Day 5 (cont)
Once the tent was up Trevor & I headed for the town centre, through a park that closed at 9pm, got there at 8.50 but when we got to the other side of the park the gates were locked, so we had to climb over a 10-foot wall to get out. We tried to find a bar with Irish music playing but none was to be found, the two that was to have local music never started until 10.30pm, too late for us.
Day 6 - Sunday 10th June 2018 - Tralee to Moher Cliffs to Galway to Westport House (miles 197) Camping 24 euro
Church bells ringing as we packed, then a young lady with a small child in pushchair wanted a photo just as we were about to leave, said she was going to add the picture to their Tralee Caravan Club web site. Then as we were going through the lift up barrier the receptionist wanted a photo along with a few others who were there too. Our aim was to get to Galway, the weather was cooler so side screens on, just a few light showers on route, nothing out of the ordinary on route until we got to a ferry. We pulled up behind a Harley Davison and behind us, an Australian lady from Perth (but born in UK) who had been behind us for miles. She took many a photo of the Bug and as I do, I let her have sit in it. We got talking and she showed us a photo of her kissing the Blarney Stone, which you do lying on your back over a massive drop, being held by a strong bloke to stop you falling, made me glad I quit the queue, google kissing the Blarney Stone and look at the pictures to see what I mean. Her name was Melissa and she was going to Galway too, when she found out we were going there she asked if she could tag along as she had no sat nav or map. 'No problem' I said 'but we may be going the scenic route', which was fine by her. Many photos were taken of the Bug on the car ferry by most of those on board.
|  |
| We took the coastal route and one tourist spot on the way was the Moher Cliffs and sure enough there were coachloads there, bit of a cheek charging every passenger in the vehicles for parking when they could easily have walked in for nothing, if let out of the vehicle prior to entry. Anyway, very high cliffs with some idiots seeing how close they could get to the edge. Not worth the entrance fee but worth a stop providing you get in free. Melissa by this time was so happy to be following, not only to see the expressions on people’s faces as my small Bug passed them by but also, she was glad of some company, she ended up following us for about 100 miles with just one stop on route for petrol. Once at Galway we said our goodbyes. Mel went to find a B&B while Trev and I went to a McDonalds for a snack and to plan where to next. Westport, we decided upon and on we went, just 10 kilometres from camp the indicators stopped working again, no luck fixing them by the roadside this time, so I decided to use hand signals till we got to camp. Once the tent was set up I tried to find what the problem was, the fuses were fine, the wiring looked fine, the switch felt fine, tried the bulbs they were all fine, except for one which was a bit corroded, bit of sandpaper later and all was well. Unfortunately, I did not have a spare indictor bulb, plenty of other bulbs, but not the one I wanted, typical! Anyway, they were working, and I will get a new bulb tomorrow to be on the safe side. |  |
Day 7 - Monday 11th June 2018 - Westport - Sligo - Armargh - Portrush - Giants Causeway (miles 231) Camping £15
From Westport house we headed for Westport harbour, then as we were nearly there I noticed a large lorry parked with my surname LYNAS emblazoned on its side, so quickly turned the Bug around and pulled up alongside to get a snap. The driver came over when he saw me taking the photo and asked many a question about the Bug, a very jolly fellow. He had on a fleece top with the Lynas logo on and I asked if I could have his top, well blow me down he took it off and gave it me, I was well chuffed, in return I gave him a couple of Bug Pens and keyrings. After a quick visit to Westport harbour, we headed for Sligo where we topped up with petrol and took a quick breakfast break, mileage at that point meant we had done just 85 miles and it was nearing 1pm. We passed into Northern Ireland and only realised that we had done so when the road speed signs changed shape and colour and Yield became Stop. Next port of call Armagh and one place I had marked to visit was a private motor & military museum, The Abingdon Collection, pulled up at the address, it was a large cottage? Can't be right I thought, the owner Phillip Faithfull answered the door, the museum was within, he normally only opens up if booked well in advance, but when he saw the Bug and realized we had come a long way he duly opened up his home and tremendous private museum, A Jeep, 3 MG's a 2.8 Capri, a Porsche, and a racing MX5, many motor bikes, an original Chopper bike and lots of model vehicles (but no Bond Bug that is until I send him one), but his most impressive display was his German military stuff, uniforms, bayonets, hats, guns and knives to mention but a few. He had been collecting since the age of 14 and still does, many items are now fairly rare. His knowledge of the items was immense, any donation made went towards Cancer research, so we chucked in 20 euro. Glad we called in. |  |
By Rory Lynas
25-06-2018 |
|
