Day 16

Up at 6.15 a.m. and on the water for 7.45 a.m. We headed straight across from Achill Island to Portmore on the mainland. The weather was fine and with the breeze at our backs we made speeds of 4-5 m.p.h. along the coast heading for Erris Head. We stopped 3 miles short of Erris Head for lunch, spent 90 minutes having lunch and a bit of rest before heading on for Erris Head. Again conditions were good and we made steady 4-5 m.p.h. progress. We rounded Erris Head in perfect conditions and headed northeast for Benwee Head. We could see from Erris head that Benwee Head was surrounded in mist and as we paddled closer the day got a bit cooler as the sun disappeared behind the mist. We had a fabulous paddle for the last leg of today's journey - the cliffs around Benwee Head are about 600 feet tall and the sea stacks and caves in the area were fantastic. After Benwee Head we paddled on for approximately two more miles and have stopped in a location called Portacloy. It is a pretty desolate area and we are currently making the 3 mile trek to the local shop for supplies. It looks like its going to be a Guinness-free evening! The plan for tomorrow is to head in towards Aughrus head with a view to crossing Donegal Bay on Wednesday. Thanks again to everyone for the comments and good wishes. Also please continue the prayers for the fine weather as we head up north. 36 miles 8 hours 3 minutes on the water.