FASTHMA is in fact REAL
Chasing Sunsets: A Gruelling Adventure in Donegal's Stunning Cliffs"
In the world of landscape photography, adventure knows no bounds. The pursuit of that perfect shot often leads us to places where few dare to tread. On a recent escapade to Donegal, Ireland, myself, Gavin, Amanda, and the resident joker, Bernard, embarked on a gruelling hike that felt like it lasted for an eternity.
The stage for our adventure was set against the dramatic backdrop of Donegal's stunning cliffs. Our mission was to capture the beauty of this rugged coastline, with its breathtaking ups and downs, picturesque cliffs, and the ever-present risk of sheep-dotted paths mingling with - let's be polite - sheep "contributions" to the landscape.
As we began our ascent, the cliffs unfolded around us, offering panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean below. A sheer 100-meter drop to the ocean's frothy embrace was a constant reminder of the stakes involved. We were each armed with our camera gear, ready to capture the rugged beauty that surrounded us.
The hike was nothing short of gruelling. It felt as if we'd been trudging along the cliffs for a good six hours, the weight of our gear making each step heavier. The rugged terrain, accompanied by the ever-present aroma of sheep's presence, was enough to take our breath away - all of us, except for Bernard, that is. He moved like a mountain goat, leaping ahead, and occasionally pulling pranks that made us laugh even when we were gasping for air.
False summits teased us along the way, luring us into thinking we'd finally reached our destination, only to reveal more rocky terrain ahead. The sense of accomplishment was fleeting, as each corner we turned exposed yet another climb.
But then, just as we thought we couldn't take another step, we finally reached our intended destination. The magnificent sea stacks in a hidden cove below us were nothing short of awe-inspiring. As we looked down at the rugged beauty that stretched out before us, we were treated to the perfect lighting for our shots, capturing the cliffs' rough textures in golden hues as the sun began its descent.
Nature rewarded our persistence with a breathtaking sunset. The fiery orb painted the sky in shades of pink, orange, and gold, while the sea stacks stood like silent sentinels against the relentless tide. It was a moment of pure magic, and for those precious minutes, we forgot the exhaustion that had brought us here.
As the light faded and the realization of our lengthy journey sank in, we knew we had to make the arduous trek back in the dark. Bernard, still full of energy, darted off like a mischievous ghost while we followed with more caution. The return journey was just as taxing, navigating the treacherous paths with nothing but headlamps and stars above.
I was fortunate to be able to sleep in my trusty campervan, parked nearby, offering a well-earned rest right there on location. The others, however, faced the prospect of a long drive home, their fatigue compounded by the need for a hot shower and a soft bed.
The photographs we captured that day were nothing short of stunning. The gruelling hike, which covered 9.4 kilometers and took us up over 109 flights of stairs in elevation, was well worth the effort. The stunning sea stacks and the unforgettable sunset made it a day that will be etched in our memories forever.
In the world of photography, sometimes, the most challenging journeys lead to the most rewarding captures. And so, as we packed up our gear and made our way back, we couldn't help but smile at the adventure that had pushed us to our limits, and the spectacular beauty of Donegal's cliffs that had made it all worthwhile. and after all was said and done I realised that what Gavin had called for years Fasthma is in fact a real thing as I felt it myself .
Watch the adventure below and see the images of stunning spot in the gallery
