Dingle Day 2 - the Return
In morning the light is always best. I went down to the sea to take some quick pics before I rolled onward. Blasket Center was closed, and I wanted to get an early start, so I did not go on the boat ride to the islands.

Time to get this show on the road -- back on road level.

A ford instead of a bridge to cross a stream! Also my part-loaded bike. I had left my big bag and computer in Tralee for the Dingle ride. I got my feet wet! grr! But they dried quickly.

Often here, it's in your best interest to get a little lost. You might come upon, say, an old castle by the seaside.

Mussels! I did eat some a few days later. But not these.

Also, barnacles.

What geologic torture caused this?

OK. Time to climb back over the mountain. This pass was only half as high as Conor Pass, but WAY STEEPER. It was as if they said "eh, it's not so bad, let's just build the road straight over the mountain." It's not so bad yet, here.

Cute baby goats marked the spot where I ran out of breath and stopped to rest. In fact, I didn't notice them til after I stopped and the bush beside me was rustling.

This road is turning out to be a real motherfucker.

About this time I was actually defeated by the road! Which means, I had to get off and push my bike. It was starting to pop a wheelie and when I stood on it in the lowest gear, the chain just slipped and skipped. I have never been defeated by a hill before. First time for everything.

Ah! THESE are quite similar to the ones by Shannon airport. I didn't take a picture then because I was eager to get some sleep.

Sheep apparently use them to scratch an itch they just can't reach.


next...