The day began at Mizen Head at 7.30am following an early trip from Bantry. Trish and Tim again went above and beyond the call of duty in generously providing lifts. Ed joined the group for a one-day-only appearance in place of Dave McKeating, who will join in Bantry having angered his physio beyond belief with his decision to walk 500km or so on torn ligaments.
Aoife prepared for the day's adventures by doing some serious stretching before everyone got going at half eight - obviously to avoid going the way of McKeating. The morning weather in the furthest depths of Ireland was very pleasant as bunny rabbits and butterflies accompanied us along different parts of the walk.
The girls set the pace for the first 10k to Goleen, a village which has 4 pubs, 4 shops and a petrol station to its name. "Goleen", to the tune of Dolly Parton's "Joleen", naturally rebounded around our collective skull for half the day, proving irritatingly difficult to dislodge.
Trust was placed in local holiday home owner (and general miscreant) Fitzy whose shortcut immediately led everyone astray. Nonetheless, only 10 minutes was lost and we were soon on our way again. A second Fitzy shortcut soon after was far more successful, leading us up a quiet road past the scene of the famous Sophie Toscan du Platier murder (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4312889.ece - for those of you who don't remember it). Only two cars passed in that period and we made good time over to Dunamanagh Bay. Laura was already blistering badly, as were several others, but luckily Grennan (having enjoyed his light coleslaw) whipped out some plasters and sorted out the first injuries of the Mission.
The locals were very friendly, and always intruiged when informed of the Mission's aims, with the encouragement of a gentleman in Durrus ("Ah, that's the style!") just shading it for the group's favourite reaction.
The last 10k from Durrus to Bantry was very rough indeed, more trudge than stride as we finally approached a town of note (the 3,309 population of Bantry is a far cry from that of Durrus with a meagre 859). With heavier traffic, a system for car avoidance was duly worked out, mainly involving judicious crab walking and faith in drivers to swerve at the appropriate moment.
Arriving at around 7.30pm, we had a quick photo op with the mayor of Bantry before plodding off to dinner and bed.
Distance Day 1: 45km approx
Theme of the Day: Blisters
Word of the Day: "Lads"
http://www.mycharity.ie/event/mizenmalinmission
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