There are not enough words, emojis or memes on the planet to explain how perfect today was.
The hotel we are in is wonderful - there was even a fan in the room (things Americans get excited about with no AC!). Good breakfast and we headed out to the Cliffs - the ride was beautiful - ventured through several small towns, up and around the right turns - our bus driver continues to amaze me, I've yet to get used to taking hard right turns across traffic. Arrived at the base of our hike around 10. Pat, the farmer, was our guide for today. 8 kilometers, steep grades, beautiful scenery and a point of no return about a mile and half into the hike, so he warned us. Crystal clear blue skies and temps in the 60's made for the perfect conditions. Pat talked a bit excessively at times, ending every phrase with 'here' (which is apparently a small town Irish thing), but he had more passion for what he did than anyone we've met so far. He's been a farmer on this land since he was a child.
7 generations removed from the original farmers, he decided back in 2012 that their land was just too beautiful to keep to themselves, so he took the idea to a town hall to build a trail along the Cliffs of Doolin up to the Cliffs of Moher. 47 different farmers came together to offer their parts of the land and hard work to build this trail. I'm beyond grateful for the work that went into it all because wow!
He assured us that he was 100% success rate in bringing his entire groups to the finish safely...all the while keeping us updated on the latest deaths that have occurred on the Cliffs (RIP to the Australian lady who was swept off by the winds 70 days ago). There were definitely parts that were narrow, but our prime weather conditions made it less risky. He told us that they see fewer than 30 days a year that were like today. Saw seals, horses, cows, even puffins! The guides were incredible at giving us the inside scoop throughout and I can't recommend this hike to anyone that comes. Do not, I repeat, do not go to the visitor center and think you'll truly understand the beauty.
We stopped in town for sandwiches on the way back, as we had survived for most the day on stolen scones and bananas from the hotel breakfast earlier. Everyone exhausted, we decided to throw a garden party on the hotel grounds with the best fish and chips in town and some wine/beer from the liquor store across the bridge. Best decision! Lots of story time, laughs and ultimately ended up with some ice cream and more music in town.
Sad to leave Galway tomorrow, but excited for the adventures in Killarney for the 4th. Happy day!
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