Eagle point camp site to the end !

Day 8
                 It was pleasant to know that i could cycle away from the van and leave Sheila to tidy up and organise our stuff of the day , she woke up early and asked me if i wanted to go for a swim in the bay , but i was shattered i wanted an extra hour , she was back within 30mins! There was a swan in the bay that had started hissing at her so she turned tail with her I’m a total warrior buff on lol . We had some porridge charged our electronic equipment and i set off cycling the final leg , it was overcast to begin with but the sun came out and by the end of the day i was sun burned , probably shoulda put some cream on . 

       Just outside Bantry i stopped to speak to a german cyclist he was from Stutgard , we spoke extensively about each other's bikes his was the much more interesting. It was a singe speed and classic raleigh frame with reynods 530 tubing he had put a lot of work into this customised retro bike , with his own customised back rack, a brooks saddle, leather bound classic drop handle bars. I was impressed by his set up the only modern thing was his destination print outs and using his phone for navigation.

 I arrived at our pre arranged destination of Tormoor and it was only about 5 - 10 houses. I cycled through it without stopping and had to text to rearrange a meeting point to Goleen ,

      The plan was that we  would cycle the last section together , it has been my first ever cycle holiday with a support driver and Sheila has done well. By the time we met at Goleen she had driven the length of Ireland and a wee bit extra ! We parked up and i had to cycle the touring bike while Sheila cycled the cyclocross for the last 12km to mizen head , glorious sunshine, rolling hills, beautiful scenery it was a glorious final cycle to the end , 

     Sheila had sneaked a bottle of beer into her pack which she presented me with at the finish line ,fantastic! Perfect end to a long cycle journey, sunny weather a beer and good company.  Task completed life was good , we took a few pictures bought  and wrote postcards , we didn’t pay the 7.5 euros to go over the bridge to the lighthouse , the 12km cycle  back to the van was pleasant and when loading the bikes onto the cycle rack i was happy to draw a line under this adventure , and can now proudly say on top of cycling the length and breadth of the UK i have now also cycled the length of Ireland 

          Once back in Goleen i had two pint of Guiness while chatting to two danish blokes about brexit , sitting in the sun task complete shooting the shit with foreigners , no agenda except somewhere to sleep for the night was ace you can shove your cycling lol . 

     

 We decided we would stay in Glengarriff. First we looked at a hostel on the outskirts of town that had parking for campers , we felt this was a good option park up the van in the grounds of a hostel ,we can use their shower and toilet facilities while still having our own space in the van , But in arrival it was a bit run down and quiet and a scabby wee dug nearly bit Sheila’s  leg off , we weren’t staying there ! so the camp site 2km outside of town was our next option we had a look a place called o’sheeans, was ok and only 17 euros for the night , we chose this before realising there was a bigger campsite right next door with a pub and restaurant ! we had made our choice parked up ate a snack organised the bed and van for the night before we seen this 3rd option so it was too late .

     The walk into town was in mega bright sun and we were both already burnt , this is not the weather you expect in Ireland at this of year we are grateful but surprised ! The midges were out on site while we sat and had a wine with vegan cheese, soda bread and fresh tomatoes , it was fair braw a grand day all round. The sun was too hot we had been burnt with the sun but happy , 

    The 2km walk into town was pleasant if a little too hot, we were searching out the shade. Unravel in town we opted for the Hawthorn Inn , we chatted with the owners while we ate and drank , the dinner was lovely and we ended up having two Irish coffees with our dinner ! they were delicious but normally i would get a Scottish coffee with scotch whisky ! tonights Irish whiskey was a Powers whiskey from the distillery i finished my daily cycle at Six mile bridge outside limerick two days ago.