Spectacular Ireland

Today we were out and about a bit, because of course we want to go hiking with the dogs, and we also wanted to stock up on supplies a bit.

The first stop took us back to Glengariff, which we only briefly experienced yesterday on our way through. There is a National Wood Park there that is really beautiful. It is sometimes sold as Ireland's last forest, but I wouldn't sign that after our last stop in Clonmel!

It's already an enchanting forest, because there is a type of rhododendron that is slowly killing the forest, an invasive species that unfortunately feels very comfortable in the mild climate. The park rangers are always in demand here, as they have to fight the intruder with their hands and a pesticide that is specifically designed for the plant.

We enjoyed the hike, the forest is full of moss, blackberries, and of course there are streams for dogs to swim in, which Loki finds very determined. It shouldn't be his last swim! The park is a way for dog owners in the surrounding area to offer their four-legged friends a nice walk without any restrictions, there are several options.

Then we did some shopping at the local Spar, but we should have done that in Allihies or Eyeries, the stores there were nicer and better stocked, especially bigger. But you never stop learning.

The spectacular nature of Glengariff was only surpassed by the drive over the Healy Pass. This unfortunately resulted in a small dent in the rear bumper of our Labrabulli, but that sometimes happens on single track roads. The nature that captivated me along the way is difficult to comprehend for someone who doesn't know Ireland or Scotland.

It's the mixture of mountains, sea, rocks, meadows, gorse, heather or heath, but also normal gorse and palms, all within just 2 kilometers. The light that comes through the clouds always adds to the magic. I feel comfortable here, it is really beautiful! I always wonder if the sheep really like the gorse and heather.....

Then we drove back to the campsite, after the pass there is a road that I wouldn't drive with a trailer and a wide motorhome from Eyeries onwards, because even the indication of 2.5 meters width is rather optimistic. It is a narrow road, partly a single track road, but unlike Scotland, there are no designated passing places here. The road is beautiful, but should not be driven too fast, as there are very narrow sections and blind curves as well as some hairpin bends. The scenery along the route is fantastic.

We crowned the mild, no, hot day with a swim before dinner. For someone who spends summer in the scorching heat of the south, my information may now seem confusing, but anyone who has experienced 19 degrees and bright sunshine here knows what I mean.

According to the weather forecast, it was 'only 19 degrees Celsius air temperature and 16 degrees Celsius in the water'. BUT it feels as if it were 27 degrees at the Teutonengrill! The water wasn't cold either, otherwise we wouldn't have been able to persuade our god of mischief to go swimming in the sea, which only works with waves if you throw A ball or if you are B, in the water yourself.

We did both, it was my second dip in the Atlantic and I enjoyed it. Thanks to Loki, I also laughed a lot. The first time I was in the water was in Gairloch, and that was even at 25 degrees Celsius air temperature....

The evening ended with a glass of wine in front of Palumbi, a perfect day all around!