Silver Explorer in Galway City, from Another Angle

There’s something fascinating about seeing a photograph of a ship you’ve sailed on that was taken while you were onboard. It gives you a chance to see what all those people on shore see while you’re sailing into and out of port. Maybe, if you look close enough, you’ll catch a glimpse of yourself enjoying that sail-away drink or leaning over the railing to get that all-important photo that captures the magic of departure.

Silversea's Silver Explorer docked in Galway City, Ireland on May 25, 2012. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

When I was in Galway City, Ireland aboard Silversea’s Silver Explorer, I was treated to a wonderful surprise: a tour guide who, without any prompting at all, mentioned From the Deck Chair on her bus. She’d been following our adventures the day before, as we toured Ireland’s Ring of Kerry.

Silver Explorer prepares for the tight squeeze leaving Galway City, Ireland. Photo courtesy of Mary Flynn Yates

Her name is Mary Flynn Yates, and in addition to being a member of the Galway City Tour Guide association, she’s also an adjudicator with Ireland’s Tidy Towns competition – literally an organization that picks the “tidiest town” in Ireland. It’s no easy task; each city I had the privilege of visiting in Ireland seemed cleaner and more pristine than the last!

Tugs stand at the ready near our stern. Photo courtesy of Mary Flynn Yates

After our arrival in Galway City provided residents with something to talk about (we cleared the lock with mere inches to spare), Mary – along with a number of other locals – came out to see us on our way to Killybegs.  She was also kind enough to email me some photographs of our departure, which I wanted to share with everyone here with her kind permission. They’re a fitting conclusion to an expedition cruise that was truly one of the most memorable sailings I’ve ever been a part of.

Silver Explorer inches slowly towards the harbour lock in Galway City. Photo courtesy of Mary Flynn Yates

We sail through the lock...Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

...and are captured by the photographic lens of Galway City Guide Mary Flynn Yates. Photo courtesy of Mary Flynn Yates

They say that travel enriches the soul, and I know that to be true. But I believe it’s the people you meet along the way that have the greatest impact.

Heading to Killybegs, Ireland. Photo courtesy of Mary Flynn Yates

From the Deck Chair will return on Monday, June 11 with more exciting cruise coverage!