Good day after a tough start

      Who made these monster hills anyways. Thirteen and a half miles of endless climbs and descents, seven mph at best.  My legs felt like cement and I had to walk up a few of the beasts.  B56 was mana from on high.  With Glencolmcille fading away, so was its gravitational pull which stunted my progress.  Thought Ardara up to Dungloe.  Found an upscale supermarket where I loaded up on basics.  Found a nook on the backside of the building where I had lunch while fighting off the no-see-ems.  The town was a decent size but the tourist office was closed and there were no hostel or campsites.  With thirty four miles clocked, I headed north in the rain in search of a hostel. Anagram had a hostel but not when I arrived.  On my Two semi elderly woman gave me directions to a hostel further north but their thick accents made the understanding part very difficult. Adding to the confusion, each one had conflicting directions.  After thanking them but not sure of my directions, I rode a few miles; there they would be checking on my progress.  This leap frogging continued for at least seven or eight miles.  Very amusing and rather a nice way of treating a tired foreign traveler. Each time they would bid me goodbye, carefully pass me, waving and rooting.  They were mothering me along, the two of them in their little red car.  What else do you do on a Saturday afternoon while hanging out with you old chum in nowheresville. Taking their direction on good faith, I miraculously found the hostel. Very nice place with an in-your-face view from my bedroom window of Errigal mountain.  Check it out, it is part of Glenveagh National park.  My room mate is a Brit, journalist and an avid cyclist. Lamenting to Tom about my struggle through the hills and overall daily progress,

he said it was the same for him. Ireland is not an easy ride; he has been doing it for years. Nice to know it is not me having issues but just part of riding this country.  

     Tomorrow I will try to ride into Noryhern Ireland through Derry, north east to the Magilligan Strand where there is a nice camping site. Long ride but I will persevere.