Day 7 Westport to Sligo (68 miles, 669m)

Wet, wet, wet!

 We set off in dry weather. But not for long. An hour later the rain came and came. Not drenching, but purposeful!
We cycled through the natural heritage area surrounding Croaghmoyle Mountain. This passed by Lough Beltra and the Lough Conn, but we were a bit too soggy and cold, so aesthetics passed us by!


We were pretty cheerful at the first brew.
The wind could readily catch the tarpaulin of the gazebo and send it flying.
Note my favourite, the blue one with tiny sugary blue balls (far right).
Counteract the massive liquorice Allsorts sugar rush with fruit.
David serving tea with a smile!
An early lunch at Foxford.
Carbs on carbs!

 Sadly Kathy had injured the inner part of her upper leg - vastus medialis' or sartorious?
Kathy had been brewing a left thigh soft tissue injury that morning. 

 Thus, had an early lunch and headed on for a longish afternoon ride...
...and a brew stop that was never to be.
Injury became worse, so we had to stop. 

 Graham was cycling behind us and produced a giant orange poncho.

 Instant protection from the weather!





Fran and Chris were also behind. We were all somewhat wet and bedraggled, Kathy in too much pain to cycle.

 I remained with Kath in giant, orange poncho for the van to pick her up.
I then cycled alone to Sligo. 

The route was only a little hilly, alternating between faster well surfaced roads and some real 'lanes'.

Farmed woodland all around.


Amazingly, Fuchsia grew wild along the hedgerows, brilliantly red and dripping!
Soggy and cold, I thought I saw Fran and Chris's 'wheelbarrow' tandem leaned against the building of what I presumed was a specialty coffee house
Sadly not their bike!
Nor my imagined accommodation selling fine café latte!
Weird duck house!
Then I saw why.
Cycling the final miles into Sligo I past this mural. I still can't find out who these lads are.
Evening light over River Garavogue, Sligo.
After supper we made our way to 'Shoot the Crows', a Sligo pub known for fantastic traditional Irish music...
...including "No Crows" who've played at Glastonbury. 

Just fabulous...



...and so friendly. I was amazed that they were interested in our bike trip.

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