From The Rings Of Kerry To The Cliffs Of Moher

This morning we set out to drive the Ring of Kerry and enjoy some scenery.  We went a little way down the road when suddenly a bus came barreling around the corner in the middle of the road!  We swerved to miss it, hit something (probably a sharp rock) on the side and - bang, bang - two tires down!  Not a good way to start the day!  We stopped at a store and got a tow truck to take us back to the nearest village where we had to buy 2 new tires (total cost - $400) - then off to see some scenery!  Unfortunately the mist that had started off the day was now rain - so we did not see too much - but what we saw was very pretty!  Towards the end of the day we were driving down the road when another car decided to claim the center.  Once again towards the side of the road - but not so far this time.  A bump (the roads are pretty rutted) from the side of the road and BAM - this time a rim broke open (ever seen that before - I haven't) - so tomorrow we need to find a new rim!  Oh well, tomorrow's another day!

PS-The roads here are so narrow someone has to back up to find a wide place to pass.  The speed limit is 70 - but we are averaging 40 and I am probably going too fast!  Going 170 miles in a day is a 6 or 7 hour journey when you factor in all of the towns where we go 10-15!
PSS--The prices of eating out here are silly.  A very basic meal for us costs $50-70.  The locals all complain about it - so I guess we are not alone!  Prices at the B&B's are not bad -- about $100/night -- but gas of course is high -- about $9/gallon.  They tell me the minimum wage here is now $14/hour and restaurant tax runs 21% - so I guess that is part of it.

We start the day with a tow and 2 flat tires

Sandy takes it in stride

The scenery is great when you can see it through the rain!

Maybe we hit a sharp stone from the walls?

We took a ferry across a bay at one point - saved us 2-3 hours driving! (We do not average 40 on these roads - collectively they are probably the worst I have driven on)

It was not far from here we broke a rim!  Busy day!