Day 9

An 8.30 a.m. rise this morning because we thought the weather was going to be too bad but the winds dropped during the morning and we decided to push on up the coast as far as we could. We packed up, said goodbye to the families and headed out from Garinish at 11 a.m. We headed across Kenmare Bay for Scariff Island, conditions good and good progress made. Then on to Boulus Head where once again, wind which was in our faces, picked up and as per usual slowed us down. We pressed on for another hour and got to Puffin Island where we had lunch. After lunch we made for Long Island at the entrance to the Valentia Sound. We paddled the length of the sound, under the bridge at Portmagee which links Valentia to the mainland and ended up in Knightstown where we have camped up for the night. Tents are pitched and we have been to the Fuchsia Restaurant for our dinner where the prop. Catherine Healy fed us even though they had already finished for the night. Many thanks Catherine for the lovely meal and your genorosity. Tony's uncle Michael came across from Cahersiveen and kept us company and very kindly paid for the great food. We are on our way out to the Coast Guard station to introduce ourselves to the guys who have been keeping us updated on the weather over the past few days. Then off to bed early as early start planned. Will attempt to round Brandon Head tomorrow. Mark we will do our best to take in the wonders of the kindgom as we go!