Wednesday April 27. Cold but two degrees warmer.

Loopwalk today. To Ross Castle and a bit of the National Park. This is not part of the Ring of Kerry; a side trip. 

The walk begins for us at the statue of Hugh O’Flaherty. Local priest known and admired as a pimpernel of the Vatican. 

The national Park here is quite large and scenic. Water, old trees, threatening skies, mountains, lake, bluebell woods in this season. Protected deer, both red and Sika.

Bluebells do not grow east of Germany.

Fresh garlic smells ubiquitous throughout the walk.

The first part goes to Ross Castle, 15th century. Much fought over. The castle sits on a lake with many small islands. Boat trips of many types, guided and self guided. We passed up the five hour trip. Clearly this is a major tourist area.

Large trees fallen along the path.

The trail continues to miners walk, a loop within our loop, where tin mining was commenced 4000 years ago. Started, stopped, started. Finally abandoned early 19th century due to flooding of the mines.

River Walk back to town.

Local beer, Blonde this time, followed by lamb cutlets [ are these the same as lamb chops?] and local smoked salmon dishes.

After dinner discussion about the lack of homeless in the Kerry area.  We have seen none. Cause seems to be good local services. Apparently a real problem in Dublin.