Having Loads of Fun, Only 2 Things Suck
For those who doubt we’re having a great time let me just be perfectly crystal: We are both having a grand time as we ride¬†across¬†the beautiful Irish landscape. Just remember, I love a good challenge, except when death is in the line. Today we road 2/3 of the way from Athlone to Galway and made our stop over for the night in Lough Rea, a town in the lake if the same name. This was the most straight forward of any journey as we were able to finally use the expressway which here is only one lane each way. What sucked was the¬†4 km¬†stretch were the road narrowed and thus made our ample 5 foot wide shoulder decrease to less than 6″. We thus wisely got off of our bikes and walked for an hour and a half in the tall grass to avoid being hit by big rigs and buses which would have been less than a foot a way and going more than¬†100 kph.
The other “suck” I refer to in the title is the river Suck, yes a river by the name of Suck , which I found most hilarious. When we crossed we noticed traffic was really slow so we dismounted and upon closer inspection saw a funeral precession marching through the middle of the highway. I do mean marching too, they were walking straight down the middle of the highway and caused a backup which stretched for many kilometers in both directions, quite a sight to behold. They were headed toward a grave yard we had passed earlier with a ruined church which is today’s attached picture. I still find it interesting that they place graves inside the ruins if old churches.
shayna responds:
Posted: June 13th, 2008 at 2:16 pm →
That’s amazing! I love that picture so much.
i feel bad that you walked an hour and 1/2 but-
i know you men could handle it, & im glad neither of you got hit!
I hope the rain stays away for you guys until you at least get to Galway.
We’re all praying and Gram loves hearing about your journey!
She’s not even really worried (though i tend to leave things about roaming bulls and buses out)
by the way- could you bring me back a small rock? a pebble even is fine 😀
You boys are amazing!
Jenn responds:
Posted: June 13th, 2008 at 3:50 pm →
First of all, WHOA THAT IS THE COOLEST THING EVER! I AM SO GLAD THIS IS TODAY’S PICTURE!!!
Second of all, I do INDEED know how much you like a challenge! You and your crazy death-defying challenges! Well, I guess it is mostly just in the realm of video games… but not anymore!
I dub thee: “Mac Man EXXXXXTREME”! hahaha (don’t tickle me! 🙁 )
noelle responds:
Posted: June 13th, 2008 at 7:15 pm →
hallo laddies,
Will, i am so proud of you for trying that guinness although i feel the same way about it’s appalling flavor. i hope the camping is going well and that you’re able to find some nice springy grass to rest your bones on. so are you saddle sore yet? i love you both.
Mom (Jung) responds:
Posted: June 13th, 2008 at 10:29 pm →
That is an awesome picture! I’m glad you had the brains to choose not to ride with zero inches between you and barreling traffic! You know how I worry, Patrick!!!! Last night, at 2 a.m., the smoke alarm went off in Patrick’s room for absolutely no reason. You know how a low battery sort of beep-beeps…well this one went on full buzz until we woke up and figured out what the noise was. Gary went through the whole house, trying to smell any smoke, but there was nary a whiff. Anyway, it made me wonder why the Lord had us wake up out of a dead sleep at two o’clock, so I was praying fervently for you, wondering if you were perhaps in danger. I was very relieved to see your not one, but two blogs! And don’t worry about not liking the Guinness, Will, you and I can drive the rest of them to their A A meetings later on… 🙂
Dad responds:
Posted: June 14th, 2008 at 11:16 am →
Howdy Boyz! Will, I was so looking forward to seeing you actually down a pint of the dark rich toasty brew. Well, I guess there’s yet hope since the journey is far from complete. So glad to hear your both using your enormous craniums in regards to road side safety. And of course it warms my heart to finally see you use the word “suck” in a sentence (what more could a father ask for?). I’m so proud! Keep on keeping on fellas. And remember ” Home is where you make it” (not, you like to see homo’s naked, ala Mr. Dirt).
Lonette responds:
Posted: June 14th, 2008 at 7:41 pm →
My dear precious boy’s, I so glad you walked the dangerous part of the road, you are both wise beyond your years! You never know when one of those wee pesky leprechauns might get up to some mischief! I’m a bit curious about the grave or stone table in the middle of the church ruins, it looks like it might have been used for medieval human sacrifices, or maybe there’s a knight in full armor buried there. The picture looks so much more gothic if you weave a story around it.