Killarney, Ireland, July 4th 2017
How ironic that I find myself in Killarney on July 4 th,, this is the only town in Ireland that celebrates American Independance Day, and they do it just because. And they seem to do it better than us.
 I asked around and no one knows why they do it, but they make for a great party, with the Star Spangled Banner sung on the Main Street this morning, music all day, and a parade with fireworks this evening.
 The streets are full of flags and statues, even Lady Liberty.

Woke up this morning and I feel a little empty and lost, got no where to walk to. In fact my calves are tight today and I think that was from all the rocks we had to hike over yesterday on the way down Torq Mountain, the girls have the same issue.

I have had a great walk with three wonderful people, I am grateful for them and and their friendship, and would do it again in a heartbeat.
 I always find that I learn more about me, life, people, and understanding, when I do these walks, I guess it's because you spend a lot of time in solitude as you walk for hours at a time.
 Caroline was a beast, at 70 years young, she can still bring it like she could 30 years ago. It was more than she bargained for by her own admission, but never complained once, and never missed a beat.
Kerri smiled more the longer we were on the road, I think this was a special time for her, she and Caroline are now friends for life I believe.
With Brian along on the first leg, I missed his company on the second leg, we all did.  I think he missed coming along on that leg too. I know he's a great runner, but it turns out  he is a hell of a long distance hiker too.

I hope everyone took something intangible home with them from this adventure, something that you can't put your finger on, but will always remember, that you know something happened that will change you for the better, forever
I'll just say this, while sitting in a pub in the village of SNEEM, there was an article on the Irish author Samuel Beckett on the wall ,which for me, was so pertinent.
In it, he said " I KNOW MY BEST YEARS ARE BEHIND ME NOW, BUT I WOULDNT TRADE THEM BACK FOR THE FIRE THAT BURNS IN ME TODAY"
I never want to meet another midge again, I am scared for life. And my legs look like pineapples from the million bites.
The Irish people are lovely and very accommodating, with a true sense of caring for the walkers who come here. The Guinness is soooo much better in Ireland, and according to the girls, it does wonders for you.

 What Guinness will do for you

What Guinness will do for you 

 What Guinness will do for you

Thanks for following along, I hope you enjoyed the trip as much as I did

BUEN CAMINO.

COMMENTS FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY

CAROLINE AND KERRI

Aloha to all.  Fun to read about our amazing adventure from Pat's perspective.  THIS hike was not an easy walkabout... but a true challenge.  BUT The best part of every trip I take with ZB/Pat are the stories and the friends.  When we all hook up again- whether a hawaii or Italy or wherever, we will still be laughing about....

1. I didn't get lucky beccause I was too tired

2. Everything ends

3. Our odes to stiles and bogs.

4. The girls beat the guys 13 to 6 in cribbage

5. Upward dog

AND WE GIRLS DO NOT SUCK AT LIMERICKS

"there once were mates on a long Irish hike

Now this hike worked their muscles all right

But the whisky was fine

The beer most sublime

And the mates have stories to tell all night.  Caroline aka Thelma

And for all the readers who want the truth, feel free to read... alohafromcaroline.blogspot.com

Mahalo to Pat for the adventure and a big hug and Mahalo to Kerri, a new friend, who helped me climb some very hard hills.



Aloha
FROM KERRI
250 miles of walking meditation in 18 days including one rest day. It's been quite a journey. I had my first beer and whiskey on this trip. My friends laughed at me and with me, and reminded me the purpose of life is to be happy. We danced with fairies, got eaten by the bog monsters and drank way to much beer.

To my friend Pat, you hatched this plan and executed it well. You
 understood this was a solo journey yet were always standing by to make sure all was well and we were on the right path. You helped me jump the gap my friend and I'll be forever grateful.
To my new friend Caroline who entertained me with stories from the fabulous life she has had and was my partner in mastering stile and bog crossings.
 To my friend Brian,we missed you on the second leg. You saved me from getting hit by cars, let me dance on bridge crossings and whispered to the donkeys. You reminded me to live in the "moment". I thank you.
TO GIGO thanks for the jokes. I've got a new one for you next time we meet.

Until next time, be well, choose life and don't believe everything Pat writes in his blog.

PAT
ITS ALL TRUE

In final, Ooooooh, what's that hiding in the brush

Is it an Irish fairy,,,,,,,,,,',maybe a gnome,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,or is it a Leprechaun

NO MATTER WHAT IT IS,,,,, it's stinky