Black Valley to Glencar 18 km (sort of) Oct 6

We had a good rest at the Shamrock Farmhouse and excellent breakfast.  We set out at 8:45. The forecast was for rains showers so kept our rain gear handy.  There were many sheep to keep us  company

It started out to be an ok day....We kept our feet dry for about the first 36 minutes.

The guide book rated today's path as moderate to difficult..."in the wet, when the rocks are slippery, it can get treacherous"

It pretty much poured rain the whole time. 

Laundry day is laundry day - rain or shine!

The guide book also said to not even consider doing the Kerry Way without waterproof footwear.  We have running shoes.  It got a bit better when we realized we could not get any more wet.  At few times while climbing to the summit (400 steep meters) I had the distinct impression we were in over our heads, but there was no escape in sight and no people either.

We knew desending can be every bit as difficult as ascending (it was) and we knew there was an even steeper climb ahead.

At a certain point coming down I knew when we got to the bottom I could not continue.  My feet were slipping inside my shoes and we were both soaked even with all of our rain gear on - and it was still pouring ..and windy. We were at 10 km with 8 km to go

We got to a tiny B &B/ Cafe at 11:45- but the sign said it was closed until 1:30. There was a small shed behind the building -we took cover there and took off our dripping rain gear.  My hands were so cold they had no strength.  And discussed our options - which seemed fairly limited.  As we pondered our next move a young girl hiking by herself joined us - she had come on the same trail and was in the same predicament. She is an Occupational Therapist from New York State, weighs about 115 lbs and is carrying 45lbs of gear ( including tent) with her! Her up coming nights accommodation was booked at the same place as ours.  As we discussed the pros and cons of continuing ( no pros in my mind) 19 teenage school boys and two teachers

happened upon us.  And if we thought we were poorly prepared they were even worse ( not the teachers). Most were wearing sweat pants - hoodies and some even had rubber boots- which became a competition about whose boots held the most water !  They were also very cold and wet.

The teachers had called a bus 

to pick them up as they could not continue.  This is the really cool part.  The bus had room for 24.  Their group originally had 24 but in the morning 2 boys and one chaperone turned back.  So they offered the three of us a ride (8km) to our lodging.  Miss USA called it trail magic! I call it an absolute miricale!

We checked into the Climbers Inn 

and try to get warm and dry. We have a discussion with Miss USA about rain gear .  She is wearing Gortex boots and her feet are also soaked.  She says there is nothing that is totally waterproof - only difference is how long it takes for your feet to get wet.  She said her boots will not dry out all week....our shoes will be dry in the morning...

There is no cell service here, no wifi and no internet....We have a light supper (kitchen was closed) of a ham tomato and cheese sandwich

Today's forecast was the worst weather for the whole week. I hope it's true!