Day 85
December 27, 2021:
Slept in. Checked out of hotel at 11 am. Went downstairs and got some food from the coffee shop. Got a pesto sandwich with tortilla chips. Chips were drizzled in sweet and sour sauce - an interesting idea, but they were alright. The sandwich was fantastic, but a bit expensive. Actually, everything they serve looks good.
Sat outside while I waited for my food to arrive. A guy was there, smoking. Would have been really bothered by this, but the wind blew most of the smoke the other way, thankfully. Talked with him. He told me he used to live in Chicago, upside. Told me a winding story of how awesome Chicago is, followed by his crazy wife, divorce, an ankle bracelet, and jail time. The jail time had had something to do with his wife, but I didn’t quite hear what. One of my ears was a little plugged up with wax.
Went to go do laundry at the Centra up the road. Laundry is very expensive in Ireland. Had to be done. Unfortunately, could not wash the clothing I was wearing, which, naturally, is the clothing I use most. While it was on the wet cycle, I went to The Quays. Rang the doorbell. Rondy came to answer. He gave me my shaving razor back. My beloved shaving razor!
Back at laundry, switched to dry cycle. Used time to repair bicycle wheel, again. Really need to buy new spare inner tubes. Also, still need new tire levers. No good bike shops open in Westport unfortunately. Talked with old lady at laundry machines.
Cycled along the road to Castlebar. Need to get to an appointment in Sligo, so moving east now. Officially skipping Wild Nephin. Can’t face the thought of cycling that way once again. Want to see new territory. Castlebar offers another day of civilization.
Looked for bike shop in Castlebar for tire levers, inner tubes, bike oil, bike lights. Bike shops closed. Looked for sports store for freeze-dried food, fuel canisters, any of the bike stuff. They didn’t have any of that stuff. Just a sports apparel store. To look cool, but not, like, actually do any sports. Looked for a print shop to get my covid cert laminated. All print shops closed.
Unfortunately, should have checked beforehand, but all B&Bs in Castlebar are closed. Cheapest option is 80 Euro at a local hotel. No thanks. Looked around for campsites. Tried to find one at Saleen Lake, but directions took me to a dead end instead, opposite park. Separated by rail line. Ground was very muddy anyway. Turned back, headed for Lough Lannagh. On the way, found a sports field with a track, and a small area of paths in the woods beside it. Searched for a spot here, found one near track that was hidden by a few trees. But seen by too many people. Switched spots and found one in a more dense, less used area farther from track
Went to gas station across street for food. Watched Dimension 20 on Dropout TV. Paid for new subscription. Brennan Lee Mulligan is too good!
