Go Tipperary

 Total: 25 (12.5 miles each) -running total 183
After  a fantastic night's sleep in Dun Ard (apparently it is only one of a handful of b and bs that have 5* rating) and a good hearty bowl of porridge started the day's walk out of Dungarvan on the N25. This proved to be a really hard walk. Traffic very heavy with seemingly all of Waterford leaving to go to Cork where the quarter final of the hurling match was taking part against Tipperary.
The road was all uphill for about 5 miles and at one point I thought it was raining but it wasn't it was sweat!! Felt like I was on a stepping machine at the gym on a very hard programme (mind you long time since I wss on one of them). Still survived it and as Sam says "embrace the challenge".
Made our way along N25, however as we got nearer Cork it felt more like the M25 and I really didn't feel happy walking along it any more so we made the decision to come off the planned route and I walked into Youghal. Had a walk around and tried to do a bit of collecting but very quiet (everyone presumably watching the hurling). decided to have a sit down and have a coffee.
Made our way to Ballycotton where we are staying at Sunville, a really welcoming b and b in a fantastic spot (thank you Anna for your wonderful hospitality and generous sponsorship). Since we were 4 miles short of our target decided to walk along the beautiful cliffs to make up the deficit and this proved to be a perfect end to the walk. Stunning scenery......and back to Sunville where it was even more perfect when we were given tea and scones in the conservatory.

Headed back out into Ballycotton in the evening for a very nice fish meal and now blogging in the conservatory!
Jane
ps Tipperary beat Waterford 7-19 0-19 (is that clear!) -go Tipp!!

The spectacular Copper Coast

Feeling good!! Total miles 25 -12.5miles each.

Yesterday evening went for a meal compliments of Stan Power at the glorious Athenaeum House in Waterford. Met up with my first cousin Kathleen and her husband George. It so great to chat as if we were long lost friends since we have never met before. Kathleen was one of Auntie Joan's daughters and Joan was my dad's sister. He left Tipperary just before the WWII and the enlisted in the British army and settled in the UK. We enjoyed a delicious meal together and made plans to meet up today. Thank you Stan for your hospitality.

Had a bad night's sleep, some cats fighting close by kept waking me up. No breakfast at the guesthouse so drove to Tramore and had a bacon roll, not our usual healthy muesli to keep us going. Walked from Tramore to Dungarvan following the coast road. This part of the coast is known as the Copper Coast and is truly fantastic. The scenery is similar to Cornwall with rugged cliffs, little coves and rolling countryside. Here there is also the mountainous back drop. The hedgerows are so pretty -full of vivid fuschia, heady honeysuckle, colourful Michaelmas daisies and stunning wild roses. The walk was hard since some of the roads were very steep but survived!

Met some really nice people en route including Tommy and Eileen Cook who kindly invited me into their home. They could not have been more generous -thanks! Also on the home stretch joined by a very nice lady - my cousin Kathleen and she walked a few miles with me. Drove to Kathleen's daughter's home just outside Dungarvon. Jennifer had just taken the scones out of the oven, served with cream and jam and a proper cup of tea- ah now that's just what we wanted! Met her lovely family and photos will follow!!

Short drive to Dun Ard B and B in Ring - more like a 5* hotel. The bathroom is wonderful and the views from the room again to die for. Thank you Joe and Anne for sharing your wonderful home with us, we are being very spoilt and appreciate your generosity.

Off to Kathleens for dinner and then my bed will call.
Jane.

Highlights of week 1

Promise last blog today. Itchy feet to do something. I'll probably regret not having a good rest tomorrow when the fatigue starts.
The highlights of the first week are certainly ending it on schedule and that feels areal achievement. The other  highlights have to be making friends with Laura and Eoin (I love the pics with Sam and the kids) and meeting up with Jean and her friend Pat and Pat's daughter Amy. I have known Jean for many years firstly as a patient and then as a friend. She tutored both kids for their 11 plus exams. She moved from Blackmore to Australia several years ago and we haven't met up for quite a few years, so ironic meeting up in Arklow!

Sam and his laptop

Sam loves his laptop.....here's proof. Can't get him off it!!!

Day of as a tourist

Just returned to The Portree Guesthouse where we are staying tonight (thank you Michael for the support by offering us free accommodation right in the heart of Waterford). Sam has  probably very sensibly decided to do nothing all day but I decided to explore Waterford and a very nice place it is too. Sadly got rather wet.
Took refuge in the beautiful Cathedral which has very welcoming feel with a little cafe and art display.

Did very touristy thing of visiting the Waterford Crystal Centre but it was a very interesting way to spend an hour. Didn't buy anything because no room in car and probably would loose it if we maintain our track record!

This photo is the replica of a piece sent to the firemen of New York following 9.11

and the following is the detail in the front:

Hopefully have a few hours rest before heading out for dinner with my cousin Kathleen.
Jane

Taking stock

Today in Waterford and spending the morning catching up. Have counted and bagged the money, emailed ahead, sorting out the video for youtube, trying to get some help for collecting next week, clearing out the car, trying to dry some washing (funny sight Sam and me in the bathroom trying to hang up a washing line -and of course not agreeing on the best way!!) and uploading photos. Unfortunately the latter has taken a few hours of hunting for the camera. Sadly cannot be found and big dispute as to where and more importantly who had it last. Enough said. Hopefully it will turn up. It was a little camera that you can easily carry in ruck sack. Fortunately I have my camera and so I have been adding what I have to some past blogs. Oh well these this are sent to try us. It's a shame no record of first few days although we do have the video of us setting off.

Sam and Aunt Kathleen in Eugene and Ann's lovely garden. Kathleen has four children- Eugene (married to Ann), Brendan (who lives in London and married to Sile and they have little Hugo), Paul (married to Ciara) and Claire (married to Paul) - so these are all my Paul's first cousins. (Paul is a popular name!). Is that all clear?

Young Tom getting the gardening done (Claire and Paul's son)

Paul with little Miabh (Irish spelling for Maeve)

Our wonderful hosts Eugene and Ann with lovely little Eion (Irish for Owen). Apologies if I am getting these Irish spellings incorrect, Sam does not believe me.

 
Ciara, Maibh, Kathleen and Paul

The truly delightful Laura who made our time in Dundrum very happy.












Anyway added some lovely photos of the family (sorry Claire you must have been hiding catch you on our return!). Also a big thank you to my cousins who I have spoken or had contact with in the past few days including Kathleen, Joan, Nell and Nora. It's great encouragement -thanks a million!
It is now pouring outside just in time for us to pack the car.
Jane

Wexford to Waterford

12.5 miles each today, we had a good night sleep in Marsh Mere Lodge B&B in Arthurstown, Sam enjoyed 2 of the largest, brownest freshest eggs I've ever seen. We drove back to Wellingtonbridge (where we finished yesterday), and Sam drop me and left the car at the halfway point to Ballyhack, where the ferry was.

I felt good this morning and the miles were tumbling. Enjoyed a conversation with my cousin Joan which gave me encouragement. Met Sam back in Ballyhack, where we got the small ferry across the river, taking us the very short distance from Wexford county to Waterford county.

Thanks to the very nice lady in the Montessori school cafe who kindly allowed us to use her comfort facilities and gave us free refreshments. We split the walk again, Sam walking the first half and me the second having dropped the car halfway.

The Waterford countryside is stunning but unfortunately rather undulating- I felt like I got a good workout because the ups felt more frequent than the downs. Finished the walk in Tramor and then drove to the Woodlands hotel in Waterford, where we have been given a complimentary night.

This evening, had the usual skyping session, with my mum on the other end taking part in her first skype. She seemed to enjoy it unlike poor Maisie, who got quite distressed when she heard my voice.

Overall a good day, weather was quite sunny with only a short burst of rain in the afternoon. Total miles=133, both Sam and myself feeling positive and looking forward to a day off tomorrow.

Jane