80 km from Galway

Day 34 - 36 we spent storm bound in Castlegregory. Where being quite close to Galway we aren't too stretched for time and can enjoy the days on land. The first day we hitch into Castlegregory and get picked up by a nice family. One seat in the car. Frida an I got to know each other a little better as I jump onto her lap. He he. But we got into the village and have a look around.

Day 35 we were were relaxing in the tent and we were approached by a man Don. He had been following our blog, Kayaker himself and wanted to know if we would like to join him and his wife Lisa on a road trip to Killarney so of course we were in the car before we knew it. Lovely company and then we were invited back for dinner. It was lovely not eating a meal out of a bag.

The following day. Day 36 weather was still looking rough. So lucky for us we get picked up by Don and Lisa and get fed lunch and a road trip again to Dingle, their son Darragh joins too. We were really looked after. Thanks guys for your entertainment and hospitality. Was great to meet you and get to know you.

Day 37 looks to be a good weather window to cross the Shannon estuary. All plans in our head. Options for Kilbaha kilkee and Ross Bay. Westerly winds. So not really helping much but not a head wind so for us that's great. Was a little bit more lumpy bumpy than we had thought. The clapotous coming off Kerry head were quite intimidating. But we managed just fine and ended up landing in Kilbaha and having an evening walk up to the light house. Sadly we got there 30minutes after it had shut. But it looked cool from the 1.5m stone wall around it.

Day 38 we wake up and are almost ready to pack out things in the boat. Rain is hammering down on the tent. Finding every excuse not to go on the water. Ready and dressed to go. We decided if we wanted pictures of the stack at loop head they wouldn't be very good. So we had best wait a day for the weather to improve. So we head to the pub for cooked breakfast.

Day 39 kilbaha to Kilkee.
We get on the water after an wet rest day. And paddle out in the direction of loop head. Conditions quite interesting but looking forward to a tail wind after loop head. Coming around the headland we were averaging over four knots. Finally tail winds. Tide in the back. A nice gentle paddle into Kilkee. Coming to the opening of the bay we could just see a line of crashing waves. Oh no. How do we get in. After some discussions we find a line in. I went first. Rock hopping with surf. To then find looking from the other side if we had paddle 100 or so meters more there was a huge opening no breakers. But it did look like it being on the back of the wave.

Day 40 Kilkee to Mutton Island.
Calm day on the water today. Enjoyed a nice run up to Mutton Island. Full of rabbits. We are getting pretty near our goal. Let's hope the next few days go smoothly.