Off we go today after bidding Brian goodbye, he had to head home because of prior commitments. We will miss his company , and Ill have to put up with the two crazy girls by myself.

Brian had to leave us,,,,grumpy

Just like my other blogs, the dates are wrong, manipulated so that the blogs remain in chronological order, when you get to the page bottom and it won't scroll anymore, click on " older posts" to continue
This part of the trip is 180 km long, which is 115 Miles and is through maybe the most beautiful part of Ireland.



We took the day off to clean clothes and get our packs re-organized, give the feet a rest, and just take a breather from all the hiking.
I must say though, I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail.

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last night in Kilarney, and it was fish and chips,,,,again

This morning we left Tralee and headed for Killarney, arriving in the damp and slow drizzle, we geared up and just started walking. Out of Killarney was easy, but we soon entered the KILARNEY NATIONAL PARK, today's walk kept us in the park till about 3 miles from the end of this section. Today was maybe the most scenic section of all the Ireland hike so far.

We reached Muckross Abbey by 9.30 am, an old burial site as well, established in 1448 by the Franciscan Monks as a friary.

the Friary

From here we continued to Muckross House which is well preserved and once belonged to a prominent politician of the time, 1843 , who inherited the family copper mine fortune. Seems like
things never change in politics.

Muckrock House

Jaunting carts carrying tourists to Muckrock House

 Muckross house is built on the Castlelough Bay on Muckrock Lake.
Circumnavigating the lake, we arrived at the very steep climb up to Torc Falls. Our trail continued up after the falls and around Torc Mountain, a 1500 ft climb. Got to admit, after a day off, I was pretty knackered by the time we hit the top, and the damn midges were unrelenting, even the girls were getting grumpy with them.

Torc Falls

I actually loved this hike, even though there were climbs and rocks, it was all national park, and the rain had stopped.
With 12 miles to go, the trail took us up into the moors and glens, the path was well serviced and there was no one about.
With great views of the lake at times, we climbed over and into Esknamucky Glen,  from here we could see the Purple Mountains and the cut known as MacGillycuddys Reeks beyond that.

 Something very peaceful and tranquil about walking along through the tussocky grass glens on your own. The girls were back somewhat, re finding there hiking legs, but doing really well.
Soon the path descended into woodlands of Oaks, all covered in moss,

We pass the abandoned Derrycunnihy Church as we reach the river that feeds Upper Lake,  from here I was looking for the Lord Brandon home, now a place to get a cup of coffee and a sandwich.

damp day arriving to Upper Lake

Lord brandon Home

The girls were not far behind, so we grabbed a snack and with 2 miles to go to our night stop n the scattered community of Black Valley.
 No sooner do we get there, do we see a sign that says, Shamrock Farm 3.8 km ahead,(2miles), are you kidding me, oh well, keep trucking, I guess that makes tomorrow a little shorter, which may be a good thing as it's supposed to NOT be long, but its a tough climb most of the day.
We had home made Irish stew at the farm for dinner, very good, but whatever you do, don't ask the girls  who spanked them at cribbage tonight.

BLACK VALLEY TO GLENCAR
What a great hike today, absolutely the best day so far. We knew we had some climbs today but we were not bothered as it's one foot in front of the other at this stage.
We left Black Valley and headed to Glencar.
 Shiela was our 80 year old BandB owner who told the girls she liked me a lot because I was a " jolly man" , I've been called a few things in my life, but I like that one.
While sitting at the table for dinner, I noticed a cat sitting at the fireplace, Kerri says"aww, Im going to pet the kitty", it was a stuffed pet. Who stuffs their old cat and lets it hang out at the fireplace in a bed and breakfast.
We were soon to hit the first climb, and what a climb it was. This was no groomed path by any means, but up through sheep pasture in damp and slippery conditions, over streams and the forever " stiles" .

this cat was a concern, made me have weird  thoughts when I went to bed.

just one more gate

We were at about 2000 ft when I reached the top, met a bunch of friendly sheep on the way who must have thought I was going to feed them, silly fluff balls .

Reached the top and took a break on a soft rock as I waited for the girls

They were only a few minutes behind. You can tell we have been walking awhile now as there fitness is really showing

After crossing the Caragh Valley, we stopped at a T room called the Cookie Monster, and I got a bollocking for asking if they were open, the gaffer ( owner) says, " what does the sign on the door say" I say " it says your open. So does the sign at the gate as you enter he says, and the sign as you come around the corner, what kind of stupid Ff question is that then. Well, I smiled and said, I guess we will take advantage then, of the fact your open , and eat something. Funnily enough he was fine after that.

Another hiker from Aussie walked in and rang the service bell,,,I just laughed as I knew what was coming. "If you want faster service says the owner coming out if the kitchen, " then go back to Ff Killarney"  the poor Aussie was floored. I couldn't stop laughing. At our night stop, the lady told us they call him crazy John, and  I believe it.

Had a toasted sandwich and hit the next climb right out if the gate.

Straight up, more fences, more stiles, and it started to drizzle more heavily now.

I'm really loving this part of the hike, it's more challenging, but more scenic. 

The hike down was as steep as it gets, but the valleys of Lough Acoose, and the view of the Reeks, was stunning. It started to drizzle again as we got to the valley floor, so we pushed on to our accommodation for the night. As soon as we  got to our rooms, it started to rain cats and dogs,,,,and sheep.

               Glencar to Glengeigh, 10 miles
Our accommodation was two miles short of the starting point, so we were warmed up by the time the trail started, and I have to say that Leonard was feeling heavy on the back today.

The day started through forests and we soon crossed the bridge over the Caragh river, then into more forest and a delightful trip through the enchanted forest, which was full of fairy folk lore, fairy housing and poetry. Took forever to get Kerry out of there.

 From the top of the forest climb was a great vista of the valley and lakes below.

Today was pretty short, so we took the optional path through Windy Gap, which was spectacular as we wound around Seefin, the 500 meter hill in the middle of this route.

walking down after Windy gap

someone smells a lager shandy coming up

 The top of Windy Gap

Tomorrow was a long one, so we decided to grab a beer and maybe find a quick snack before bed, I wanted fish and chips, but the girls were adamant we were going into some bistro.. they are clever little sh!,,ts, they knew it was my 66 th birthday and surprised me with dinner and a cake,,Kerry organized the cake from back home.

I had a great evening, thanks girls, I really love you guys.
I too, got to open my card from Ron and Deb back home, my neighbors and family. I carried it in Leonard from day one, and in the card was some Euros for a beer,,yay, and thanks guys, luv ya lots
Tomorrow is a 20 mile day, so just three more beers and I need to go to bed.YAY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME
Just for good measure, the midgies ate my legs today like they were turkey drumsticks,

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