I rode the ferry across from France to Ireland. Because of a recent storm, the seas were fairly rough. I was told 4 meter waves. The Ferry, while VERY large was tossed. I had a cabin and while it did allow some sleep, there were times where I felt I was coming out of the bunk. I met a fellow rider on the ferry who knew Martin Hurley, the guy who stores Chucks motorcycle. I followed him to breakfast after the ferry, then we rode to Martins, where I met Chuck. We stayed at Martin's "rustic" B&B (as Chuck calls it), just outside the town of Kinsale. Kinsale is a cute little town with plenty of good dining and drinking.
We left the following morning and stopped at Mizen Head. Mizen Head is somewhat the equivalent of Key West in the States, purportedly the furthest point in Ireland one can travel. Chuck wasn't too keen on going here, but I insisted and we went. I was happy to stop and enjoy the view, Chuck was less than enthused. We didn't pay to walk to the view, and we didn't stay long.
We stopped for the night in Listowel at McMahon's, a B&B Hotel. It was rather expensive at 80 euro for a two bed room that wasn't in the best condition. Yesterday we rode the Gap of Dunloe and the Sky Road. Both very unique and beautiful but not necessarily "Gold Wing" friendly. I continue to find myself regretting I didn't bring a waterproof camera that I could snap pictures quickly without having to dig through my luggage for my phone. The Wing is doing well, but I've notice a little bit of an odd noise coming from the rear wheel. I think (hope) it is just the tire wearing, and hope it isn't the rear differential. Goldwings with as much mileage as mine, do at times, have rear differential failure. Not worrying, just keeping an anxious ear.
Chuck wanted to stop at the Cliffs of Mohr. Very touristy, lot's of people, cost 8 euro each to walk a quarter of a mile. While pretty, I was less than impressed. I had left my phone and didn't get any pictures.
We are in Leenaun today. You may ask, where is Leenaun? Good question! One we have asked ourselves. Our intentions yesterday was to make it to the northeastern area of Ireland, but the time just got away from us. We stopped at a very nice Coach House thinking we would just check the price, thinking it was likely to expensive. What we found is that for 50 Euro each we got our own room, plus a very nice breakfast.
Then the rain moved in today, it is Ireland you know. We are staying an extra day to let the rain pass. We are hopeful that tomorrow will be better. We may cut short the journey north in Ireland and head towards Belfast. There we will catch the ferry across to Liverpool, England.
more to come ...