27/04/08

Yesterday (Sunday) was a complete contrast to the beautiful sunshining
Saturday. We woke in our least picturesque camping spot yet. We were
in a back road in the seaside suburb of Salthill but we still managed
a 0900 sleepin and there was grass. Grass is important for late night
'bathroom' visits. In the am we took a walk into Galway city, we took
shelter from the rain in a jewelry shop; Galway produces a famous
Claddagh ring, composed of two hands clasped around a heart with a
crown above it, many Irish still use it as a wedding ring. With this
in mind, Daniel was persuaded to try some rings on. Size 9 was too
small, size 10.5 was too large, size 10 was just right...oh no it's
not, now he can't remove it.... we might have to stop in Vegas on the
way home if he can't get it off. With some help from the sales
assistant the ring was removed and as the rain had now stopped, we
laughing, hightailed it outa there.
Primarily we had gone into Galway to find out the location of a
supermarket and perhaps cheap diesel. After filling up in Waterford at
€1.15 per litre we can't get our heads around paying up to €1.33 so
have been filling up €10 here €20 there on the theory that a lighter
van will be more efficient until we strike gold again. There was no
cheap diesel in Galway.
On the road again, we were looking for Maam and a walk into the
Maumturk Mountains to find St Patrick's Bed. Legend has it that this
is the furthest north that St Patrick came, he stayed one night turned
around and went back south again.
It was pouring with rain so we filled up the water tank from a stream,
found a parking spot, settled in for the night and put our trust in
the Irish weather to clear up for an early morning walk.