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.