Anyway, last week's adventure was in Strandhill, Co. Sligo, a beautiful surf spot designed to cater for the holiday seekers at the foot of a splendid green hill and a nice long sand strand with very strong winds and lovely sand dunes that frame the whole scenery.
It was a perfect spot for a relaxed trip, I was going as a passenger as we were going to work with some new people to lighten things up a bit on our side. Never happened.
I met the driverguide and my tourists at Busaras and College Green (then again everyone was on time and ready) and we hit the road again.
Four waterpolo players from North Dublin traveling together, a couple that was living in the UK, two former Soviet girls (one Latvian and one Ukranian) and two friends from Naas, Co. Kildare that used to work together.
Some hours ahead was our first stop: Carrick-on-Shannon, where we wandered around for a bit and took some snaps of the beautiful River Shannon and it's many yatchs.
A few minutes later we had arrived into Strandhill and the weather was just brilliant. Since the hostels were fully booked, we decided that for the first night we were going to camp. What an experience as the last time I camped was probably about seven or eight years ago and by now the memories of doing were all blurry. Imagine trying to set some tents then!
Then with all of that extra exercise, the four lads and me decided to hit the Ocean for some swimming, I couldn't believe that I didn't feel cold at all.
Few minutes later and the weather got miserable again: cold and rainy so the surf was also canceled.
So we decided it was going to be an afternoon of just have some time-off. Some of the tourists went for pints, some to go for a mountain bike cycle, some decided to get all dressed up and go to the Sligo Races and I decided to stay in town , wander a bit and relax.
A nice walk over the dunes and some beautiful snaps of an extremely dramatic sunset and we were all ready to have some dinner and then a nice bonfire to heat up the spirit in order to have the energies ready for the next day.
I reckon I went to my tent quite early as I was just tired and really needed to rest.
The next morning we woke up and it was time to tear down the camp site, have breakfast and put on the wetsuits: TIME FOR SOME SURFING!
Waves were perfect and very smooth, they were excellent for beginners and most of the people on my group were able to ride some waves and enjoy themselves, then again two hours just flew by and as the tide was raising and hitting the rocks heavily, that was our sign for leaving the water.
Some issues arise on the tour with our driver and after a little "I said-She said" situation, he left the tour and I was left in charge again.
Nothing against it, at some point I think I even like it as I reckon that working under pressure suits me better.
Trying to forget all of that, our rooms at the hostel were ready and we went for a little hike up the sand dunes, took several pictures and even rolled down the hill (it's on video) maybe trying to bring back some feelings from our childhood.
Barbeque followed and now was pouring rain, but after a little siesta (well, I didn't have it, they did), the moods were good enough for a nice piece of grilled meat and I wander, who wouldn't? that's a combo you can't beat unless you are a vegetarian.
We had food and drinks while looking at the dancing portable disco and then went to bed after a day of heavy physical activity.
Did I mention that we had planned surfing at 7 am the next day? And so did we! Must say that putting on a wetsuits at 7 in the morning when it's 7 degrees Celsius is a new feeling but completely worth it.
Surfing in the morning was peaceful, almost perfect, with just six or seven people in the water. Got to catch great waves and wake up from a five-hour sleep.
A few minutes after the surf session it was time to leave and our bus was ready for departure to take us to Galway via Cong.
It was a smooth drive that took us down to County Mayo until our first top, the little village of Cong in the heart of the Connemara Region.
The place was stunning with cristal clear water streams and rivers, the different tones of green, giant sequoias waving and a beautiful well-groomed castle.
Then we drove through Connemara and reached Galway a couple of hours later. All I know is that at some points of the drive, I just felt like hopping off the bus and walking around the area with my backpack. It's absolutely beautiful and can't wait to go back on my own with time to walk and possibly camp.
Galway welcomed us again and it was time to chill out again at the accommodation. Trip was almost over and I just bought loads of junk food while the girls went for a boat trip and the lads were watching the Gaelic Football match.
Town was bubbling with tourists again and a lovely warm evening couldn't just go by without heading into town and have a pint of Bulmers before bed.
Next morning it was time to take the bus and travel non-stop to Dublin. Moods and bodies were already craving for some rest at home.
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