#39 alone at daybreak to Slieve Bearnagh

Our weeklong adventure in Ireland continues... We moved from Newcastle to a lodge at the North-West feet of the mountains.

We left early, weary that heavy wind was forecast again, but more prepared with a triple layered baby. The sun had not risen yet, and we walked straight towards Hare's Gap. The way was part river, part dirt road and part trail-less scramble.

We decided to wade the first river with shoes on and it made all subsequent puddles and rivers much easier to cross: you don't worry so much about getting your feet in the water when they are already wet!

Hare's Gap, like the Saddle, is crowned by the Mourne Wall. We crossed it and looked out at the beautiful mountain ridges, hazy and glowing in the first rays of sunlight. Pemi was in awe!

The climb to the top was harrowing, we were slipping and sliding in mud up a steep face. The wind was picking up a little and Pemi was getting a little bothered. We all needed a peanut butter sandwich after that!

We walked down, glowing in awe of this adventure, of having been alone on this mountain, finding our own way, sharing this beautiful place in this beautiful moment with each other and with Pemi.

As soon as we got below Hare's Gap we were protected from the wind and Pemi happily resumed being an excellent sheep spotter "bah!".

We passed a lone hiker (the only person we saw all day), and then arrived back at the lodge in time for lunch and a nap.

In the afternoon we went out again, on a Weekend adventure BY Pemi: with his wintersuit and wellies on he ran through the grass behind the lodge and climbed the fence to stare in awe at a field of beautiful cows.