Day 03: A test day with a 1000 ft climb

Day 03: From Black Valley to Bridia Valley

DateAug 16, 2022 ( Tuesday )
Today's Distance: 7 miles / 11 km
First of two mountainsMountain #2 Today
Total Country: Ireland22 miles.
Total All Caminos: 1642 miles
Lodging: Hostel Climbers Inn @ 30 €
Total Lodging: $ 135
Taxi: $ 30
Total Buses / Trains: $ 60
Food: $ 20
Total Food: $ 40

Meaningful Moment

The concern and care that Adriana and Carlos had for me as I was going down the mountain. And they went extra special to make sure I didn't get hurt on the way down. It's nice to be loved.

They both made sure that I was safe and sound as we descended the mountain, stepping in, around and on rocks, boulders and stones. It would be an exaggeration to say it was treacherous, but it was definitely physically hard and required constant attention to each and every foot fall.

Random Thought of the Day

Ariana commented that she thought she might come back more spiritual, but nothing so far has been spiritual. This was a reference to the sheer physicality of the hiking, and how it consumes all your energy.

Carlos said that he seriously underestimated the terrain in this beautiful country.

Arina ( a very interesting through-hiker at The Campers Inn ) was wondering why am she walking on this stupid road when the guide said she should be at the hostel by now.

On the Road / Notable memories

I swelled with admiration at the relationship between Carlos and Adriana. They are very supportive of each other out here.

Because there was no room at the bed and breakfast in the Bridia Valley, we ended up at a hostel in Glen Carr which is about 6 miles further on. So tomorrow we will get a ride back to today's stopping point in the Bridia Valley, and continue hiking from there to Glen Carr. 
As a result, we are spending two nights in Glen Carr.



Adriana put together this collage of today's hike.




Starting out from the Black Valley Hostel


Questioning the weather, but it turned out to be a nice day.


Lots of ranch land




Adriana leading the way




One more ranch crossed


Having some fun as we go up and up and up.


Carlos handles another ranch, crossing from field to field.




Black Valley


Starting the climb


The mountains surround Adriana.


... and Carlos.


... and me. Lol











Glen Carr sunset


We ended up in Glen Carr because it was the closest place to our stopping point for the day where there was a place to get a room, technically beds because we are at a shared dormitory hostel.























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