La Tour de Ireland: a Tough Stage

But the guys and Rosa were going to be kept in suspense a bit longer, as there was a bit more sight seeing to do before we worked up to Bear/Bere Island - I'd deliberately designed this trip for the mid point in our stay.

So first of all, it was back on the bikes. What a glorious ride we had, but I did get quite a few black look from the chaps, at the start as it was extremely steep: as I've said before I'm not very good at reading the contour lines on a map. There was certainly a lot of pushing that day, as we quite simply ran out of gears, and then ended up having to jump off quickly before we went too far backwards. It was quite like trying to cycle up a Lake District fell, until we got to the top and it all flattened off. There was even a convenient rock on which to take a rest.

The views were magnificent and, unlike the Lake District, we had it all to ourselves. What's more, there was a great downhill, which lasted several miles, and took us all the way to our lunch stop, and some easier afternoon cycling, taking in the tourist town of Kenmare.

That evening, after our meal, I resumed my usual dusk wildllife watch from the window, over the sea ...

... I was looking for something very special and, would you believe it, that night my luck was in.

You'll have to wait for the next post to find out what I saw.

Lots of love Patrick & friends xxx