Call it the luck of the Irish, but when Mike and Crazy Tom the Horse offered to take three of my girlfriends and me through the Gap of Dunloe in his jaunting cart, I knew we were in for a great experience. It was better than I could have imagined! Mike entertained us the entire way with stories, tales, insights and observations about the Gap and the area. Our conversation started when I asked how long he'd been doing this. "My first day...my first day on the job. 007 license to kill." I knew then we were in for a treat and I was right. Mike stopped at several prime spots along the way -- including one that offered a beautiful echo -- to allow us to take photos and took several for us, as well as getting in on a few himself. Mike's frequent "Come on, Toooom" and "Come up, come ouuuut" sprinkled throughout our conversation only added to the absolute "Irishness" of the journey. We learned a little about Tom (he likes Guinness, Mike says), who is 7 and will pull the cart until he is about 18, at which time he'll "retire" to giving children rides in a park in a nearby town. Mike also pointed out trail hikes accessible along the Gap path, including one leading to MacGillyCuddy's Reeks and Ireland's tallest mountain. Next time...next time! I'm not sure how the experience could have been any better. Thank you, Mike, for a memorable, entertaining journey through the Gap.
