We woke to a rainy and windy morning, as expected. However, fortified by our “full Irish breakfast”, (lots of animal protein) we braved the elements. For several hours we walked up country roads and across sheep-strewn moors, rain sometimes pouring off our hats and mist blowing straight in our faces. Even with the rain and wind, the temperates were moderate and good for hiking, but we were still glad to have a hot flask of tea in the pack.
By the end of the day, the rain had (mostly) moved on, and we were able to enjoy lunch sitting in the sun on the rocks above Inch beach, watching a few intrepid surfers. We could see the peninsula of Kerry across the water, mountain tops hidden by clouds. (These peninsulas are surprisingly mountainous.)
Most of the walking today was on country roads, partially or fully paved, so it was easy on the feet. We went through plenty of streams, wet grass, mud and sheep droppings, however, and I found out that my boots are not as waterproof as I thought! (Good thing I had a pair of dry socks in my pack!)
We were pretty tired by the time we arrived in Anascaul, and happy to doze off in our little room above a bar. The day’s mileage was around 11.5 miles. Dinner was at the pub across the street, as we eschewed the touristy “South Pole Inn” down the street, founded by a survivor of the Shackleton expedition and now a stop for tour buses.
There and Back Again 