Day 14

Up at 7 a.m., had breakfast and went down to the harbour to pack the boats and launch (pictures above are us getting ready to launch from Carna Bay - click on picture for larger view). We were seen off by my Dad and sister and we left Carna Bay at 9.30 a.m. Thanks again to Mary and all the staff in the Carna Bay hotel for looking after us so well. The sun was shining and for a change the wind was at our backs so we made great progress during the morning paddle. Our goal for the day was to reach Inishbofin which was 34 miles away. After paddling 16 miles in idyllic conditions we decided to stop for lunch on a small island. We stayed there for an hour and had lunch whilst taking in the sun. On the water again for 2.30 p.m. We paddled on towards Inishbofin, the sun continued to shine and the wind stayed at our backs. Thomas Walsh joined us for today's paddle and it was like he was a lucky omen when it came to the conditions. Someone tell Rachel we might hold on to him for next week! We made steady progress throughout the afternoon, Derek singing from his usual repertoire and we even had one or two scout songs (Brendan Coward picture the scene - 4 old stagers from Abbeyside Scouts blasting out the Old Fourth Waterford as we paddled along) We have just landed in Inishbofin at 7.30 p.m. on a beautiful beach on the north side of the island. We are going to organise camp, get something to eat and hopefully the conditions will be kind again in the morning. Our plan for tomorrow is to reach Achill Island at a minimum, and hopefully beyond. 33 miles on,
7 hours 55 mins on the water. A good day.