We
decided we were finally cold enough, put on most of our clothes,
and packed up to continue on to Mizen Head, the most southwesterly
point in Ireland. Unlike the US, there was no sign, proclaiming
this, no gift shop, no welcoming of any type. It was actually
quite nice. We started down toward the lighthouse, until I noticed
that we were approaching a road John would love. Thankfully
we decided to take the steps. The road had a few 180 degree
switchbacks and was not much more than a couple of feet wide.
I guess it wasn't really a road. We then reached the locked
gate and could go no farther, so we each took pictures of the
lighthouse from some distance away. I also got a few of the
beautiful green and very warm looking water below. Of course
I didn't test my theory that the water was warm, but it looked
wonderful.
From there we backtracked for a while.. We passed one lake
with hundreds of swans swimming about. Just as I snapped one
shot, something startled a few, and I got them in mid-flight.
What a shame the picture didn't come out!.
Our late start, and hiking to the light house, along with a
little confusion on the map, put us in the town of Durrus at
dusk. It was a tiny little crossroads, with all the B&B's
closed for the season, but a very nice lady took pity on us,
and opened her home. She offered tea to warm us after being
out in the cold all day. We had our lightest meal of the trip
with soup and sandwiches at the only open bar in town. I believe
I tried a Murphy's that evening. After the feast the night before,
it was a relief to have a lighter meal.
We definitely fell on our feet. We hadn't
planned to stop here, and it was only a small village, but we
had our best B & B of the trip.
