After four previous tries over our last four annual visits, this year we have gone further up the Reek than ever before. Candee every bit of two-thirds the way up the cone (the final and most exhausting stretch) and me all the way to the top. Croagh Patrick is 2,511 feet tall, and challenging and treacherous for almost every one of those many feet. The sign at the bottom of the Reek states that the average climb up and back down takes approximately three and one-half hours. It may give you a sense of the challenge to us to know that we were proud to have gone up and down in eight. And it's not like we take extensive breaks from the climb. We re-hydrate, have a piece of fruit and a granola bar, and soldier on.
Last week two German tourists were airlifted off the mountain with severe leg injuries - this is not an uncommon occurrence. And worse injuries, head and back, happen on a regular basis. Hence, our caution, and the reason I insisted Candee stop when she did. We both arrived at the bottom of the Reek at the edge of our physical endurance, poured ourselves into the car, and limped into the Westport Leisure facility to savor the well-earned and restorative whirlpool. Ahhhhhh. Life is good...
It wasn't as fine as a day as we had when we traveled to Doolough - it was a bit hazy, but it served our purpose well. The worst patch was the thick, heavy mist that arrived as I crested the summit, eliminating the stunning photo I had felt owed from my efforts. No doubt a message sent to keep my pride safely in check.
A great day. A great day shared by us both.
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| Beautiful Clew Bay, looking north to Mulranny |
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| The path on the cone |
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Click on this photo to see it in a larger format. Then find the people and marvel
at the majesty and menace of the cone
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| Elated |
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The peak clearly visible on this triumphant day
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| Reviewing Clew Bay from the top of the Reek |
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