Wicklow to Cork

If I’m being honest, summing up the last week in a blog post would take several pages, but I will do my best to hit the highlights, share some details and leave you wondering what is going to happen next.

I started my cycling journey from the city of Dublin. My route took me along Old Military Road, where there are long winding hills, ha-ha scratch that, MOUNTAINS, with plenty of sheep and simple farm houses along the way. As I reached the top of the first mountain, I began pedaling along in a torrential downpour; and for those that know me well, know that getting wet is not top on my list of things I like to happen. Suffice to say, the day cleared and my clothes dried in time for me to step away from the road and camp alongside one of the many Wicklow Mountains. I have told everyone so far that only God could have brought me to that mountain because the next morning, I walked to the top and to my great surprise and joy, was overlooking a lake hidden in the valley below (sorry, a picture truly wouldn't do it justice). The calming winds and slow moving clouds allowed for a perfect opportunity to just sit and reflect on the man I have become over the last twenty-five years and the man I hope to be in the future.

After three nights in the mountains reading, writing and enjoying the quiet, I cycled through the rest of Old Military Road and made a quick stop in Glendalough to see an amazing old church/cemetery and the famous Upper Lake.  A couple from France helped me with my bike (a little oil and air), and I was on my way again. 

Upper Lake

About three hours later, my water was gone, I hadn't eaten anything all day (my own fault), and I felt like I was going to die; so I stopped at a house to ask if they would fill my water bottle. After making a joke about buying a piece of pie from them, the lovely Mareen Molloy and her son Brendan and friend Russell showed their amazing hospitality and sat me down for a meal. We chatted about who I was and why I was traveling, I learned about them and the business that Brendan runs and they sent me on my way with plenty of water and food. Not to be gross, but hours later while I was cycling, I had several pie burps that thinned my lips to a smile.

It was starting to get late and I wasn't sure where I was going to sleep, but I had been told that some farmers have no problem with you camping on their property as long as you ask. After going as far as I thought I could, I pulled into a farmhouse, climbed off my bike and yelled into the barn. A few moments later a man walked out and I kindly asked if I could camp. And this, my friends is where I met the Neale Family. A simple request to camp on Billy’s land lead to long conversations with him, his wife Mabel and their son Clifford (who loves to play rugby by the way), a hot and filling dinner, a chance to play the piano, watch television, get tips about where to travel and the best routes, breakfast in the morning, food as I traveled and a memory of a family I will never forget for the rest of my days.  Even though I didn’t meet their daughter Adele, I know that if she is anything like the rest of her family, she’s a pretty special gal. I really cannot put to words how blessed I felt leaving their home, and to be honest I wish I could have stayed for several days, helped on the farm and gotten to know them even better.

Mareen and Brendan

So I say to any who have doubts about people in this world; trust me, after meeting Mareen, Brendan, Russell, Billy, Mabel and Clifford, there really is humanity out there, you just have to be willing to be vulnerable, caring and honest yourself.

Billy, Mabel and Clifford

After saying goodbye to the farm, I went to Dunmore Cave (a Neale Family recommendation) which was breathtaking. An adventurer like me would have loved to explore it on my own but the tour was worth every second. Next was the Kilkenny Castle, then to the town of Cashel to see the Rock of Cashel (another castle that sits atop a hill). But, after cycling 160 kilometers in two days my legs were absolutely crushed, so I stopped at a B&B before the town where I met a woman by the name of Cathleen. Although she had a rather foul mouth, she was bright and bubbly with a caring heart and enjoyed my company because I was an American (not going to lie, that’s the first time I’d heard that one). A hot dinner, hot shower, and warm bed were definitely needed and when I woke up I had the pleasure of eating breakfast with a lovely family from Switzerland who were on a short holiday. I have to admit they made me jealous talking about having a 3D printer at their house, but some of the ideas and things their son was working on were pretty incredible! With a hug and a farewell from Cathleen, I made my way to Cashel and even though I didn’t have time to take the tour, I was still able to see the amazing structure. A must see if you’re ever in Ireland.

Thinking it was smart to give my legs a little extra rest and avoid a hundred kilometer bike ride a third day in a row, I decided to hop on a bus to Cork. It is another beautiful city in the south with tons of rich history. I am staying for the weekend with yet another Brazilian, Wesley, who I met on couchsurfing.com (a great website for travelers). I was able to yet again, show more dance moves at the pub, meet some of his other Brazilian friends and connect with a pair of guys from France who are doing a bit of traveling themselves.

In most things, plans change and you have to adjust. One of which has been my writing. After riding a bike all day, focusing on writing is extremely hard, but I am still working out the kinks and hope to get a significant amount done before my trip is over. Also, as the days go by, the sun goes down earlier and the weather gets colder. At the end of my cycle in Ireland, I will be scrapping the bike and using other forms of transportation in Scotland and England, which will give me more time to write.

I’m not going to lie, there have been plenty of down moments along the way, but with the amount of people praying for me and the strength I am building in my relationship with God, I know this was the right thing for me to do. My thoughts and prayers are also with all of you. Until next time!

Dunmore Cave

Kilkenny Castle