Day 3 Tralee to Lahinch (77 miles, 640m)

The weather was forecast much less rain today and indeed we headed out of Tralee to fine, dry weather.
A longer day in the saddle, we leave Tralee behind and head on country roads to catch the ferry over the Shannon. This serves as the border between County Kerry and County Clare.  

Climbs
The road surface is notably smoother in County Clare. Our destination is the village of Lahinch, well known for it’s surfing schools and great waves.


The bike prepping before the morning briefing.  

Clear skies in part interspersed with some fasting moving rain clouds.
First brew stop. Liquorice all sorts, jammy dodgers and fig rolls - bliss!
A nice cup of tea in the sun.
We were perched to the left of this house.
Good views out to fields and down to the ocean.
A time to 'carb load'
Chris, sporting her new headgear look.
Then suddenly, the heavens opened...
...in biblical proportions.
The small side road turned in a temporary ford. Hail followed briefly.
And then then, miraculously, it cleared. All within 15 minutes!
We then pursued a fast route, a tail wind and whizzed along in glorious sunshine to lunch and the ferry.
Politics not often discussed but probably never far from the surface.
Chit chat as we wait for the ferry.
An ever changing sea and skyscape. Shade and sun in equal measure.
Dramatic skys.
The ferry arrives
Never quite sure how many layers to don!
Exciting to cross. Also reducing a cycle distance by a couple of miles!
The ferry tuck shop.
Smiling but also a bit chilly on board...
...at leat out on deck.
Powerstations were mostly replaced by wind farms
The ferry crossing was about 20 minutes. Nice to have a rest after lunch.
Although there were threats of rain, it remained dry until the evening.
Houses in the passing villages were often brightly painted.
In the middle of nowhere...
...why was there a US flag?
And then I saw!
We make a rapid exit.
Even the local cattle were in shock.
Unable to shed their look of incredulity.
We hugged the ocean for much of the afternoon.
Strong onshore winds sometimes assisting, sometimes not.
The Spanish Armada!
Helmet hair at the end of the day!
Fabulous evening light at Lahench

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