Day 15

A week or two before my arrival Danny had helped to put on a wall art event in Waterford centre. So, as this was where I was beginning the final leg of my journey he pointed me towards some of his favourite pieces. Now I struggle a little with stickman drawings, so I find it hard to fathom how people are able to create such large scale, perfect (to me at least) works of art. There was so much colour spread about the city, some pictures holding much meaning, others perhaps just an expression of an artist’s personality.

Some of my favourite pieces of wall art in Waterford

The sun finally graced me with its presence on this final day of riding. Though I wish he had joined me sooner, I was grateful for his company now. It helped to cement the bright, beautiful image of Ireland that had been created in my mind throughout the trip (despite the many not-so-bright weather days).

By late evening I was boarding the ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard, Wales. I was to be met at the port by my friend Rosemary who I’d met, along with her partner Kenny, at the Green Gathering festival earlier in the summer.

The next couple of days in Pembrokeshire were incredible. Rosemary and Kenny were amazing hosts, making me feel so at home and filling my days with riveting and stimulating conversation. I’d never been to that part of the country and the landscape was phenomenal – beautiful clear blue skies and long stretches of golden sandy beach. To top it all, I was excellently spoiled with vegan home-baked goods!

It was with utter contentment that I boarded my train back to Leeds two days later. Still on a high from all I had met and experienced, it was not until later (and until times like now when I remember and write about all that has happened) that I felt a little sorrow at my amazing journey being at an end. Although there is so much more in the world to explore and so many more people to meet, it makes me hope that not too much time passes before I get to see some of these wonderful places and those amazing souls again.

I really cannot put into words how much the hospitality from friends in Ireland and Wales helped to add magic to my whole experience, and created so many dear memories in the process. And so, I end with a thank you. Thanks to Ireland for your beauty and your people, and thanks to my dear friends who helped me along the way. It’s a 30th I’ll never forget!