KENMARE
Saturday 9.15 ~ Bunaw to Kenmare, 30 km
No hang over from the Bulmer’s and another sunny day in Ireland! What could be better!
I’m having breakfast and notice two cows trotting down the road. They are intensely interested in Gavin's huge tent but are intimidated by the wind flapping against it. Helen, the owner of the pub, notices and knows they are escapees. She invites me to herd them back to their field and I have a refreshing morning work out before finishing breakfast!
Monica, Gavin and I decide to check out a waterfall which is an 8 km detour off the main road. Gavin is going to carry my panniers in his car and I'm going to get a head start because we all know it will take Gavin a long time to dismantle his oversized tent. Without the weight of my panniers I have an enjoyably light leisurely ride!
This is the day that 2,000 bicyclists are descending on the Beara Peninsula for the Rebel Ride. Thankfully, they are going in the opposite direction and I'm almost off the peninsula so I can continue my ride with its peaceful vibe.
I stop at a stone circle and then continue to the end of the road where I meet back up with Gavin and Monica. We enjoy a lovely view of the waterfall off in the distance. While we are there, the mist rolls in. We watch it moving over the lake and watch it slide past us. It’s a magical moment!
I say goodbye to Gavin as he is going to drop Monica and my panniers off in Kenmare and continue on his journey. It is fun to have spontaneous moments with new friends! Travel invites this easy going way of meeting people, sharing adventures and moving on.
It only takes me an hour to go the 20 kilometers to Kenmare since its mostly down hill. I get into the very touristy town and it feels like a bit of a shock after the quiet of the country roads. When I meet up with Monica we drop my things at the hostel and I walk with her to the edge of town where she is hitching to Waterville. We plan to meet at Peter's Place hostel tomorrow.
On my way back to the hostel I happen upon a stone circle with a very cool center rock that looks like a turtle’s head.
I visit the Lace and Design Center and see intricate lace work done at the school started by Convent of the Poor Clares a century ago. The Design Center offers teaching, demonstrations and the opportunity to purchase locally made Kenmare Needlepoint Lace. It’s so inspiring that I pick up a small lacemaking kit.
Magical spiritual rocks, soft moss and delicate lace ~ the contrasting textures of Ireland…