure.
Stone Cow also has a bit of an Irish influence. As you know, my last name is Kelly, and I proudly embrace my Irish heritage. In fact, I studied for a year in Dublin while attending university.
And so did some folks at the farm.
One spent a semester at Trinity, the prestigious school in the heart of Dublin. When I inquired about his studies, he just responded with, I took whatever was available. It didn't matter - every course was enlightening.
Great outlook.
The green hills dig up some great memories about Ireland.
We reminisced about the town for quite a while; our favorite spots to absorb the city, or just to get away. He mentioned Howth, a coastal town just north of Dublin. I remember hiking there once with my family when they visited, but he said that was his getaway.
Google some photos and you'll see why.
I setup my tent in the field, overlooking the vast farm, the wedding venue in the distance, bike resting against some hay bales.
By the time I decided it was finally time to get some rest, the sun had long since set and the wedding continued to thrive on the other hill.
Thank you Sean & the folks at the Stone Cow Farm & Brewery. Another one of those everlasting impression moments - your hospitality and kindness set a bar I strive to reach one day.
Joe
P.S. My dear friends Sheila & Rusty, from Idaho, are in Ireland right now! Safe travels & enjoy the emerald isle :)