Sunday, July 5, 2009

Ok, some catching up from last week.

Here's my hostel in Cork. My 3rd hostel. Real neat place.

So after I was in Cork (and it poured and I had my debit card stolenish), I grabbed a bus over to a little town called Caherciveen (which was a ways from my next stop, but it was as far as the bus went) - I'm getting pretty proficient with the public transportation and finding my way around by this point in time. Once in Caherciveen, I rented a bike and headed out to a place about 15 miles away called The Ballinskelligs (and to a hostel called The Skelligs Hostel)- a very remote little coastal village quite far away from any type of city. It was a pretty grand adventure as I arrived in this tiny town, hopped on a bicycle, and headed out down the (very narrow and curvy, 100km/hr speed limit- so a bit scary) road to my next destination. There were a number of moments where I just stopped and had to out loud remind myself that this was for real- here I am on a bike by myself in the absolutely georgeous countrysides of Ireland with my pack on my back, traveling right beside the ocean and through mountains... I just giggled with glee a few times (or heartily laughed, to sound a bit tougher and rugged), unable to contain the joy, beauty, freedom, and surrealness of the whole thing. Here's some videos from the adventure:






I ended up staying around this area for 4 days (I was planning on heading further up the West coast, but it was just so fantastic here that I had to stay a bit longer). So I spent the next couple of days biking around, doing a couple hikes, and exploring the countryside.

Here's my new Swiss friends Andrew, Nadine, and their kid Gavin. I met them right away as I arrived and then they invited me to join them for some dinner- very kind folks. We spoke mostly in French cause their English was pretty weak.

And here's some other backpacking friends that I met- they were from Milwaukee.

And some other pics from my exploring...


I also went for a pretty epic hike while I was there, but I'll describe that and put up a few pictures and videos sometime soon. Gotta go...

8 comments:

  1. Brian: Is it really safe to be biking with a camera in your hand and trying to show us the scenery around you? Magnificent as it is ! Remember your safety first slogan!

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  2. Brian: I also noted no bike helmet. Other than that your trip looks wonderful! Sorry to hear about your debit card... glad it's turning out ok.
    Sharon Rypma

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  3. Oh, it was so safe...

    I made sure no cars were coming and I've spent hours and hours and days and days of training that in the practice lab back home before I left- so no worries.

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  4. Brian, your reports on the blog are great! Dave claims he was a teeny bit late for work this morning because he couldn't tear himself away from the latest post. Thanks for the postcard! It came today; Eli chewed the corner. Translation: "I love Uncle Brian."
    Christel

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  5. yo! We're not too far from each other... i'm in Pskov Russia (not far from St. Petersburg). Watch the mail when you get to the UK :)
    Don't have time to read updates right now (internet cafe - you understand) but can't wait to story-swap after the summer. We love you brother- Go with God.

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  6. okay, so I did it-- something should come for you in the UK... they told me to send it there b/c Russia's mail isn't great and it would take past July 31 to get to you... so I sent it ahead of you :) it's okay if it never makes it.. it's the thought that counts.

    happy hiking.

    awp

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  7. Brian: I sent your card out this morning via FedEx. Suppossed to be there July 20. All the best. Love you! Dad

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  8. Brian its jaelin!!! Wow sounds like ur having a lot of fun. We miss you like crazy! The new youth leaders are nice. Will you ever come to visit?

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