County Limerick and Galway, Ireland

We have survived an Irish heatwave. It has been very warm indeed, and didn't rain for over a week. Luckily this coincided with our coastal tour, and some camping.

We utilised a great website, camp in my garden and stayed with a friendly British ex-pat. He had fantastic views over a valley and the ocean near Miltown Malbay, but we had to camp in his front garden, as the wind was very strong.

While the air has been warm, the ocean is still numbingly cold, and despite feeling very warm on our walks and when hanging out at the beach, we haven't managed more than a paddle. It has been a relief from the unseasonably warm conditions.

It has also been great to couch surf again, staying with incredibly friendly people and getting local perspectives. Interestingly, there are so many people living here not originally from Ireland, so we have stayed with Catalonians in Galway, French in Ballyconneely, and a Lithuanian-Venezuelan couple in Tobercurry, as well as an Irishman near Clifden.

Kerry, Ireland

Dani and I are now touring around in our little car, packed to the gills with camping stuff, food, and my bike. Dani's dad Rob joined us for a few days in Killarney, and we explored the Dingle peninsula and beautiful countryside.

We also visited Rob's uncle, as Dani's nanny was born nearby.

It has also been nice exploring the pubs, and listening to as much local music as possible, while sampling the beers of course.

Cork, Ireland 2

It is nearing the end of my time here in west Cork, but I have learnt a lot.

I'm not ready to enter any milking competitions just yet, but I can empty a placid goat before she finishes her food, and have come to understand how to get them to cooperate without stressing or forcing them.

I have done loads of little jobs since arriving - fed ferrets; built a nest box for a broody hen; mucked out the goats and nearly gagged from the ammonia in the straw; butchered rabbits; rewired an electric fence; trimmed goat feet; built a feeding stand and made ventilation holes in a chicken house.

There are lots of things here I would like to copy, such as the two milking goats alternatively having kids. I also like the semi free-range setup for the chickens, with plenty of space so they don't reduce the grass to bare earth. Hunting wild game also appeals - few inputs and very sustainable, which can also justify having a dog as it will eat whatever is left.

Cork, Ireland

I have stopped moving for now and am staying at my WWOOF host's in West Cork, Ireland.

I am finally starting to get the hang of milking her goats, though am still just on the chilled one, not the cranky one with horns:

We have also been doing some hunting for rabbit. A couple nights ago we went 'dazzling', which is using a powerful torch to spot the rabbit, and using a dog to chase and catch them. The dog is incredibly fast and agile, and caught two of three - the third escaping out of the torch beam by going over the brow of a hill.

Yesterday evening was ideal for shooting - no wind and sunny, and my host shot one rabbit from three.

Wales

I made it to Ireland. 166 miles (265km - sorry, but when it comes to cycling I only know miles) and just over 15 hours in the saddle took me from the Welsh town of Newport to Fishguard, though I must confess a train between Cardiff and Carmarthen.

Along the way I have stayed with some cool people by couchsurfing, eaten some weird meals because I am not carrying food (soup made from pasta sauce) and been astounded by the friendliness of the Welsh. I did get a massive puncture though.

Preparations

My two-year visa is ending, so I must leave the country.

The plan is to use trains, a bicycle, and a ferry to make sure I leave before I overstay my welcome. The bike is packed and ready to begin its journey tomorrow to Wales via a train to London. I hope it doesnt rain too much.