Generally, return travel days are uneventful and rarely worth mentioning, however, today was an exception. With a few hours before needing to be at the Kerry Airport, we set off for the scenic Slea Head Drive. We started with a visit to Clogher Beach, a hidden gem with remote access and crystal blue water lining the rocky embankment. Following a brief stop at Ballincolla Beach a few minutes away, we headed to our first Lookout Point with an elevated panoramic of the previous beaches.
 |
| View from our B&B |
Up to this point, this was a typical, uneventful day, but, as we continued down Slea Head Drive our trip to airport became increasingly complex. A few kilometers down the road from the Lookout Point we encountered an impasse of seemingly improbable coincidence. We could see the standoff between a tour bus negotiating a sharp turn and a stationary station wagon. Keeping the uninsured rental car in mind, we gently approached with caution and pulled over.
 |
| Goodbye Dingle |
|
 |
| Don't do what this guy did |
|
 |
| Us at Clogher Beach |
|
 |
| Rocky embankment |
|
From our roadside parking spot twenty meters behind the wagon we could see hand gestures exchanged between automobiles; neither giving way to the other. Julie and I briefly spoke about the obstinate stupidity of the bus driver who refused to move the over-sized coach. Suddenly, the wagon started to back up and we quietly protested their surrender. However, their maneuvering was futile, the car reversed again and we asked ourselves, "What could they possibly do now?" While we pondered who was plagued with the obligation of this impasse negotiation, the passenger-side door opened. Much to our surprise, stepping out of the car was Joan. We know two people in all of Ireland and had parted ways with them an evening ago, yet, happenstance had reunited us one last time.
 |
| Clogher Beach |
 |
| Ballincolla Beach |
|
 |
| Low tide |
|
We discussed the ignominious bus driver, who finally conceded while we were standing in the road, allowing us to pass. Following the wagon, we pulled over at the next Lookout Point for one last conversation, shared a final laugh about the ironic coincidence, and a had our final sending off. Peter and Joan were concerned with our curtailed timeline and were adamant that we get back on the road as to not miss our flight. We waved goodbye from the car as we pulled away and were back on route.
 |
| Lookout Point above beaches |
|
 |
| Hillside rocks |
|
Rushing to the tiny airport, we made it there with forty-five minutes to spare before boarding; surely enough time to navigate the pint-sized hub, or so we thought. To stir up stress levels, we still had to return the rental car and make sure the €1300 credit card hold wouldn't be claimed because of some
minor scratch or series of marks. We collectively held our breath as the employee looked the car over, ultimately, giving it a wave of approval. The verbal confirmation was reassuring, but we went inside to ensure we had the report signed for our records.
 |
| Lookout Point panoramic |
A short walk across the parking lot brought us to the airport terminal and a backed-up security line. The line appeared stagnant, therefore, we thought there was enough time to order something quick from the restaurant. An order was promptly placed, but we waited... and waited... and waited. The intercom echoed, "Final check-in for Ryan Air, flight number 1028 to Frankfurt-Hahn," however, we were still without food. Moments later, our order was up, but we were forced to devour the meal as quickly as possible.
 |
| Tearaght Island |
|
 |
| Clogher Beach again |
|
After our competitive-eating-styled lunch, we were stuck on the security line when the intercom announced, "Final boarding call for Ryan Air, flight number 1028 to Frankfurt-Hahn." Two more final boarding calls and a gate closing announcement resonated while we anxiously waited to pass through security. Stress levels reached a rolling boil, but an Irishman behind us assured, "This is Kerrry, they won't leave anyone behind." The kind gentleman's anecdote was reassuring, and as soon as we boarded the airplane, we took off; narrowly avoiding a minor crisis.
 |
| Panoramic of Blasket Islands from Slea Head Drive |
No comments:
Post a Comment