Croagh Patrick descend

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ROF= Ring of Fire Odyssey  

MEF-H = Marine Expeditionary Force- Hargus 

Eire= Ireland journey            

Sunday April 28, 2019         

Decend from Croagh Patrick

David, Lee, Dad,... This salute is for you.  I did not waste this gift of time!

I have been to the mountain and I have seen the burning bush!

The hike back down was no picnic either. going down the mountain your feet want to slide out from under you, like on marbles, in many places. 

Your feet are pointed down, cramping your Achilles tendon and your calves and thighs strain from the downward descent. It's much harder on your legs descending that climbing up.

You really do need two walking sticks on descent. Your feet want to slide out from under you. You have to place every step just right.

Foot/ step placement is even more critical now on the loose rocks. Do NOT attempt this- up or down- w/o a hiking stick. Two sticks are ok. especially down.

Foot/ step placement is even more critical now on the loose rocks. Do NOT attempt this- up or down- w/o a hiking stick. Two sticks are ok. especially down.

It is not fast coming down. Take your time and be safe. This is not where you want to sprain your ankle.

In "The saddle" a brief rest of some NOT steep- somewhat flat ground.

This is a fairly serious climb. This is NOT a ditty bop on the trail up the hill.

inoperable restrooms.

The North Sea fog lifted again for a few minutes.

On the way down... Clew Bay.  Still a long way to go.

Your feet are pointed down, cramping your Achilles tendon and your calves and thighs strain from the downward descent. It's much harder on your legs descending that climbing up.

At the bottom was close to exhaustion. 4 1/2+ hours. My legs were in a trauma shock from exhaustion. My walking gate was not normal; kinda a forced step that kinda flopped forward. 

The stress/ strain of descent really does a job on your legs. It took about a mile- walking back to the B&B- for my legs to begin to walk in a somewhat normal gait.

A hiker, evidently sweating too much discards a jacket on the climb. You learn a real life lesson here: take only what you need.

T-bird at the finish of Croagh Patrick. Very proud of her! A good hiking partner! NOT one complaint!!!

On this life journey, glad I accomplished this Croagh Patrick hump. This journey was a long way from back home in Greenbow Alabama.

Thank you Lord! For the gift of seeing/ making this hump today. ... for being able to accomplish this at my age.

You never drink twice from the same stream. 

Just because you wander doesn't mean you're lost. 

Uncle Hargus: Last of the Independents  

Have Bear,    

          Will Travel 

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