Our destination for Day 3 was Sliabh Liag, which means “Mountain of the Flagstones” in Gaelic. These towering sea-cliffs are among the highest in Europe.
Problem was, our day looked like this. We still did (most of) the hike, but with very limited visibility we could not appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the site.
As usual, our first stop was at a gas station that had a small grocery and deli. We were generally responsible for our own lunches throughout the trip.
Nancy and I repeated yesterday’s lunch of a baguette, cheese, and fresh fruit.
Along a fairly secluded rural road, we passed the Irish home of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Apparently he spent a lot of time in this area as a child.
Time to break out the rain gear!
Our hiking guide Fiona was with us for a second day, but we struggled to hear her with the rain and wind.
We’re pretty much looking out at nothing in particular.
But on a clear day, THIS is the view!
So, no spectacular scenery today, but we can still get a workout, so up we go!
It was amazing how many people were out on the trail, despite the poor weather conditions.
At our turn-around point we displayed good cheer and the camaraderie of shared adversity.
In better conditions the group usually continues farther up the ridge, but from here the route is narrower and closer to the cliff edge, so our guide considered it too dangerous to proceed.
We took our time as we descended on the wet flagstones that made up the trail.
Back on the bus, we broke out some comfort food while traveling back to the hotel to eat our lunch “at home.” Picnics aren’t much fun in the rain.
Nancy brought her computer to my room, and we spent the rainy afternoon catching up on photo albums and blogposts.
From my hotel window which overlooks Donegal Bay, I spotted a new bird for the trip, the Little Heron. He has “golden slippers” like our Snowy Egret.
We were on our own for dinner, so Nancy went to La Bella Donna and brought us back a pizza to share, “Pere e Gorgonzola” – mascarpone, mozzarella, gorgonzola, poached pears, walnuts, balsamic dressing.
Turns out my raincoat’s protective coating was worn out and pretty much ineffective in keeping me dry, so I’m really hoping tomorrow’s weather is sunnier!
My.Bird.Walks. 
Thanks for such a blog.
My raincoat was also not effective & I bought a REI hip length raincoat. It is also not breathable, so I sweat.
Thanks, for the few photo you have of birds. So, that is what a wet Jackdaw looks like.
Lorraine Boyd
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Dear Mary: as much as I would like to, I think that I won’t try to rem her who else would like to see these walks.
Thanks very much for doing this & sharing it with us.
Lorraine Boyd
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