I climbed Croagh Patrick this weekend for an adventure and some well needed self-flagellation. I had been meaning to do it for quite sometime and I must admit it was extremely challenging. I put myself under pressure as I only had enough change for a two hour parking ticket as the parking machine card readers were not working at the time. So off I went with rapid pace, and half way up I realized this mountain was not going to be easygoing, nevertheless after much pain and determination I got to the summit in 1 hour and 15 mins. The views were astounding and it was indeed worth it, but alas contrary to what others told me there was in fact no ice cream man or shop at the summit.

I then made the wise decision to forget about the parking ticket as it would be preferable to be careful and get down the mountain in one piece, rather than risk a rapid descent and a broken leg or much worse. For it became very apparent that many a climber had lost their lives on this pilgrimage and the mountain had to be respected. 

In my typical fashion I was vastly unprepared and scantily clad; with only a bottle of water, my old worn running shoes, shorts and patagonia synchilla for protection. Consequently, by the time I got back down I was on the verge of collapse and almost walking side ways, akin to a drunken crab. I made it up and down in 2 hours and 30 minutes and I did indeed avoid that parking fine.

I suppose next time I might have to do it barefoot.