Why do I have a pile of rocks as my profile picture?  It’s iconic, like a harp or a swoosh.  There’s more to it though.

In August of 1982, when I was eleven, my dad (Brian) and I walked to the top of O’Prangyhan Mountain in West Cork. Now, before you go searching for such a place I’ll save you the trouble. That’s not the real name. It’s the name our family affectionately called the peak of Mizen Head where Corran More was located.

My grandparents’ names were Roger and Bette Prange, and our name for the peak came from that.  That’s what happens when you make a sandwich with Irish bread and German filling.

The rock pile was used to measure the exact height of the mountain long ago.  Today, there is a more official concrete marker I assume was used to measure the published 232-meter (761 feet) height. From the peak, you are treated to splendid 360° views.  To the south are Brow Head and Fastnet Rock.  To the east are Cape Clear, Mt. Gabriel and Roaringwater Bay. To the west are the Mizen Head Signal Station and the open North Atlantic. To the north are Sheep’s Head and the Cork and Kerry Mountains.

On this warm, sunny day in August, my dad and I added a few rocks to the top of the pile. It was something done in the moment with no planning. As an event though, it left a very large impression on me. It was something that we shared as father and son that I will always cherish.

In 1996, during my first trip to Ireland with my wife Shawn, we made the hike to the peak of O’Prangyhan Mountain.  On this day, the weather was very “Irish.” Not long after we made it to the peak the clouds left, and the sun highlighted the beauty of the area. 

In 2004, I went to Ireland with my friend Mike.  The first place we went when we arrived in West Cork was the peak of O’Prangyhan Mountain. He just had to see the pile of rocks that had been “built” by my dad and me.  

In 2010, I took another friend named Greg to experience the magic of O’Prangyhan Mountain. I know Greg enjoyed it because he took a nap next to the pile. We all show joy in different ways.

I know through the years rocks have fallen and other folks have placed rocks on top of the pile.  In my mind though, that pile of rocks will always be “our” pile and something special to remember. Thanks for the walk Pops!