Wednesday

The day started off with the Irish mist. We also were informed we had a new driver for the day, Mick. I guess Tom's been working a bit too hard and needs a 24 hour break from driving the bus. Everything works out good since Mannings is based in Limerick. So, Tom will join up with us on Thursday.
Mick has set the ground rules stating that he has been known for evicting people off the bus. For some reason, Frank has been very quiet on this leg of the trip.

We're off to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burrens. We first stop off at the Burrens. The mist has cleared and it's another beautiful day. Lot's of rocks. And snails. There are a bunch of people quickly up the rocks. Once you go over from the street view, the rocks are amazing.


We then go to the Cliffs of Moher. A few things have changed since we were there last.

First, there are what we call Matt Signs: No climbing over the wall and going to the edge. They also opened up a visitor room that has a video explaining a bit more about the area.
The cliffs are very deceiving from a distance until you look out and see the birds. Once you see them flying around and guage their distance to the water, you know how far up the cliffs are.

Christine decided to try sliding down the hill, but found out it was a bit muddy. Then there were a bunch of people romping around the fields. Supposedly, they were looking for 4 leaf clovers, but we found out after that they had a few drinks before. Somehow, they managed to find some 5 leaf clovers...


Mick was kind of hurt that they felt the need to search for 4 leaf clovers for good luck. He thought they were searching because of his driving. Low and behold, on the way out, we were within inches of running over some street workers.


We then headed out to Ennis and took a short shopping break to get snacks for the next 4 nights. And liquor.

We are now headed to the hotel for our home for the next 4 nights. Everyone is excited to finally get to unpack the bags an air out the dirty laundry from the clean laundry.

As we pass through Limerick, a few Limerick's start coming out. We now see what Tom the driver meant when he said the crane has replaced the harp as the national symbol of Ireland.

Once at the hotel, we settled in. Dinner was at 7:00, which was the best meal we've had since we've arrived in Ireland. A nice 4 course dinner, which was too filling!!

It was a brief nightcap as we are preparing for the Ring of Kerry and Killarney tomorrow. A group was playing that good old Irish game of The Simpsons Uno.