Day 83: A balanced state of mind on a shaky boat

Day 83 - Tuesday, June 19th 2018: Old Head to Clare Island 10 km / Total 1734 km, 15°C, rain

I had great sleep at Anne's house, and it was great to enjoy the view on Croagh Patrick in the morning and to take my breakfast with fruits watching the Bay. Anne was very kind to me. When I explained that I was doing my trip on my own she told me I must be strong and very happy with myself. It's true. Maybe it was not the case at the beginning when it was hard to be alone, but now I'm okay with myself (and I met many people on the road). As Brendan told me in Dunfanaghy, no one can make me happy or bring me happiness, it only has to come from me. I think he was true. And I think I found it, as I feel not always very happy, but I'd say, more balanced. I'm at peace with myself, enjoying the present moment, without any other expectation.

Anne also told me she had a Swiss girl some weeks ago, walking just like me. But she was only 19! My God! I wonder if I would have been able to do such a trip 10 years ago?

On the road, a cyclist stopped to talk to me, because he saw me the day before when I was leaving Westport. After Louisburgh, I took the little road along the hill. As I got closer to the Pier, the rain got heavier, at such a point that, when I got on the ferry, I couldn't see the island!

The sea was not good. Usually, I wear acupressure bracelets when I'm on a boat, to avoid sickness and nausea sensations (you don't feel your stomach), but of course, as I'm on a walking trip, I didn't take them with me. I took the fastest ferry which makes the crossing only 10minutes, and regarding the bad weather, I think it was the best idea. On the ferry, I tried to focus on the horizon, and sometimes the difference with the back deck was 45°.

I reached Clare Island in the early afternoon and went straight to the hostel. There, I took a hot shower and tried to dry my things (once again). I spent the rest of the afternoon in the living room, writing and watching the bad weather outside.

I shared my room with a girl from Montréal, who was on summer holidays in Northern Europe. We shared dinner and beer at the hostel restaurant which served a delicious food!