As reward for all their hard work over the year and to help some students attain their Gaisce Award, Transition Years recently went on a two day hike to and from the Black Valley in Co. Kerry.
After some morning tea and scones, we set out from Muckross House in Killarney in some sunshine and in high anticipation of good weather ahead thanks to Met Eireann. Our aim was to arrive at Ladies View by mid afternoon and then onto the Black Valley. After a short warm up along by the Muckross Lake, a sharp climb up the side of Torc Waterfall awaited us. Our journey through ever increasing mist and rain took us along the Old Kenmare Road between Torc and Mangerton Mountains which we followed to Ladies View.
Once fed we dropped down to valley floor to hike into the Black Valley. Despite some valiant efforts to stay dry crossing some bogs all was lost when the some brave souls had to go test the tempatures in the local river.
That evening in the hostel the students cooked themselves a Spaghetti Bolognese and a especially tasty vegetarian option (who put in the extra chilli and spices we may never know!!!) for 24 under the watchful eyes of Ms Griffen and Mr Fealy.
Next morning after a good nights sleep on the brand new mattresses in the Hostel. A feed of almost 100 sausages prepared us for the day as we headed for the Gap of Dunloe in what was a grey but dry morning and on to the finishing line of Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
All in all over the two days we walked over 30kms taking in all the sights along the map board fitted to Pat Falvey the famous mountaineer’s shop at our finishing point.
