Sunny Mornings and Other Thoughts

Good Morning...At least it is here. After a very rainy afternoon traveling here, we've arrived in Inishowen. The sun is out and it looks to be a grand day. Our B&B is at the top of a hill overlooking Lough Foyle. Last night we could see the lights of Derry as it got dark. Today will be the Inishowen 100 - sounds like a car race, but is just the distance of the circular drive around the peninsula. Hope to get some great photos.

Just a few comments here. The Irish road signs leave a lot to be desired. Either there are too many different directions, or they are really lacking. It's difficult to explain this, but suffice to say, it has lead to many reversals in direction as we drive along. Funny thing is most of our Irish hosts have told us the same thing. When they give us directions, often they will say, "Now there's no sign, but...". And when we are used to looking at a street on a map, and it being a street, here, it could be a dirt road, or an alley. I'm not complaining, just commenting. It's lead to to fun situations as we travel.

Round abouts are the most fun. I love the challenge of merging into crazy traffic and driving in a circle to make sure I've positioned myself so I can exit at the correct area. I did cut one driver off as I needed to get over when I was stuck in the center of the circle. Otherwise, I love them when they are well marked and not too crazy.

And lastly, there is the speed limit on the roads. A kilometer is less than a mile, so this is very disconcerting when the speed limit says 100 km/h. It psychologically seems so fast, and yet it's only around 62 mph. And I have to say, I've seen narrow windy roads marked at 80 km/h. Even dirt roads marked the same. I can say that I've been keeping up with the Irish drivers. If I'm wanting to look around a little more, I just pull over so they can pass. Then there are the big trucks and tourist buses. That can really be a challenge on some of the roads. I'm not sure I really like seeing all the little paint details on the side of a bus as we pass each other!

Just a few comments for this morning. I'm off to shower and have some breakfast, before the day gets away. :)