Mizen Head then Bantry - 24 April 2023

24 April 2023 - Mizen Head then Bantry

This lovely young cat was underneath Dave last night, so opened the door  - it was straight in, up towards Tintin’s bed! Then in the front cab, starting scratching at the carpet - so he/she had to go!

Sarah had been swimming this morning, sent a photo of a beautiful sunrise over the bathing pools - so thought I’d better go for a swim. It was actually very pleasant - didn’t stay in that long - but has re-set my thinking - back to being positive!

I was driving today. About an hour at a time seems to be enough - have to concentrate - it’s like taking a very long hazard perception test! There’s just no way of knowing what the conditions will be like - ‘good’, larger roads can have awful surfaces. It becomes quite relentless being shaken and bumped around! And of course, it irritates Tintin because of all the noise, that he’d like to ‘fix’. Although in fairness, the people we met later in their panel van had driven the same roads today and said they were ‘shocking’ - and also noisy in their van.

We stopped off at Altar, purely as I had some cars following, so was allowing them to pass - turned out to be another discovery point. On any of the photos, you can click on them to enlarge the print if you’d like to read more.

Took about an hour to get to Mizen Head. We were going to park up, and then ride then last 4 miles or so, as thought the roads might be a problem - but drove, and it was fine. There are enough pull ins to allow drivers to pass as long as we’re all considerate of others.

Entrance was €7.50 each, but as Tintin is over 65 he was only €6!

We could see the Fastnet Lighthouse, and again, rather than me rambling, enlarge the photos to read about its history.

Tintin was asked to be navigator for Peter Dorey on the 1979 Fastnet race, but didn’t really fancy it. Unfortunately Peter Dorey was washed overboard and drowned. Funny how fate steps in sometimes…

Walked across the Mizen Bridge - there were seals below. Tintin’s battery on his zoomy camera died - so no close ups today!

The scenery was absolutely stunning, plus wonderful weather too.

Up at the Signal Station were quite a few exhibits - well laid out, and luckily not too busy. Again, cop out day for me writing, as the photos can show you more!

Tintin likes the petrol pumps at the side of roads, usually near a pub!

As we were at Ireland’s most south-westerly point on a peninsula, we drove back a lot of the way we came.

Had decided we’d stay in Bantry at the Westlodge Motorhome Park so we could service Dave tomorrow morning, as it doesn’t look like services are available for him all around the next peninsula going to Dursley Island.

As we arrived, there was a random shower, so had a cuppa before going back to reception to check-in and pay. However, a couple in a UK panel van were servicing up, so we had a chat. Sadly they’d had some damage whilst driving to Mizen Head today, had knocked off the bung to their fresh water tank… Anyway, we asked them how much it was just to service and not stay - rightly or wrongly, they weren’t paying anything! Change of plan, serviced Dave, then drove down to Bantry harbour and parked up near other mohos.

As we were leaving for a walk a lovely couple with their dog Maurice (?) were chatting and asking where we’re from, and generally chatting. They advised us to move a little further back later on if we were staying as there are some gypsies a little further on - and, well, just in case…

Had a walk around, then ordered a take away pizza. Whilst it was being cooked, came back to Dave - bought a few items in SuperValu and asked the lady if we could park in the carpark overnight - so that’s where we are now.

Feeling safer, feeling stuffed - and drinking some wine after a thoroughly lovely day 😊