Inishturk Island, County May, Republic of Ireland.

Just returned from the 11 mile trip to Wytheville and a visit to MacDonald's to steal their free WiFi.  Purchased 4 Duraflame logs and a large folding camp chair.  Sky is completely crystal clear and blue, which suggests a very cold night.  Typically, cloudy nights are warmer.  Picked up a cheap thermometer for inside the tent.  I hate second-guessing the temperature.  Called sister Debra from town and sent friend Nancy a text that all was okay.  It is strangely warmer now than it was earlier, although the wind has died down quite a lot.  Just gathered tonight's firewood and broke a sweat!  Popped a Carona and set up my big chair.  Listening to the last bird calls.  The barred owl I heard last evening never came any closer.  6:30 p.m. - Sun has totally disappeared below the horizon and the new thermometer says 54 degrees.  Holding off on lighting fire.  Very quiet - except for falling acorns.

Bliss

Cold and overcast.  Slept very nicely last night under the addition of the two $5 camo mover's blankets I picked up at Harbor Freight.  Awakened around dawn by some commotion in camp - deer passing through.  I realized then how cold it was at 6:30 a.m. and burrowed in for a few more hours. Dreamed I was on a big ship working.  Was being sent to Barcelona to pick up a cruise.  Grieg on radio this morning...coffee on fire.  May drive the 11 miles to Wytheville today...or not...a little stiff today.  Not used to strenuous physical activity like cutting wood or getting up and down from the ground all day and night.  By the way, the little mattress I picked up for the cot made a huge difference.  No cold air up through the cot fabric at all.  I put on thermal underwear this morning.  Cold!  My favorite mushroom so far is called "The Barometer Earthstar - astress hydrometricus."  Forestry truck cruised through but didn't stop.  12:30 p.m. and the sun has finally broken through the clouds.

66 is the high today....