Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair...

Oh boy where do I begin? What a truly luxurious 24 hours I've had. I arrived in Galway about 12 ish yesterday and had a few hours before my room was ready. So took Milo to see the sights. He had a great time and got to swim loads. Then I checked into my room at the Radisson Blu, I say room, it was the size of a house. Only special key holders could access the lift to my floor and when I opened the door I got such a shock. The bathroom was even bigger than my van. The bed could have slept a family. The wrap around balcony held the sun my whole stay. Having been used to a thimble for a sink in the van I now had two sinks the size of small baths. And the bath, oh the bath. Big and hot and bubbly, just what I've been craving, I didn't want to ever get out. All the staff here at Radisson Blu have been so lovely to me.

I took lots of photos and people keep messaging me wondering who I'm with, as in who took the photos?! Haha I have a time delay button on my iPad camera. Unfortunately I'm all alone up here, feeling like Rapunzel in the tower waiting for her prince. On arrival a very kind gentleman had arranged for a bottle of chilled wine for me (two glasses included) so I toasted myself, twice.

This morning after a hearty breakfast, consisting mainly of chocolate, I went off to use the Thermal Spa. Again pure luxury all the way. The attention to detail here is outstanding. I had a relaxing back neck and shoulder massage and chilled out in the relaxation suite. Now I'm sitting on my balcony knowing I have to pack up and leave very soon. I must admit I didn't sleep too well last night as I felt so guilty leaving Milo in the van. I missed him so much. I was going to go into the bars after dinner last night but ended up sitting in the van with Milo. Stupid thing is once he's had his walk and is settled he pretty much ignores me anyway.

So We're about to hit the road again Milo and Me. Just heading further up the West Coast, see where the road takes us...

My suite...

My bath...

Off to dinner...

My breakfast....

Spirit One Spa....

Caught up in a 26K Marathon...

It's been a bit odd the last couple of days. Having backtracked my route I've now revisited familiar places and met up with people whom I actually know already. Even Milo recognised areas, I think through scent, and got quite excited on occasion. I'm not allowed to say much about my reason for backtracking other than it involved a rather large production team, a lot of filming and, my favourite bit, being fitted with a microphone by an extremely tall, dark handsome (sadly very young) gentleman. What was filmed will be aired by Channel 4 around September time so I will update when I am allowed.

Last night I wildcamped in Ballyvaughn.  I was aiming to reach a campsite before it got too late. But I left it too late.  As it was dark and raining heavily I just pulled into an empty carpark opposite the church. All nice and quiet. Until rather early this morning I peeked out the curtain to see what all the commotion was about. The annual 26K marathon was taking place. The carpark was heaving, the beast blocked in between cars and hundreds of runners milling around waiting for the start. Obviously had I known of this event I would have registered and done the run...!
I put Milos lead on and we went for a wander round the town. Stopped three times for coffee, went to the farmers market, listened to the musicians and bumped into a lady I know from here. Tons of people kept stopping me to ask if they could pet my adorable dog :)

Later in the afternoon, after Milo had rolled yet again in more fox pooh, we had a nap in the van. Whilst I was dozing I had, what I believe, an amazing idea for a book. The plot I had in my imagination was so intriguing for me I wished someone had already written it so I could read it! Anyway I wrote down all that I had thought about and will save it for a rainy day.

I am absolutely so excited about my hotel stay tomorrow at the Radisson Blu. I'm wondering how many baths I can fit in over a 24 hour period...

Just friends Ardal and me...

Running a marathon...

Milo doing his beached whale impression...

And the gentleman provided Moët...

Happy birthday to me! The big '50' doesn't actually feel any different than being 49 yesterday. So far not a bad day. Up early as usual and had two cards to open that my son and best friend provided before I left. Both contained a genorous amount of euros, good job I didn't know this or they'd have been opened prematurely. This morning I met a gentleman for coffee on the beach. We have been in touch through Facebook since I've been travelling and he is from my hometown. He is travelling Ireland for a few weeks and was near me today. Such a lovely gentleman and he so kindly presented me with a bottle of Moët for my birthday. I'm saving it for my bubble bath at the Radisson Blu on Sunday, which like the Queen will be my second birthday.

I left the campsite O'Hallorans in Salthill at lunchtime, having had a lovely couple of days there. The lady recognised me on arrival from the television show that morning. Tonight I am wildcamping on a beach. I have actually back tracked my journey for two days but I can't say too much of my reason why. Other than I am doing some filming for Channel 4 tomorrow with some celebrities! All will be revealed ;)  Yesterday morning when I was walking on the beach I took a call and did a live interview with KCLR radio station, quite random but good fun. I think my mum is just waiting for me to pop up behind the bar in Coronation Street at this rate!

I've just made myself a delicious chicken fried rice and poured a small glass of wine into my stemless glass (stem smashed off when travelling too fast) and of course I've got all my chocolate to look forward to :)

Today of all days I could do with some decent wifi but alas not available when one wildcamps. I did have a brainwave yesterday. The buses in Ireland provide free wifi, so I thought if I just drove along behind a bus all day long...

My Moët...

My birthday supper...

Following buses...

Tattooed before 50...

Well I am just about to leave my forty's, which I must say I have thoroughly enjoyed. So I'm hoping my fifty's will be even better. I've spent my whole life adamant I would never get a tattoo, I've always kind of thought why spoil what God gave you. But today walking through the city of Galway, saddened by watching all the 'hip' people, and feeling rather plain, I walked into a tattoo parlour. It was down a little back alley and up three flights of steep, narrow stairs. I'd already sat on a bench (next to Oscar Wilde no less) and contemplated the idea and thought why not? The very tattooed receptionist greeted me and I boldly said "I would like a 'dot' tattoo on my foot". A dot? She said. "Yes, just a dot" I replied. That will be 50 euros she informed me. "Oh" I said and walked away. Heyho I will remain untattooed.

I travelled on a bus today. Something I rarely do. Sadly Milo was not allowed on the bus so he has had to stay 'home'. I stood under the sign which informed me the bus would arrive in six minutes. Sure enough six minutes later the bus appeared, and stopped about 50 yards further down the road?    I asked the bus driver for a return and was informed it was 2.20 one way or 4.60 return. I opted for one way each way. Galway is bustling, street music at every corner, pubs and cafes galore. I treated myself to three books from a little back street second hand book store, having read the six I had already. I ate ice cream in the street listening to the music and drank coffee at a pavement cafe. I had a lovely day but I must say I really missed Milo.

So tomorrow is my 'official' birthday but as I can't have my luxury birthday bath until Sunday I am postponing my celebrations. Tomorrow I will go to my new favourite coffee shop in the morning and later wildcamp somewhere and eat the ton of chocolate I have bought myself...

I've (hopefully) added a link to my recent television interview, it's quite funny and Milo stole the
show :)

Me at bus stop...

Me in Galway...

My favourite cafe...

My chocolate...

A somewhat disastrous date...

Well I eventually found my way off the Burren and set up camp on the beach at Parkmore. It was a lovely little spot and we stayed two nights. Saw some funny goings on, a man randomly walking his goat, Jesus in a field, a cow and calf paddling in the ocean, fully clothed people swimming in the ocean not to mention the naked man! All in all an interesting two days and, best of all, level ground so got good nights sleep.

Now I'm staying with a lovely lady in Salthill, she has a small plot of land practically on the beach and also owns a dog who looks very like Milo. This lady has also done some crazy travelling like myself, she has upped and taken her dog off to Spain on a few occasions. We have lots in common.

I'm now sitting in the lobby of the Salthill hotel having just had what I can only describe as a rather disastrous date. Talk about 'mismatched'. This particular gentleman had telephoned me every day since Willie gave him my number and was so insistent on meeting me 'God willing' as he kept saying at the end of every call. He arrived very late for the date and seemed to be wearing funeral attire. It seems he was basically looking for a carer, having listed all his many ailments for me, but insisted she would be allowed to take the car on occasion to go off shopping. It was quite clear we were not suited and parted on friendly terms, wishing each other well for the future.

I'm a little sad today. Unfortunately the Radisson Blu are fully booked for my birthday on Thursday. They have still, generously, offered me an alternative date for which I am extremely grateful. But now I'm at a loss as what to do on Thursday. It looks like I may well be sitting in my van on a lonely hill top eating beans on toast...

Probably me on Thursday...

Jesus...

Walking the goat...

The end of the rainbow...

My birthday bath...

After a couple of days chilling with Milo off we went exploring. I was so close to Father Teds House I went off looking for it. I drove around the Burren for about two hours. I found perfume houses, yoga schools and many historic monuments, but I could not find Father Teds House, not even a sign post. Whilst perched on a hillside on the Burren I did another radio interview with Ray Darcy RTE. Some of the listeners even phoned in to try and direct me to Father Teds.  Sadly my sense of direction is useless, even typing it into my satnav brought up no results. Anyway I got to see lots of the scenery at the Burren, stopping twice on the road, once for a herd of sheep and then some wild horses.

Even more exciting, whilst on the radio I was offered the opportunity of a night at The Raddisson Blu in Galway for my birthday. I'm so happy about this, mainly for the opportunity to have a big bubble bath, as anyone who knows me will know this is my favourite pastime. Even the luxury of being able to 'sit up' in bed without banging my head will be a novelty. And getting out of bed without climbing down a ladder, star shapes in bed, no rocking in the wind, no awareness of the rain, not worrying if the hand brakes on, sleeping level, watching a television, oh the simple things taken for granted! I'm quite looking forward to my birthday now, being single doesn't seem so bad after all.

I've just stopped at the town of Kinvarra, they have a farmers market every Friday and I've just sampled some 'sheep cheese' which is a first for me. Now I'm having a coffee stop at the Pier Head, which, for my Liverpool friends, is a little pub on the pier at Kinvarra...

Lost on The Burren...

The Pier Head...

Boat trips and toilet trips...

Yesterday I got to go on a boat trip to see the Cliffs of Moher. The lovely Pat Dowling, who is passionate about the history of the spa wells of Lisdoonvarna, arranged this for me. So off I went to the pier at Doolin to board my boat.  I was met by the very knowledgable Donnie and given a bit of background information before my trip. Donnie runs Doolin2AranFerries with a really fun crew on board. One of the boys advised a lady not to sit in a certain seat as she would get extremely wet. Her husband, sitting beside her, asked if he would also get soaked. The boy replied "you'll be fine if she stays sitting there!"

Off we went out to sea. The cliffs are rather outstanding. Donnie told me there are 40,000 birds on the cliffs. I asked Donnie if he'd counted them. He said "every hour and there was one missing this morning". I must admit my photography skills are pretty poor and I don't think I've captured the cliffs at their best. But what I saw was breathtaking. Well worth the trip.

Before I went on the boat I stopped at a little cafe for a loo trip. I really must learn the Irish words as I was a little confused to male and female toilet. It was only when I came out and thought to myself what a strange little hand basin that I realised I was in the boys!

I've booked into a nice quiet campsite and am chilling with Milo for a couple of days and getting on top of my 'housework'. Then heading up the coast towards Galway.  A week tomorrow I am fifty! If I don't have a beau on that day I've decided I'm going to find myself a luxury hotel, check in for one night and have myself a big, hot, bubbly bath and a glass of champagne. Will probably blow my remaining budget but then you're only fifty once...

My rather useless rape alarm...

Overnight I've had one date and been dumped by another! A gentleman on the other side of Ireland to me seemed a bit disheartened that I wouldn't be popping over to meet him immediately and said he wouldn't be waiting around. He ended the conversation with 'if you're ever in my area do call me'... Heyho!

Last night I met a nice gentleman for a drink at a local establishment. It was a bit nerving waiting in the bar area watching everyone who walked in wondering if that was him. We were originally meeting at about 9pm then he called at 7ish to say he was on his way. So no time for me to 'dress up'.
He was indeed a very nice gentleman and chatted away all evening. One little habit he had was every time he made a funny remark he slapped my leg (quite hard!) I did get used to it toward the end of the evening by just tensing my muscle as I saw his hand approach...

I had a small glass of wine to drink but unfortunately I don't think it mixed well with the sulphur spa water I'd drank earlier in the day. I didn't feel too well so our evening was not a late one.  We have said we will keep in touch and he said he would very much like to take me to a restaurant on another date.

I definately want to return to Lisdoonvarna for the matchmaking festival, it just sounds like so much fun by all accounts. Thousands of people for a whole month singing, dancing, drinking and having fun. Just one long party.

When I returned to my van last night I reached into my handbag for my torch, which unfortunately is very similar in shape to my 'rape alarm' Even more alarmingly no one came running to save me...

How my evening ended...

Drinking the water...

Oh my word all these men...

My word I've had an eventful few days. I got to hang out with Ireland's last matchmaker Willie Daly. He is such a character and is full of amazing stories. He invited me to his home and I got to meet his abundance of horses. I asked him how many he had and he said "a man never counts his money, his wives or his horses" We then went to a local horse fair in Ennistynon. The streets were just full of horses mingling inbetween the cars and pedestrians. Cages on the pavements housing chickens, puppies or even very tiny ponies. It was like going back in time, some traditions are timeless here in Ireland.

In the evening we sat in the kitchen for an impromptu singing session from Willie, even his songs are full of stories. Willie then took me to a local Ceili dance where I drank Guinness and even had a dance myself. Quite difficult to do, especially as I was wearing flip flops, but Willie just guided me through.

Today I've had a tour of Lisdoonvarna by Pat. The history here is incredible, it's an old spa town that people travelled to hundreds of years ago for the healing powers of the water. I did drink some, bad eggs comes to mind.  This is where the matchmaking started many years ago with farmers travelling to marry off their daughters. Now there is a huge festival every September and people travel here from all over the world to find love. Willie has been matching people together with apparently a rather good success record. He tells me there are 29 and a half men to one woman. So long as I don't land the half!

So there's hope for me. I got to touch the luck book and have since received five phone calls from gentlemen interested in meeting me! Ok so I'm sure Willie gave them my number and bigged me up slightly but things are certainly looking up for me...

Lisdoonvarna...

Meeting Willie Daly...

Testing the water...

My biggest toe is my big toe...

Had a lovely beachy day yesterday. The weather was gorgeous, it was so nice to see my toes. We went to four beaches in total, made the most of it. I was going to stop over night in Lahinch but couldn't find a good place to stop. So carried on driving and stopped in the Rock Shop for coffee. I asked the manager there if I could park overnight and he kindly said yes but also recommended a lovely beach front location two minutes away. We chose the latter. Only the locals seem to know of these little gems.

While I was in the Rock shop I bought myself a little 'angel wish jar'. All you have to do is write your wishes on the scroll, place them in the jar and the Angel will grant your wishes! Simple as.  I've probably fallen for a load of gob idly goop but I don't care. It was only two euros. Although I did have to write really small on the scroll to fit all my wishes on. Now I just sit back and wait...

Tonight I'm in the lovely village of Doolin. We've booked into a campsite here. Unfortunately there are no grocery stores within walking distance so tonight I'm eating my emergency tinned ham. The campsite is really nice but I've decided I'm not a campsite kind of girl. Too many people, dogs, bikes, tents and motor homes! I think the fact it's a weekend and the sun is shining is making me feel like I'm on a housing estate with noisy neighbours wearing wife beater vests, baseball caps and all having bbq's.

I'm quite excited for tomorrow as I'm off to meet Willie Daly the famous matchmaker man. The lovely Julie has set up a meeting for us. I am going with him to a local horse fair. He tells me he may have a gentleman or two for me and knows of one man who only requests that the lady's biggest toe is her big toe...

Perfect toes...

Angels wishes jar...

Another glorious sunset...

Miloandme do more TV...

Oh boy mega trouble trying to get gas bottle. Tried four different locations, as mine is an 'English' bottle, before I could replace it. Ended up having to trade it in for one half its size so not a happy bunny. After trailing around most of Limerick looking for gas we drove a bit further and found a nice little spot to stop. I actually don't know where it is as I forgot to look on the map! But we were next to a lake homing two swans. Milo once again found fox pooh to roll in so it was a smelly evening.

Yesterday we headed for a campsite in Doonbeg. The Strandcamping run by the most lovely lady. It is possibly the cleanest site we've camped at with super facilities, I managed to launder nearly everything I own. There was just one other van there who unfortunately homed a cat. I say 'homed' as once Milo spotted him they haven't seen him since! I'm sure he'll return once we've left. I hope.

We went to Doonbeg to meet up with Ciara from Ireland AM TV3 to do a television interview. (Miloandme will have our own tv show soon lol) Ciara is just lovely, Milo did go pretty crazy when she got in the van. We met up and did some filming on the beach. I looked a right numpty as I had worn high heels, not clever when walking on sand. Then we did some filming in bars, potentially hoping I might see the perfect man across the bar.  No such luck! Slim pickings round here. The more questions I'm asked about 'the what, why and how' the more I realise what a difficult task I've set myself. Sitting at home waiting for the happy ever after was not occurring but travelling around in a motorhome, with a dog, looking for it, seems rather fruitless too. But I'm a hopeless romantic so will not give up on my dream and I'm having fun on the way...

Swan lake...

Doing laundry...

Milo and Me busking...

Bum! My gas bottle has just run out mid cooking. I thought a breeze had blown the flame out but no, I have no gas. I was making sausage and mash and so looking forward to it. I'm in the middle of a massive forest and its too late to go looking for a gas shop. Luckily I have electric so I can boil a kettle for the all important coffee in the morning, so not all bad. Tonight we are on a campsite on the Curraghchase Estate in Kilcornan. It's a beautiful forest and I can't see any other campers. I feel like Hanzel, or is it Gretel?!

Yesterday we left the lambing farm, which we had returned to for one night. I had a scary night previously on the beach. I was parked up all alone fast asleep when some boy racers decided to do doughnuts in the carpark. It is a tiny carpark and they just screeched around, headlights blaring, horn honking for about ten minutes. I just lay there, too scared to look out the window and just prayed for them to leave. Which they eventually did. I didn't get much sleep that night.

We left Dingle and headed towards Ballybunion, once again I hadn't intended to drive that far but struggled to find a safe place to stop. I got so tired I ended up just parking on the road by the beach cliff. And was once again joined by boy racers zooming round the bend late into the night. Seems there's little else for these kids to do at night.

My heater broke yesterday so I stopped at a big shopping mall in Tralee and bought a new one. I got mega excited as there was a Tesco stocking many familiar items for me. Spent a small fortune. Everything seems dearer over here. I must try to think of a way of making some money as my funds are dwindling. I wish I was musically talented because I could so busk the streets...

How we drive...

Coffee stop, sadly no dogs allowed inside...

Cliff top parking Ballybunion...

Curraghchase campsite...

Maybe I'm meant to be on my own...

I do wish I could write my blog more often. I've either got rubbish internet connection or no battery life, only the little I save for my emergencies. You know, the one where I'm being murdered on a cliff top. Which funnily enough was in my dream recently. I had been on Mizen Head and the placard on the cliff told a story of a shipwreck many years ago. Hundreds drowned at sea but then the locals found some crawling up the cliffs to be saved. There was one female on board and she was crushed to death by the lifeboat. Well I dreamt that night, whilst sleeping alone on said cliff top, that the female was climbing up the cliff and tapping on my van window...!

I've had a lovely time recently staying on the farm. Those little lambs are adorable, sadly one died. From now on although lamb is my favourite roast I will only eat it in the winter :(

Milo was getting a little fed up as he couldn't be too close to the lambs so we've moved to the beach near Dingle for a couple of days. We've found a lovely spot. Quite active during the day but just me and Milo at night and the sound of the Atlantic crashing on the rocks. My word those waves are huge. I've spent numerous hours just sitting on the rocks watching. It's like small avalanches of snow rising up, it's just a wonderful and mesmerising sight. I'm so lucky. A small bus stopped today and the driver got out and played some music, quite entertaining.

Milo and Me were in the local paper yesterday, The Irish Examiner. I've been getting some quite nice messages through social media, trouble is I've usually moved on already by the time I've read the invite.
Im reading a romantic novel at the moment, makes me feel lonely, need to get back to my crime thrillers.  I'm not sure if I'll ever meet someone special, maybe I'm just meant to be on my own...

Me, a farmers wife...

I'm glad to say life's picked up of late. I'm now in the beautiful County Kerry staying with the most lovely people near Dingle. I'm parked up on their sheep farm and have had the pleasure of bottle feeding the lambs, from a beer bottle no less. I could quite happily sit at my back door and watch those little cherubs bouncing around all day long. Milo is just happy eating all the sheep droppings.

Janet and Seamus took me to a nearby bar last night for a music session, Janet playing the harmonica.   It was so traditional and I met some right characters, though I couldn't understand a word they were saying half the time. There happened to be a birthday celebration and a wedding party going on and I happened to be sitting at the Buffett table, yummy. Driving back last night I was given a look at some local scenery, wow. At the top of one hill is the Star Wars set built ready for filming, I might have to hang around.

Today we went into Dingle for another music session at Dick Macks. The place has so much history, with the original ladies only snugs. And I've never seen such a choice of whisky. I stuck to the Guinness.  I walked around Dingle and forced myself to try Murphys ice cream, chocolate and salted flavour, delicious. I walked down to the harbour to try and find Fungie the dolphin, no joy there. So headed back to the bar for more Guinness.

This evening I went up in the mountain with Seamus to check the lambs. I actually got to herd some sheep in and met 'the daddy' of them all! There's one in the barn due to give birth tonight, maybe I'll have to help out! What with all my 'experience' I might meet me a nice sheep farmer...

Murphys ice cream...

Little lambs...

Me and Janet...

Some of the whisky...

He's the daddy