Gerard told me I should choose a day to adventure to Killarney National Park. After a little weather and bus research, I decided Tuesday was my best shot! That morning, I packed some food for the day, grabbed a coffee in Cork, and headed out west.

Around 11:30, I arrived at the Killarney bus station, grabbed a second coffee, and walked to the visitor’s center. The lady there suggested I take the hop-on-hop off bus to adventure around Muckross lake, a 10km loop. To me, this sounded great, except that the bus wouldn’t leave for another hour, and I didn’t have time to waste. I decided to start the walk and find the bus later on if I needed it.

As I walked out of the town, towards the lake, I marveled at the world around me. They say the grass is always greener on the other side…but like.. here it IS! It’s actually so fricken green. I saw the mountains in the distance and felt a surge of nostalgia. I also felt a slight surge of sadness, knowing there wasn’t enough time in my day for a crazy mountain summit. RIP to the 14ers of Colorado.

Now let’s break this story down.

Mile 1-9: Picture me, listening to Irish folk music, eating biscuits and chocolate, drinking my second coffee of the day, basking in the nature, feeling fire. I watch as the tour bus and the jaunting cars go by. But alas, my strong legs don’t need to spend money on those! BUDGET TRAVEL EXTRAORDINAIRE.

Mile 9.5: The forecast looked great! No chance of rain – all day. So why bring a raincoat? (Umm idk- maybe cuz its Ireland?!) A single storm cloud appears, and then the rain begins. Just a little TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR. It only lasted 20 minutes, so short of a time compared to a full day. But, I am done for. Everything is soaked; my coat, daypack, mittens, hat, shirt, shoes. Heck, even my phone is damp and I have nothing to dry it with.

Mile 10-12.5: Picture me, listening to empowering music, eating a smushed/wet turkey sandwich, trying to power through. Shivering and cold, wishing I wasn’t 5 miles from town, I still try to recognize the beauty around me.

“Oh look a rainbow!…damn I’m cold”.

“The rain makes the grass so green!…also makes me cold”.

My half-full glass is draining quickly.

Mile 12.5: I make it back to the Muckross house, which has a bathroom. Perfect. I start to dry my shirt under the drier, wash my hands in warm water, and wipe-off my phone with toilet tissue. Still, I am soaked and cold. As I look if the bus is anywhere near, wondering if I can pay to ride just the short trip back to town, I see this cute elderly couple going towards their car. Hmmmmmmmm……

I *casually* walk past them, wave to say hi, and they ask me how my day’s going.

I *casually* launch into the story of how beautiful everything is but that I have hiked nearly 13 miles and gotten trapped in the rain.

I *casually* inquire how their day went.

I *casually* ask if they are headed back into town.

They tell me yes… and to hop on in!

Mile 13-15: Small talk with the elderly couple. They are so kind. Their car is warm. I am contented. AND we see deer! I thank them a million times over.

Mile 15: I have now gotten back an hour before my bus leaves, and there is a pub across the street. I am still so cold, so a hot toddy sounds wonderful. I quickly google to make sure that’s a thing in Ireland. Turns out, it was invented by an Irish Doctor. Dr. Todd is a brilliant man.

At the pub, I order my drink and continue to warm-up. I also am warmed by conversation with those around me. I meet another nice couple who are taking an evening away from their kids. They are a couple drinks in, and we are chatting about everything: healthcare, music, the concept of aging, what we’re thankful for, the fact I am now a dairy farmer (it’s a great conversation topic). I finish my drink, and go to use the bathroom. When I come back to say goodbye, the bartender places another glass in front of me. The couple ordered another round and included me in it! For the next 15 minutes we continue to laugh and chat. I really live for small talk.

As I bus home, I am still damp and cold, but I am also warmed by the kindness of the strangers I have encountered tonight (OK…also maybe warmed from the extra whiskey). Anyways, I am always astounded and grateful for how new and old friends help me out in times of need.

All in all, It wasn’t a perfect day, but it sure was an adventurous one, and thats way better!