THE LAST LEG, FROM KENMARE TO KILLARNEY, 16 miles.
I was sad this morning, but as we know, all things come to an end, the good and bad. This has been a great adventure and I'm so grateful to have shared it with the friends I did.
 We have been blessed with good weathr( even bad days could have been a lot worse), after all, this is the Emerald Isle which is known for rain.
 Today started iffy and the girls were not keen to carry thier bags, but they manned up and we left
town and walked straight into a fog bank.

                                             KILLARNEY TOWN

 This hike has a way of treating you in a way you won't forget, so today started with a two hour, no break, straight up a mountain climb.

Once we crested the mountain it  was worth it, the fog hung around for awhile and added to the ethereal spooky atmosphere. When on the downhill into the valley, we knew where we had to go as we could see Mount  Torc across the valley. Mount Torc was the last descent into Muckrock house gardens and into Killarney where this leg started.
 It turned into a great walk, quiet but challenging, and it started out with the girls still trying I come up with an Ode to, or limerick about stiles and bogs. They still suck at it.
 We came to the junction in the valley where about 8 days ago we came off Mount Torq and to a place where we turned right, now we have arrived at that same junction from the left, full circle.
 All we have to do is back track the 8 odd miles we came through on the way here at the beginning, and we knew this was a beautiful section to walk. We stayed at the junction awhile and ate a snack , took some time to reflect a little

 The rain stayed away, but the mist persisted, and we were OK with that.
 I think we all knew this was ending something special, and we all walked the last few hours alone. For me this is always a time of reflection and clarity, to be grateful for the opportunity and the drive to try another ultra hike, for the three friends I started walking with, and the lessons I learned along the way. This was way tougher of a hike than I anticipated ( something Caroline continues to remind me about)  . Even though I'll do more of these ! My body  willing, it's still a little nerve racking each time I start one, it's always the unknown to some degree.
I remember the words written by Joseph Campbell, who said," In life you will find some gaps,,,,,,,,,,jump,,,,,,,,,,,,,it's not that far, " so bring the new challenge, it's that excitement that keeps one young and interested.
The girls were smiling a lot nearer to the end, I think they know they just did something very special, and I heard them wish that Brian was with us, I agree.
I walked down past Torq Falls which I had climbed on the way out, walking back into civilization and tourists after this kind of adventure is always wierd. All these people in their clean clothes just looking around lost,

The last steps into Muckrock Gardens

I walk through them ,bronzed from the sun, a steady confidante gate that comes from over 250 miles under you with a pack on your back. No one makes eye contact but you catch them peeking at you over the rims of their gucci sun glasses, or a side view peek as you go buy, walking like a neanderthal conquering hero, reeked in mystery . You hear them question, where is he from, and what has he done, and you walk confidently past them with that confident and knowing grin. Then you look up and realize you took the wrong fork and are 130 meters down the wrong path. You stop ,turn around and walk back through the tourists and they stare straight at you, mumbling, " what a dork"
I waited for the girls at the entrance to Muckrock house, they were walking with Sam, someone we met constantly on the way, who was Switzerland.

 I secretly arranged for a Jaunting cart and horse to ferry us into town, I decided to treat them like the queens they have been throughout  this adventure. Sam joined us and we rode into Killarney, and just like that, the trek was over.

the last few steps into Killarney

 I'm sad, but I'm happy, tomorrow we head into Cork by bus. Maybe then I'll sum up this walk from my perspective, but first a celebratory drink.