DREAMING OF GREEN

Ireland is next up on my bucket list.

I have never been to Ireland and understand it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I love moss and equate moss with Ireland. It should be very green since September is rainy and especially so in the southwest coastal region where I'm going. I've also decided to do a bicycling trip instead of a walking trip since Ireland doesn’t have public access through hiking trails. So I will take to the roads.

THE STORY

I realize I'm now completely hooked on walking or bicycling through a country. Two years ago: Spain. Last year: the Czech Republic and Germany. This year: Ireland.

I also realize that travelling solo is a big part of the allure. I just go. I really treasure the complete freedom of having my own schedule… or lack of one!

I find that there are plenty of people to connect with along the way and on a daily basis. Each trip has its own unique tempo. I love the sense of the unknown and the feel of discovery. It's like being a curious kid again with the the excitement of wondering what's around the next corner and the element of pleasant surprise over getting to see what happens next!

THE PLAN

The more I read about southwest Ireland, the more I want to see all of it, and realize I can do it in three weeks on a bike. I'm flying into Dublin, picking up a rental bike, and then taking a bus to Cork. My journey will go along the south coast to the Beara Peninsula, along the Ring of Kerry and to the Dingle Peninsula (Thanks Ronni and Pearse for the suggestion!)

My plan is to ease into the ride start out along the southeastern coast which is not too steep. Each peninsula along my route gets steeper as I head north until I reach the Dingle Peninsula which has the highest pass in Ireland. I should be in great shape by then!

I'm going to stay in hostels since they are they are plentiful all along the route. As much as I like camping and the ease of carrying gear on a bike, I'm thinking it may be mostly rainy and a dry place will be so refreshing. Since I'm planning on bicycling in the rain, I had a ‘rain skirt’ made too!

THE PREP

I realized a couple of weeks ago that I really should be on the my bike and conditioning myself for the ride. It's been so hot here in Homestead that I haven't been motivated to ride… though I have been swimming.

Max, my son, has volunteered to be my ride trainer! I've really treasured our morning rides on the weekends. At first, we were happy to make it 10 miles. Then we found a 15 mile route we really liked and started working on increasing our endurance and speed. So, thanks to Max, I now feel ready for the big 400 mile ride!

Ireland… here I come!