Lake Inagh to Leenane

This had to be my favourite part of the walk, from the beautiful lodge on Lake Inagh to the very appealing village of Leenane, nestled at the end of Killary Harbour. Once again we walked along the Western Way, mouths agape at the range of colours of the Maumturk mountains and sheep grazing pastures. The weather was perfect with the occasional bank of clouds flowing over the mountains.

 The landscape constantly changes, mostly due to the constant stream of "weather" coming over the mountains and sweeping across the open land. Not a whole lot of trees in this area.

 Farms were far and few between and we could see vertigo-inducing fences (and sheep) stretching up to the peaks of the mountains.

Occasionally a small wooded area would beckon...we could feel the presence of fairies ...

 Eventually we did reach a forested area, but unfortunately it was in the process of being clear cut. While the mountains look so dramatic the deep cuts are due to erosion.

There was a small bridge and a sinking boardwalk to help us get through this boggy area.

 But it was a battle maintaining dry boots - FAIL!

This photo shows the type of boards we had to walk on...for miles and miles...through the bog on "The Wet Day!" a few days previous. They caused pain in the hips and knees (and psyche) but we made it.

Still headed the right way!!

After the clear cut area we crossed a road and headed uphill. After awhile I happened to tear my eyes off the mountains and sheep to our right and glanced over my left shoulder to see this!!
OMG! Killary Harbour, a fjord! The photos below represent about 1/1000th of the photos I took from that moment on. Feeling very blessed to witness such natural beauty.

Across the harbour was the occasional tiny village, some only accessible by boat.

 

 

The village of Leenane off in the distance.

Heading down...

Can you see us? Kind of a "selfie" :)

Oh yes, I could wake up to this every morning!!

Walking into Leenane...

 The tide is out...

Homes for insects...

The view from our little hotel balcony...we had walked to our B&B only to find out we had been transferred to the village hotel due to some water issue! We felt really fortunate as the hotel was fantastic AND we were staying there two nights!
The tide is out!
The mountain on the left of the photo below is where we were hiking.

 Nice view!!

We had walked past the hotel on our way to the B&B - now we were staying there!!

This is my view...

 ...from my seaweed soak!

It was a fabulous treat after hiking all day...

...the "lounge" where a fire was burning...I see you Annie!

...now...how inviting is this?!

...Annie made herself right at home!

Our wee balcony...

 When I look at this photo I think I should have put my backpack on the floor rather than on this priceless antique! We were checking in...

There was a gorgeous garden across the street...

...still blooming magnificently!

...watch out - we're everywhere!!

Next: The Famine Trail

The Many Faces of Ireland - A Journey in Selfies

Squinty eyes

in Dublin

Imagining being locked into the library at Trinity College!

On Ha'penny Bridge

still looking somewhat normal...

Relaxed on the ferry. 

And we are picking up speed!  Hold on Annie!

Have reached the island of Inishmore and the sun is shining!

Trying to capture the cliffs behind us...

We are focussing hard on getting the cliffs in the shot!

Forcing ourselves to smile on THE WET DAY!!

Looking for Annie behind me - can you see her?

 Shopping for a disguise?

(these photos are not in chronological order!)

Taking advantage of all the mirrors in the castle.

Hey, we've got this "selfie" thing down pat! 

...or do we? On the move...

...I may not be smiling if that dark cloud catches up to us!

HAHAHAHA - can't catch me!

My nose is getting redder and redder! 

Checking on Annie...

 At the top of the mountain pass - it's a wee bit colder up here, but sunny.

Time for lunch with St. Patrick.

Trying to show the mountains...

 Eek! The clouds are getting very dark and I feel like

I'm being watched!

Phew...it's Annie!

 On the road again..., a rather wet road.

Oh look, more mountains and rocks!

I have another head on my shoulder!!

We'll get the hang of this thing yet!  Beautiful Killary Harbour

in the background and

I got half of Annie at least!

Oh there, that's better! 

One of my all time favourites!

We lurve the strong and dependable Yellow Man Walking!

He never led us astray though there were a few moments

in the bog where he was kinda hiding.

Thank you Yellow Man.

Back to civilization!

NEW sweater! Gorgeous!

Feeling kinda smug at Blarney Castle

 She did it she did it!

Annie kissed the Blarney Stone!

 I like it here....

 ...so much!

Wow, in a tank top in Leenane!

And I have "hat hair"!

Checking myself out in yet another mirror!

(in Dublin)

Wishing we could get into jail!! 

But the tours were booked up for hours.

I look drunk!  Hiccup. 

Having a great time out on the road in the sunshine :)

Rain is threatening behind me. It didn't catch us.

Enjoying the lovely lane, lovely sunshine - 

what more could you want?

 The tide is in. What an absolutely amazing view as I stand

on the little balcony of our hotel room, feeling happy.