Killarney Hike 8

Frank gave us the best overview of the area yesterday.  We made up out minds to hike the Muckross Lake Loop, which as the name details is the middle lake.  To be honest, it was a little difficult leaving the cozy house with such a great vista.  Andrew and Katherine kept spotting red deer in the backyard.  Nobody wanted to wake up and get going, but there was a national park to explore.    

The Stonic outside of Frank and Siubhan's place.

It was easy to find parking close to the Muckross House to ditch the car while we hiked.  It was WINDY!!!  The open grassy area of the grounds gave no shelter from the wind as we pressed on.  Once we made it to the trees though, we were fine.

Andrew's shot of the Muckross House

Katherine, Andrew, and Margaux

Beautiful flowers along the way

This trail felt old, old, old!

Intriguing moss everywhere

We followed the lake trail in a counter-clockwise direction via the Garmin In-Reach app on my phone.  On the map, I saw a "cave" noted.  Yup, it was.  I called the crew back, as I was bringing up the rear, and we went in.  I felt air coming towards me and realized we might get all the way through.  It was dark and our cell phone lights were all that we had.  And, bam!  We made it through as other tourists walked past, unaware of what was there.

Andrew making an exit

It all looks great until you meet the biting midges next to the lake.  Staying away from the water in the wind was the best idea. 

A 250 year old bridge.

The trail was littered in beautiful purple colored flowers

We found a cave of flowers and low trees.

Another old bridge on the way to Torc Waterfall.

We had tired ourselves out from the hike and headed out of the park.  The motorcycle people were in full force and made heading into Killarney impossible. Andrew's estimate on his phone was a half house to go a mile or two.  No thanks!  We just headed back to the house, cleaned up, and headed to the local hotel.  It had a restaurant/pub attached and Frank recommended it. Out front, there were a bunch of vintage Austin Healeys.  How cool!

Tomorrow, we plan to drive around the Dingle Peninsula.  It should take all day at the pace we go.  Bring it!