Ophelia came. She was not scary and most of the day was just a nice stormy day where we sat inside and watched the waves. It was beautiful and the Pub right around the corner opened up about 5:30 so Irish coffee and pints were the order of the day. It is really fun to check out the pubs in these sleepy towns. The locals really do come, sit, have a pint and use the free wifi!
Today’s hike was the one I had been dreading as it is over the Masatiompan Mountain with an elevation gain of 720 m and 22km long. After two days of rest I think I’m up for the task. Our innkeeper relieved me when he said “it is not a good plan, it’s still quite cloudy and foggy up there and the trail is going to be wet and very slick.” He suggested the southern route which won’t be as beautiful but will be much safer. It’s only 10 km and 400m elevation gain. So we prepared and he had to drop us off near the beginning of the trail.
We get there and he says it’s easy, keep the telephone poles on your right, straight up that road to that mountain and keep going to the top.
The view looking back into the valley
Because this wasn’t the official trail we have no markers. There is a path until you get to the top! At the top we had to rely on the poles and kept a farm and a road in our view as we knew we had to follow the road into Cloghane where we pick up the trail and find our B&B.
Spectacular view
The farm, which when we finally made it there looked abandoned
Today was a short hike and we found our B&B soon. After getting into our room we decided to take a walk along the bay. This is a pretty spectacular spot and we can see the beach where we will be walking tomorrow.
Beautiful view from patio
Just love the animals. This group of rams were sure we had food, when they realized we didn’t they continued with their day