Thursday, June 22nd

Yesterday, we learned we could rejoin the Kerry Camino via Derrymore Beach down a quiet farm road leading from our hotel or by crossing the busy highway (N86) about 100 meters from our hotel…we chose the beach route!  We were alone for about a half hour when a local man called out to us to ask “are you walking the Dingle Way?”  He then kindly gave us specific directions that led us from the beach, past the bar we ate at the night before, across the highway, up the hill and out into the countryside!  Phew!!  The climb away from the coast was a good workout!  Along the trail, Larry picked up a strapped carrying case left on the trail…the passport inside belonged to “Deborah”, one of the six women hiking ahead of us!  When we caught up to them, Debbie was very appreciative to have her valuables back!  She was walking the Dingle Way with her friends from Seattle area, four of whom had walked the Portuguese Camino last year!  During our walk and in addition to these women, we met a couple from Minnesota & three people from Germany!  Inch Beach, an expansive stretch of drivable sand, lured us in with the promise of lunch, our hopes dashed due to a power outage that closed all of the eateries!  Hiking out of Inch Beach and along the coastline were fairly steep rolling pathways with spectacular views!  We arrived at our B&B, Teac Seein (means Sean’s house, after the proprietor’s dad) was centrally-located and steps away from a great lunch place!  After relaxing in our room, we ate dinner at the South Pole Inn, famous for Tom Crean the Antarctic explorer who was born in Annascaul, ventured to the South Pole with Shackleton and bought & ran the South Pole Bar!  The bar is full of memorabilia from his travels to the South Pole!  We actually had one of our favorite dinners of the trip, salmon steak with lemon & mashed potatoes & veggies and a warm goat cheese salad!  Yum!