Unplanned is the Way to Go

My next day in Dublin featured a hike through some of Ireland's prettiest landscape, following a trail around a lake.  The hike itself wasn't too difficult, but was infinitely more breathtaking!  The difference is that in VA, the mountains are tree-covered, thus allowing limited views on the trail and then breathtaking views at the top of a mountain.  However Ireland is a different green - grass, moss, and ferns - which allows for 360 degree views at all times.  I love it!

However I'm getting ahead of myself.  I figured that when I emailed this tour company about a day hike that I would be joined by 5 or so others who love the outdoors and wanted an adventure while on their vacation.  After a few emails back and forth with the owner, it turned out that I was alone, and that my guide would be none other than the current World Record holder for submitting the seven tallest mountains in the fewest days, Ian McKeever!  Holy cow!  We decided after a few more emails (yeah, we're up to 10 or 15 at this point total to plan a hike) that it would be more fun to go with a group that he is training to take up Kilimanjaro in September!  We hiked for three hours or so around this lake, up the mountain along side of it, along the ridge line, and then back down.  The unexpected part was a 3-5km run at the end, with about half of it being uphill.  I wanted to die, but made it (with some walking lest you think I'm in that good of shape!).  I was glad I did it and can look back on it with fond memories, but it was painful at the time.

I had a great time talking with everyone in that group, especially meeting a father/son team Noel and Pascal.  Pascal, 12 years old, and I hit it off, talking about sports and him having a grand old time explaining all the rules of rugby, Gaelic football and hurling, and me taking it all in.  After a while I found out that they were going to a rugby match that night, and of course I say how that's on my list of things to do while abroad.  Without fail, it works out that they are going to a match that afternoon after our hike and have two extra tickets!  So long story short, I end up jumping in their car after the hike, heading (all sweaty and partially soaked from the rain) directly to the match.  It was in their words, "the worst rugby match they'd ever seen" but I enjoyed myself immensely!  So the moral of the story is go with the flow, don't always make plans, and things will turn out way better than you can imagine.  I know I haven't been gone that long, but this was definitely my favorite day yet!
Stay tuned for the next installment...