In June 2012, my daughter Lauren and I walked across England. We began at the Irish Sea on the west coast and walked 200 miles to the North Sea on the east coast in sixteen days. We'd never done anything remotely like that before and it was one of the greatest experiences of our lives.
We couldn't let it end there.
I've heard Ireland calling my name for many years and now seems like a good time to answer. Lauren and I will walk from Dublin (the beginning of the Wicklow Way) to Portmagee (the end of the Kerry Way), about 387 miles. Our trek will carry us from the Irish Sea, which seems like marvelous place to begin any adventure, to the Atlantic Ocean, over mountains, through farmlands and across bogs.
Sounds familiar, eh?
While the terrain will be quite similar to our Walk Across England, the experience will be quite different. The distance is considerably longer, almost double our first Walk, which will be a challenge. But consider the people, the cuisine and the music - don't forget the BEER! - it will certainly be worth it.
It is my plan to spend each night in a B&B, pub or working farm, but I'm just beginning to work out those details. I really enjoy the planning phase...it gets the blood pumping and my feet ready to jump up and go. My hiking boots are already counting the days.
I invite you to stop by every now and then to see how our plan progresses.
