Cycle Around Lough Corrib

This past weekend I did a charity cycle around the largest lake in Ireland, Lough Corrib. It benefitted the West of Ireland Cardiology Foundation. Almost 500 riders participated, but only one in an MCS jersey.

The ride started in Galway and went clockwise around the lake, through Oughterard, Maam Cross, Cong, Headford, and finally back to Galway.



Here are some shots from the windy ride.



The stretch from Oughterard to Maam Cross was pretty desolate. The wind was also howling during this stretch.











These next few shots are from the Maam valley (between Maam Cross and Cong). The countryside here was possibly the prettiest I've ever ridden through.







This stop was everyone's favorite, since all they had were tea and cakes. Not usually what I'd expect on a ride rest stop, but oh well.







And finally a shot of me, since some of you said all my blog is is a bunch of countryside pics.







I'm off to London tomorrow, so expect a whole bunch of pics when I get back.

Weekend in Co. Kilkenny

Spent last weekend visiting Conor at his family's house in Pilltown, County Kilkenny.
Here's Conor's back yard.


Here are some shots from the hike in the hills near Conor's house. It was misty that day.










Here's one of Conor's dogs looking for a mud hole to roll around in.



He found one.



Nelson (black) and Ben (yellow) after a dip in a mud puddle. These dogs were huge. At least 110 lbs each.



We tried to wash them off in this lake, but they weren't having it.



We found a calm stream that was more to their liking.



Coming up, pics from the Corrib cycle. Then off to foggy London!

Around Galway

I haven't posted in a while, so here are some shots of Shop St. here in Galway. I walk through these streets everyday on my way to the bus.







While in the book store, I noticed a staff pick. I thought he was in Malaysia.....

The Aran Islands

This past Sunday was spent out in the Aran Islands. More specifically Inis Mor. Here's a map of the area. The little star is Galway. The island I visited, Inis Mor, is the bigger island farthest to the west.

Here are a bunch of shots from the island. The weather was incredible that day, which was really out of the ordinary. It rains on a daily basis here. I was actually close to getting a sunburn as I rode a rented bike around the island all day.

Biking away from Kilronan (the main city on the island, pop. 270).
















Me standing in the North Atlantic





I had to climb over some pretty slippery rocks to get out of the water. I was careful and got back to a point where I could put on my shoes. I then busted my ass climbing out on the rocks back to the road on some sea slime. No injuries to report though.





Don't let the water color fool you. That water is cold.





Ruins of an old church







They still use the graveyard though.



A grave from 1935.



After the church ruins, I headed up to the medieval fort of Dun Angus. After the visitors center, it's a little over a half a mile up hill to reach the fort. It was worth the climb.



Just about there.



Looking back at the climb.



The fort of Dun Angus.



Inside Dun Angus.




The cliffs inside Dun Angus.










Off in the distance, you can see the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs on this island are on only about a third as tall as the Cliffs of Moher, but these are more fun, as you can pretty much do whatever you want without any pain-in-the-ass fences getting in the way.



Over the edge.







Peering over the edge



Who dares me to get closer.



Looking southwest. Home is about 5000 miles away.



The long trek back to the visitors center.



Your run of the mill enchanted forest filled with pixies and elves and dryads and such.



Some local roosters waiting for the local pub (pub just to the left) to open so they can wet their beaks.



Sailing away from Kilronan back to the mainland on the ferry.



A great weekend outdoors now done. Things calm down now for a while. I have to start cycling again over here, as I have a 70 miler at the end of the month!