Well, this is the path leading up to the top. It is all rocks. It is steep, It is slippy because the rocks are various sizes and loose. So, after having walked up an incline for about 1-1/2 hours, this is what you are met with - but you can't stop now, you're too close! So, this is where the walking sticks are a key piece of equipment. As we started up, we did pass one woman who had decided there was no way she was going up this last part, so she sat on the side and enjoyed the gorgeous views instead. WE forged ahead. there were people coming back down letting us know it was only about 20 more minutes to the top. Gaaaa!
WE MADE IT!
"Is is a church day? Or a school day? And I hope it's a school day!" - Connor Dierks circa 1998. As I said before, my church attending days are OVER! However, it was interesting to see and amazing to think that they would build this Church up here - I can't even imagine the struggle it would have been. There is a rumor that when they hold Mass here the priest comes by helicopter. Hmmm.....
The Church was actually locked so we couldn't go in anyway. We sat for awhile - my dogs were tired!
Speaking of dogs - Irish pups are amazing - they will go anywhere!
Her dogs were tired too!
So we could walk all around the top - there were some amazing views everywhere you looked. It was so beautiful and it did start getting pretty hazy, but still lovely.
Then it was time to head back down. Getting down the slippy rocks was faster, but it got your heart racing wondering if you were going to fall or if someone was going to slide into you from behind...We made it down safe and sound with no injuries! As we continued down the hill, we saw paramedics coming up the hill to get people who had twisted an ankle, heat stroke, who knows what else? A few paramedics went past us with a stretcher and we were all asking if they could come back for us? Hahahaha! They laughed but no, we didn't get a lift...
This is a view of the mountain on our way down.
Now, as I said earlier, I had rented a stick for the hike. They are wooden sticks, they were in a bin, and I went to the window, paid my 6 euro for the rental, and grabbed a stick. When you return it, you get 2 euro back (At least I think those are the amounts, it's hard to remember). So, I paid the man and went to the bin to grab a stick. When we were done with the hike I went to his window - it was the same man - and I said I was returning to settle up. Now mind you, I was smiling and laughing and offering the stick and he just looks at me and says "Where'd you get that stick?!" And he really seemed ticked off. So I told him I had paid HIM and taken it from the bin. WELL, I apparently took it from the wrong bin - this was a stick that was for SALE. Now, I told him fine, I will pay for the stick. It was 12 euro - so I gave him another 6 euro and said thanks. He grunted at me. Seriously, grunted. Now, in my defense, the walking sticks for rental were in a different bin but there were a bunch of kids crowded around it so I never saw them. The one I used was, in fact, much better since it had a metal tip. I would recommend buying this kind of stick or using a metal walking stick if you have one, as it is helpful to have a tapered metal end for the steep, rocky path near the top.
After we got back to the B&B, we showered and went for dinner. I had the Clew Bay Scallops and they were out of this world! they were fresh and firm but not grainy in the least, and they served up the whole thing - not just the round white part. I still dream about them now and again...
When all was said and done, we had a fantastic day! It was hard work, but the sun was shining and the temperature was pleasant and the scenery was incomparable. Just a beautiful hike in Ireland.
