Connemara is a maze. Rocky islands, hidden channels, dead-end bays - today I got properly lost, and it was wonderful.
Morning in Letterfrack
Started from the pretty village of Letterfrack, beneath the brooding Twelve Bens mountains. The peaks were shrouded in cloud, and mist hung over the water. Very atmospheric.
Island Hopping
This coast is fragmented into hundreds of islands, and the channels between them create a labyrinth. My GPS helped, but often I just followed my instincts, weaving through narrow passages and discovering hidden coves.
Seal Colony
Found a beach where at least 50 grey seals were hauled out on the rocks. They watched me paddle past with their huge, curious eyes. A few slipped into the water and followed me for about a kilometer, popping up around the kayak.
The Wrong Turn
Took a "shortcut" through what looked like a channel on the map. It got narrower and narrower until I was pushing off rocks with my paddle. Eventually had to back out and go the long way around. Lesson learned.
Roundstone Sunset
Made it to Roundstone by evening - a gorgeous little fishing village with brightly painted boats in the harbor. Treated myself to fish and chips, watching the sun set over the Atlantic.
Tomorrow I tackle the open stretch toward Galway Bay.