A big day out on the reeks and the eastern side of the gap of Dunloe taking advantage of the fabulous weather. I cannot understand how most peoples' main only objective is Carrauntohill and the magnificent eastern Reeks are rarely visited. I encountered very few people on this route on a Sunday apart from the immediate area around Carrauntohill and the Devil's Ladder.
My descent into the gap of Dunloe from the Reeks was not ideal and there must be a more appropriate route.
While crossing over Purple, Shehy and Tomies mountains I could hear the rumble of thunder to the east possibly coming from very dark clouds sitting over the Paps. It helped to speed up my crossing and descent off the mountains.
I had planned to have dinner in Kate Kearney's cottage but was running late and couldn't afford the diversion. The ascent up Strickeen was quite slow after the long day.

