First Day on the Wicklow Way

The day began with Madge's delicious frenchtoast, fruit and yogurt. After a breif and failed attempt at waiting out the rain we headed out to Ballard Crossing where Madge dropped us off for our first run. The air was warm but wet. The 9-mile run consisted of half roads and half trail -- it started with a steady pattern of climbs and descents and not a flat piece of ground to be found. Our first stop on the trail, the famed Dying Cow Pub was closed but we were releived to use their facilities which were left unlocked.
We enjoyed miles of fresh green scenerz, old stone buildings and rock walls overgrown with vegetetation to the point fo looking like hedgerows. The last third of thetrail was between pastrues and covered in ankle-deep mud. Certain portions resembled a creek more than a trail owing to the rain. A few sheep crossed our path and we had to be sure and close the many gates we passed through so they did not run free. We encountered gores and stinging nettles on the trail which really weren't all that pleasant. The copious amount of mud was laughable and Madge got a kick out of us upon our return to the Sunindale Bed and Breakfast.
Dinner at Madeline's was relatively uneventful although the waitress didn't have much patience for us. The Guinness at Murphy's Tavern was delicious as usual, Katie tested out the Irish cider.
Also visited the Courthouse Art Center todaz and admired 17 different variations of paintings of ravens.

Total Miles Run: 9 miles
Total Beers Consumed: 1 pint of Guinness for Jamie and Gary, .5 pint of cider for Katie