Dunloe Adventures

Today was an unbelievable day filled with ample laughs, tears, and lies. We signed up for the ultimate tour of Dunloe today. It began this morning with a fantastic boat ride. We rode our bikes to the pier by Ross Castle--an exquisite castle built in the 15th century. There, we boarded a motor boat and took a majestically scenic boat ride led by our everso professional Captain Rob. Our bikes were put on board with us so that we could bike the 13 mile path back into Killarney. The 3 lakes that we traveled across are enveloped by breathtaking mountains and fields. It was a bit chilly on the water but the experience was truly amazing- we were completely surrounded by such spectacular views.

When we docked at the Dunloe mountains we stopped at a picnic area for a delicious lunch of cheese sandwiches that were almost as appealing as the juicy burgers that everyone else was eating. Our table right next to the grill was probably not the best seating selection. Be that as it may, we emerged from lunch feeling satiated and excited to start our bike ride back to town.

This activity taught us a great deal: We've learned that either the people of Ireland have no concept of distance or the entire country has it out for us- and have all joined a national pact to cunningly ruin our lives. We were told before and during our lovely bike trail by numerous Irish individuals that we had just 2 miles (or maybe even kilometers) of a manageable uphill course until we'd hit our smooth ride downhill. The lady who rented our bikes to us told us that the uphill part wasn't too bad and assured us that her own granny managed it and that we'd have no problem. The total ride was about 20 km or 13 miles- and Captain Rob told us that it would take us roughly an hour and a half. Piece of cake. We (everyone but Deena) were almost upset that it may not have been rigorous enough.

Well, an hour and a half, one busted lung, and a few shed tears later we found ourselves still crawling up the alleged 2 mile/km incline wondering what on earth it was that we did to the Irish people that brought them to mercilessly mislead us so. According to our dictated course- we were supposed to be home by 230 or 3 at the latest. Sahar is an avid spinner, Dee runs marathons, Rocko's a runner, and I'm...well...me, so we were even anticipating an early arrival. The reality of the situation, however, was that at 3 in the afternoon we found ourselves sitting on the "granny" slope doubting whether or not we'd make it home alive- getting home before shabbos or even that day was just a bonus.

The concern was that we were still surviving the "2 mile" uphill path with another 12+ miles to go. At first, I attempted to appease Deena by telling her that there was just 3/4 of a mile left. It worked in the beginning but a few 3/4 of a mile's later Deena caught on that I had no idea how long the 90 degree incline would last for and we all became restless. We flagged down every car and biker we encountered to ask how much longer and were lied to each time that we were approaching a downhill course very very soon. Either Irish people are all liars or 'very very soon' means something very different here.

Finally, by the grace of God, we approached the downhill! It happened to have been the most beautiful scenery I may have ever witnessed that made the deathly bike ride worth every tear (debatable according to Deena).

Don't worry though- there's more. With only 2 km (really 2 km- not to be confused with the 2 km incline) left before finally reaching town, we reached a fork in the road. Our choices were 1. The "Holy Well" 2. The "Circular path". The lady from the bike store specifically instructed us not to take the circular path. And just to confirm, we asked a woman passing by where to go and she instructed us to follow the coast which was in the direction of the Holy Well course.

We hesitanty made our way down the rocky path that was in no way suited for a bike ride only to approach a locked gate surrounded by an electric fence. Seriously???? Sahar was the only one who healthily managed to laugh at the situation at the moment. Meanwhile Rocko began her effort to climb under the gate and sneak her way through the electric fence. She even threw rocks at the fence to test it out- it's unclear what that experiment really proved but It didn't matter. We were exhausted, annoyed with our misleading guidance, and itching to get back to the apartment. I admired Rocko's dedication to getting home. Was it normal? No. But definitely bold and courageous- which are definitely valued qualities.

We finally decided that the plan to jump the electric fence was most likely not the right course so we headed to the circular path and finally returned home a few minutes later. I held myself bak from knocking out the bike lady tho but I let her know I was very upset with her through my "you know what you did" face. Its serious stuff.

We're now in the apt- sore and exhausted- but we have much cooking and preparing to do before shabbos. And we have all of shabbos to enjoy the comfort of our apartment. Literally. We're on house arrest for all of shabbos because we conveniently chose the super nifty apartment complex where all the lights and doors operate through sensors. So we're stuck in cheirum from about 10 o'clock tonite till 11pm tomorrow night. Deenas thrilled, and Sahar's having heart palpatations.

It's hilarious because Deena has been suffering with anxiety the past few days over the approaching 3 day hike that Sahar planned and has been anticipating with more excitement than is perhaps normal. Meanwhile, Deena couldn't be looking more forward to 24 hours of confinement and vegetation, while Sahar is breaking out in hives from anxiety over the same condition. I respect that these two have managed to find themselves on the same trip. It's a trip of true sacrifice where everyones concerns and interests are considered. That's the second lesson of the day: compromise and sacrifice. Such an educational vacation.

That's all for today tho. Have a great shabbos everyone.

Cheers,
Mimi