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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Friday, February 22, 2013

Youghal and Outdoor Exercise By The Ocean



View from our apartment in Youghal, overloooking Blackwater River
One morning this past Autumn, whilst vacationing in Youghal, Ireland, I took an early morning walk through the streets of this hilly town toward the ocean.   There are six outdoor exercise machines installed throughout the town along a route called Slí na Sláinte, the walking trail devised in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation and can be found (and utilised) as one walks passed the Lighthouse towards The Strand.

Photo by Helen Tilston


Photo: Helen Tilston

Photo Helen Tilston

The Strand, Youghal, Photo Helen Tilston

Photo: Helen Tilston

Entrance to a Private Residence, photo Helen Tilston

Entrance to Private Residence, Helen Tilston



Steps leading to a street above the town, photo: Helen Tilston



Imelda May, Irish Rock-a-billy singer keeps me company on my ipod.


Do you have this type of outdoor exercise gym in your town?



57 comments:

  1. Gorgeous views! I would have crept up those steps to see what the house was like. We have a cycling path which runs along the seafront. There are also a few freestanding exercise bars, but I've never seen anyone use them.

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    1. Good Morning Sulky Kitten

      The views are spectacular. You know me and yes I trespassed and had close up of private residences. The cycling path must be beautiful. Perhaps the novelty but I did see a few use the machines.
      To a glorious weekend

      Helen xx

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  2. Wonderful view from your apartment over The Blackwater River.
    The only place that I have seen these excercise machines and activities is in the Austrian Tyrol, generally on walks through the woods.

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    1. Hello Rosemary
      We never tire of the view and the sunrise, as we face East.
      Thanks for the information on the Tyrol woods. When I commented to an elderly man, how great that one does not have to pay membership fees to a gym. He said: "Sure, my girleen when you've walked "The Sli",you have paid your dues".
      Helen xx

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  3. Lovely photos Helen....have fond memories of holidaying in Youghal as a kid:)
    ~Anne

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    1. Hello Anne

      Thanks for visiting. The beach is spectacular and there is a lot to do in the town, I can imagine how it must have been when you were a child.

      Have a brilliant weekend

      Helen xxx

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  4. Starting at the end.. I love Imelda May and her Irish Rock a billy band.. I will look her up on U tube.. wow.. It really makes one want to rock..
    Youghal, looks a very beautiful serene place Helen.
    How I always say.. I would love to visit Ireland one day.
    We do not have those exercise bikes here..
    The local municipality offers gym classes..free, but I dont go.
    I am lazy , I suppose. A great Idea.
    Wishing you a happy weekend Helen.
    val x

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  5. What a great idea Helen ...... exercising whilst looking at those stunning views. I've never seen that before.
    Such a beautiful part of the world and I want to see what the house is like through that inticing arch !! XXXX

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    1. Hello Jacqueline,

      It was a first time for me seeing outdoor exercise stations.
      It was heavenly doing leg presses as the sun rose over the hill.
      It is a very special town and not large enough to attract the tourist buses, so still very much an Irish town, yet has excellent restaurants and services.

      Have a great weekend

      Helen xx

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  6. Hello Valerie

    Imelda May has great talent. Here is an exerpt from a concert at the Isle of Wright
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jOZ4w9cViw
    Her music makes me want to dance. She also writes, as does her husband.
    It is good to have complimentary gyms, especially when weather sends us indoors.
    Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend

    Helen xx

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  7. Awesome pictures. I've never been to Ireland! Have a great weekend, Helen!

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    1. I hope you will visit Ireland one day soon. There is so much to explore.

      Wishing you a glorious weekend

      Helen xx

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  8. My dearest Helen,

    Hello. Good afternoon. The views of Ireland, oh my dear, look stunning. I'm not sure if I will have a chance to do physical exercises with a view like this as I will probably be too busy with daydreaming in the idyllic setting. I'm so sure that you are proud of your beautiful heritage.

    Although I've never been to Ireland, I feel I'm already well acquainted with its people and culture...their innate and natural ability to string beautiful sentences together. Joyce, Wilde, Elizabeth Bowen, Somerville & Ross, Patrick Campbell, Frank O' Connor - I love them all and I devour their Irish wit and abilities to cast a spell on readers with soaring sentences after sentences. I would look back and ask: how did you do that? I still believe that the best English writers are Irish.

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    1. My Dear ASD

      Cead mile failte. How lovely of you to visit this afternoon in your corner of paradise. I hope some day you will visit Ireland, as I would surely love to read your account of your observations and experiences.

      Athough I had absolutely nothing to do with it, I do treasure my heritage. It is so much a part of who we are and impossible to hide from it. You list some of Ireland's most brilliant writers. I find your writing ASD to be superb and your posts, I re-read.
      Enjoy your weekend overlooking the ocean

      Helen xx

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    2. How nice the exercise equipment is so readily available to all. Beautiful views and sounds like a spot in Ireland I'd love to see whe. I get to go back. My first and only trip there included all the tourist spots -- and caused me to fall in love with the country and its people. But next time I want to see out of the way places.

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  9. What a lovely walk you had Helen; thank you for taking me along with you. (Maybe as the U.S. addresses obesity it is time to install some similar equipment along our scenic routes - good idea!)

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    1. Hello Jackie and Joel

      I am pleased you enjoyed walking through Youghal. Obesity is also becoming an issue in Ireland. We jokingly say, since muffins and cup cakes appeared.

      To a great weekend

      Helenxx

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  10. I love the entrance to the first residence! Like me, you must be very curious and inquisitive.
    Ireland seems like a wonderful place. I can see that the blue of the Ocean is something that you take with you , everywhere. Blue is predominant in all your paintings, Helen. I know, because, like you, I lived by the sea and it somehow seems to haunt me. My daughter laughs at me, when I say:" I take the sea with me, everywhere I go. I feel like I belong to the sea and the sea belongs to me." But I think you know what I mean, Helen, don't you?

    HUGS

    ANNA
    xxx

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    1. Hello Anna

      You are spot on in your observation, a gate, door or window curtain slightly ajar invites exploration.

      You understand the ocean Anna, I cannot be far from it and like you I was born alongside the shore. Do you think the rhythm of the waves is ingrained in us. I know the colours are for me.

      On that note, I am heading to the ocean for a long walk, the sun has just broke through the clouds. We have had sea fog here this morning.

      Have a wonderful weekend

      Helen xx

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  11. That is so cool Helen, I have never seen anything like it!!!!
    Love that town too! Even the trash can is great!!!!
    I am inspired to get out for a walk myself now!!!!
    XO

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    1. Hello Terri

      It is one of my favourite places in Ireland. Still unspoiled and the scenery is majestic. I hope you had a great walk

      Enjoy the rest of your weekend

      Helen xx

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  12. Hello Helen:
    This seems to us to be an excellent use of locally raised taxes. Indeed the idea of 'fitness machines' in public places is something which we have not come across before. Well done to the local council.

    But such a beautiful spot. And those houses with their views out to sea really are something special. Your 'Irish' posts always make us somewhat wistful for what surely is the most beautiful of countries.

    Rain all day here has, mostly, washed away the snow.

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    1. Dearest Jane and Lance

      Aside from the machines, the walk is spectacular and never disappoints. There are some homes which have views that are heavenly. I dream too of owning one.

      I hope Spring is on it's way to you. Enjoy your Sunday

      Helen xx

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  13. Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting and commenting. It is indeed a special walk.

      Have a wonderful Sunday

      Helenxx

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  14. Oh, m'y Helen,
    I have to agree with Teresa at la Dolfina, (even the trash can is a thing of European beauty) not fair that the U.S could not adopt some soul in creating pieces we find to be artistic.
    Did you know that I am Irish and French, my grandfather on my fathers side was full blooded Irish, and Ireland is a place my daughter and I both long to visit. Your photos captured the beauty of what we know a visit would be, love this town you visited how did it not leave you breathless?

    Thank you Helen for your faithful visits to my place ones that encourage the pieces I see artfully added to my home that I find peace and calm in.
    Keep painting us those inspiring places of beauty soulfully.

    Xox
    Doré

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  15. We have a nature walk in Des Moines where we live in the summer that has exercise units along the way. They are more rough-hewn than those you show here...made of large wooden chunks that fit well in the green forested area.

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    1. Hello Rebecca

      The exercise units sound fitting for the forest area. I think it is much more enjoyable doing exercises outdoors than in a gym.

      Have a great week

      Helen xx

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  16. Beautiful! I must visit Ireland one day.

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    1. Hello Jen

      I hope you visit Ireland soon There is much to see and do

      Helen xx

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  17. Wonderful photos, Helen! And what a great way to promote fitness!! Thanks for sharing your lovely holiday photos.
    Warm regards,
    Loi

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    1. Dear Loi

      Thanks for visiting. I think outdoor exercise is good and allows those who cannot afford a gym to get in shape. The younger people seem to also use it.

      Have a lovely mini break

      Helenxx

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  18. Your early morning walk in Ireland is beautiful - the view from your apartment is amazing! These outside gyms have be appearing in Dorset in the past year. They do seem to be popular with all ages!
    Sarah x

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    1. Hello Sarah
      I felt that the outdoor gyms must be elsewhere and happy to read Dorset has some. I thoroughly enjoy my morning walk and there are many regular walkers of all ages. Our apartment is beautiful and comfortable.

      Helen xx

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  19. Hello Helen, what wonderful pictures you have taken Helen. I love the idea of excercising whilst taking in the views and sea breezes. The little arched doorway is so cute.Much love to you, and enjoy the rest of the weekend, love Linda x

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    1. Hello Linda

      The outdoor air and exercise seems to go hand in hand. There are some very interesting houses along the walk, I dream of living in some, with those incredible views.
      Hope your week is special

      helen xx

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  20. Replies
    1. It is a very special town and there are many fine restaurants and shops.

      Hope you visit soon

      Helen xx

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  21. I love your photo-observations, Helen. Such nice pictures!

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    1. Hello Elizabeth. Thank you for visiting. I love to capture on camera or canvas where I have been

      Hope your week is special

      Helen xx

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  22. Dear Helen,

    Those photo's of the Irish sea look very peaceful Helen. We visited Ireland years ago (Cork, Killarney). I would love to go back one day. Such a beautiful country and friendly people!

    Happy new week!

    Madelief x

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    1. Hello Madelief
      Thanks for your compliment on my photography. You would like this town I feel. It is an Irish town, no tour buses stop here, one must walk or drive the back streets to fully know it.
      Have a great week

      Helen xx

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  23. We are always delighted when you visit us...the scenery is spectacular... I have seen similar exercise stations in Australia by the ocean and I love them. How thoughtful I think to myself. : )

    sending you kitty kisses xoxo

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    1. Hello my friend and thank you for stopping by and carrying kitty kisses. That is interesting to read that Australia has such exercise stations.
      Have a great week and fond wishes in return

      Helen xx

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  24. We don't have them in our town but I wish we did. The only other place I have ever seen a public outdoor exercise area was in Annecy, France. Such a great idea.
    Youghal looks to be a beautiful place.
    I love Imelda May ... always gets my foot tapping!

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    1. Hello Jane

      I can see you dancing to Imelda May. I would like to see her in concert some time. I am learning more about the placement of outdoor exercise machines, now France has them too. I think we need to get some here in Florida.

      Hope your week continues to be special

      Helen xx

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  25. I've never been in Ireland, but this is a dreamy country . Yous photos are so inspiring and I wish you to enjoy as much as possible your stay over there.
    Warm regards, Olympia

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    1. Hello Olympia

      You must put Ireland on your list of places to visit. I think you would find similarities. I think the music is somewhat related to yours. Many Irish loved Greek music.
      Wishing you a week of joy

      Helenxx

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  26. What a clever and sensible idea, making the use of expensive exercise equipment available to all.
    Thanks for sharing these wonderful images of Ireland Helen.

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  27. Ireland is so pretty - what a lovely place to visit. And I love their promotion of fitness too.

    Have a fabulous weekend Helen. It’s nice to be able to get out and visit my friends again.
    Sam

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  28. Hello Gill

    Along with these exercise machines, Irish dancing and walking the town will have the best figures in the land.

    Hee Hee

    Helen xx

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  29. We have one near us in a public gardens which is nice but not such a good view as the ones in Youghal!

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  30. I love the happy weather shown in your pictures. I lived in Oz for many years and exercise equipment was quite common in urban parks and gardens, and well used!
    Cheers \gillian

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  31. Hello Helen,

    What gorgeous scenery. I love how you captured the image of the private residence; it looks absolutely enchanting! There's something about living so close to water, isn't there? Mystical and dreamy, full of depth and mystery!

    Have a great week,

    Poppy xx

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  32. Hello Helen,
    These are indeed, a great innovation and, Yes! I have seen them around. My stepson and DIL take their, four Maltese terriers for walks in a park which has been equipped with great gear near Worthing in southern England. Last time we were there we all had a go.
    I also remember such equipment in the park around the school that I taught at, in Melbourne, Oz.
    All we need where I live is the weather to enjoy it all.
    Cheers gillian

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  33. These pictures are looking too beautiful and amazing. Thanks of sharing this wonderful and gorgeous article and hope to see your next update soon.

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  34. Helen I think this is wonderful; bravo to Ireland! We do not have any outdoor exercise equipment but if anyone could use it those of us in Aberdeen. I think it's quite sad how a healthy lifestyle is not part of our local culture. Smoking and binge drinking prevails and I think the National Health Service is going to be very strained in the years to come. What would be better than good exercise down by the sea; fresh air and stunning views. In your case, motivational music too!! Happy new weekend to you Helen.
    Cheers, Deb

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