Blogging at 22:00 on Monday 9th August from N 53.52201°, W 09.44368° / http://maps.google.com/maps?q=loc:53.52201%2C-09.44368
The rain returned with some enthusiasm during the night and we woke to a mean and moody Burren. It was tempting to just have breakfast with the heaters on and then pootle off, but we both kind of knew that really, we ought to have a proper wander around again - or forever lament missed opportunity.
We're glad we donned the waterproofs because in spite of the grey and damp the wildflower displays were brilliant and close in feel to full-on Alpine meadows. White rock rose, pyramidal orchid and twayblades were amongst the more notables (casually) spotted.
The real treat came by way of mammals, though. We had excellent views of at least half a dozen mountain hares. Being pretty shy, wary and cryptic they're far from easy to see and spotting them genuinely brightened our spirits, if not the grey day.
Because of the extra walk we shipped out quite late and headed north without much of a plan. Whilst bumbling, some map features attracted me to a spot just north of Lough Corrib and so it came to pass that that's where we now rest (coordinates), and where we're intending to overnight.
It's a lovely, quiet place with huge views over the lough and has already proved a good (if hilly) base for a spin out on the bikes (pic).
Thankfully the weather brightened up a bit this afternoon and not only supported the bike ride, but also a bit of truck maintenance, some bike repairs and a very welcome chance to properly dry some stuff out. Damp chamois in bike shorts aren't much fun.
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