FINAL ~ Youth Hostel to the Rescue 031105

We leave The Burren area soon after nighfall, and in cold sleeting rain, make our way north, past Galway City. We then turn northwest into the Connemara region looking a place to spend the night. Almost three hours after leaving The Burren, in the cold freezing rain and in pitch darkness, we stagger into our den and hit the sack right away.

This has been one great Hari Raya Day!

The Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher? I think the cliffs on the Nullarbor Plain at the Great Australian Bight are more spectacular. Maybe not as tall as these, but definitely more impressive.

An Bhoireann 031105

The Burren (from Irish bhoireann, meaning 'stony place') is a 300 sq km area of karstic limestone, untouched since the Ice Age. It has significance in its archeaology, geology, and flora and fauna.

A very desolate ...

... and rocky place ...

... buffeted by howling, freezing gale-force wind from the Atlantic.

In the middle of nowhere with the sun setting, I have little clue how to get help if the car breaks down. I just hope the cell-phone works!

Ballyvaughan 031105

We pass through this quaint little town facing the Atlantic and stop for provisions. Better stock up on foodstuff since it's getting dark and we have no idea what lies ahead!

And in the bitterly cold wind, out comes this feline to play. Sure looks big and fluffy, and it's not due to the thick fur, but rather to the fat. Yes, that's one fat cat - quite an effort to lift the critter up. In such cold weather who can blame him, right?

We are happily playing with the cat, till this over-playful friend comes around and scares the cat away. I guess, the place is so desolate that pets come out to make friends with strangers on the street?

FIRST ~ The Atlantic Coast Again 031105

Barely four hours after leaving Malaysia Hall, we find ourselves on the Atlantic west coast again. We plan to do The Burren and Cliffs of Moher before the day ends. Then head northwest to Connemara for the night.

The Burren & Cliffs of Moher (red circle), Connemara (blue loop), Galway City (black spot). Click map for better read.

Click image for better view.