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.