Finally in the groove

Blew out of Doonaha at 8:30, Sunday morning and the roads and the countryside were all mine.  The rolling hills kept me working, particularly out of Lahinch where the hill would never end. The granny gear got a workout as did my legs.  It was first communion day for the area kids so everyone was in their Sunday best in every town I rode through. Stopped once for coffee and pastry at Quilty and listen to this local gent talking away in Gaelic on his cellphone. Apparently, the local language is different from Gaelic, written Gaeilge, but related.  Trying to pronounce the words on the road signs is a challenge.  The English words is on the signs as well so you can sound it out, a hint of Germanic.

    48 miles down the road I rolled into Doolan, small town, not too touristy and a fabulous campsite by the ocean.  I set up the tent, cleaned up, had a nice lunch from my provisionals and took a nap.  Walked into town to local pub and had a killer bouillabaisse with pasta in garlic sauce.  Along with a pint of Smithwick followed by a Guiness.

The Irish music rounded off the experience making for a very pleasant night on the town.

     I have to relate this brief conversation I had with the campsite owner in Doonaha before I shoved off this morning. Nailh (Nile) a funny guy in his forties said " You don't mind me saying, we Irish see a bicyclist on the road and say ....look at that paw fecker on d'byke."  I responded,

"You don't mind me saying....look at the paw feckers in d'car with the windows rolled up and the heat turned up missing everything." It was a very funny exchange.  He gave me a thumbs up as I pedaled out the gate.

      Tomorrow, I am gunning for Galway, all I hear is nice things about the place.