Saturday, June 30, 2007

Day 35

When we woke this morning as per the forecast the wind was blowing a gale and the rain was bucketing down. We knew we werent going to get on the water. We got up around 10 a.m. and went into town for breakfast. The fact that we were so close to home and we couldnt get out was a major disappointment for everybody. We decided to hold tough to see if the winds would ease up in the afternoon and maybe we could make some progress towards home. At around 3 p.m. things took a change for the better, the skies cleared and the wind eased. We packed up all the gear and were on the water before 4.30 p.m. James Twomey who came to see us last night drove ahead in his car so we would be in communication with land if there were any difficulties. Our initial plan was to paddle out of Kilmore Quay and head for Slade Head. The wind was at our backs and the sea was not too rough so when we reached Slade Head we decided to paddle on for Hook Head and cross the Waterford Estuary to Dunmore East. Conditions stayed reasonable for the duration of the paddle and we eventually got into Dunmore East around 9.30 p.m. We had a great welcoming committee from Mick O Meara, Dermot Blunt and Brian Fanning - guys who had all paddled around Ireland before. James Twomey was also there to meet us when we landed. It was great to see familiar faces, finally realising we were only one day from home. We stopped in Tramore for a chinese takeaway and are back out in Micks house where we are going to stay the night. The plan is to be up early in the morning, be on the water in Dunmore East for 9 a.m. and hopefully be home in Dungarvan at around 5 p.m. Looking forward to seeing everyone - its hard to believe that the 5 weeks are coming to an end.....Keep an eye on the blog tomorrow for any changes to the arrival time. 21 miles in total today and 5 hours 20 minutes on the water. See you all tomorrow hopefully! Goodnight from Dunmore East!

Friday, June 29, 2007

Day 34

Up at 5.30 a.m. and in the water for 7.30 a.m. The plan was to paddle on the outgoing tide to get us as far down the east coast as possible. Fortunately the wind was at our backs so we made good progress. We paddled the first 30 miles in these conditions and made good progress down to Carnsore Point, crossing Wexford Bay and Rosslare without any difficulty. Once we rounded Carnsore Point the wind changed direction coming up from the south. This made paddling the next 6 miles to Kilmore Quay that much more difficult. We eventually landed in Kilmore Quay around 5 p.m. We have gotten something to eat and are about to pitch the tent for an early night. The plan for tomorrow is to try to get to Tramore although the weather forecast is predicting a Force 8 wind from the southeast, which could cause us problems. We will just have to wait and see. The plan is to get to Tramore tomorrow evening and then on to Dungarvan at some point on Sunday afternoon. Looking forward to seeing everyone. 8 hours 34 minutes and 36 miles on today.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Day 33

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on the water for 8 a.m. The day started pretty well, the sun was shining and there wasnt too much breeze. As soon as we got on the water however, a southerly headwind picked up and made progress difficult. We paddled for the first 4 hours making a 4 mph average which wasnt too bad but the further we paddled the stronger the wind got so we realised after 20 miles that we werent going to get too much further. Spotting some shelter on a beach we decided to pull in. As look would have it we landed next to a caravan park so we asked if we could use the changing facilities to get changed. We met Niamh who works in the caravan park and she gave us access to the facilities and allowed us to pitch the tent and even made us a lovely cup of tea. If you are ever in Morriscastle Strand Caravan Park just ask for Niamh. She really looked after us very well. We have pitched the tent, the wind is still howling so we are probably going to settle in for the evening after grabbing a shower. Having spoken to Mick in Tramore (www.seapaddling.com) weather for the next 3 days is not good - so right now it is touch and go whether we are going to make it home for Sunday. We will know more hopefully after tomorrow. Its a real shame to think we have gotten so close for the weather to scupper our plans at the last minute. Hopefully things will go our way and we still make it home on time. 22 miles today and 5 hours 49 minutes on the water.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Day 32

Up at 6.30 a.m. and on the water for 8 a.m. to catch the tide that would bring us past Dublin. The morning was cold and overcast with a few rain showers as we paddled. We passed Malahide, Portmarnock and Howth before reaching the entrance to Dublin Bay. Tony used the VHF radio to talk to the Dublin Bay Authority warning them that we were about to cross the shipping lane - they were very helpful and informed all incoming and outgoing ships of our presence. Two cargo ships passed out behind us and the high speed ferry passed us inbound. We paddled on past Bray and Greystones and stopped at a beach in Newcastle for lunch. With the wind and tide in our favour we had paddled 31 miles in just over 5.5 hours. Back in the water after 40 minutes stop and we paddled on for Wicklow Head. By now the tide had turned and the tailwind had died so our speed was reduced to around 3 mph. Anxious to make as much progress as we could we paddled on to just outside Arklow getting out of the water at around 8.30 p.m. We have landed on a beach and cooked our dinner and are about to pitch the tent and try for an early night. With just over 100 miles to go the end really is in sight. Unfortunately the news from the weatherman is not good - wind is due to swing from North to South which means potentially we will have a headwind for the next 3 days. 11 hours 15 minutes and 50 miles on today.
Hello to Patrick and Ann Bradley, a local couple from Donabate that we met in the bar last night. We spent a couple of pleasant hours in their company. Hopefully we will see them soon touring the southeast on their BMW motorbike!
Mark, you are getting warmer....

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Day 31

Up at 6.10 a.m. We were about to make breakfast when Paul gave us a shout to say that he had a fry on so he cooked up a storm for us and we had a big fry up before hitting the water at 7.50 a.m. Thanks again to Paul and his wife Paula for all his hospitality. We headed out across Dundrum Bay, the morning was overcast but the wind was at our backs so we made great time. We paddled the 31.5 miles from Gyles Quay all the way down to Skerries in just under 6 hours. We paddled around Skerries and made our way down to Donabate, Co. Dublin. We have landed on the beach and are currently in the Waterside House Hotel having something to eat. The plan is to camp here, get up early in the morning and make our way down past Wicklow. We have roughly 160 miles left to do. If we can do 40 miles a day for the next four days, that should get us home for Saturday evening. 8 hours and 6 minutes, 39 miles on. Were getting there.....I have had a look at the comments on the paddle strokes, Mark youre close but not close enough! At this stage I would like to say hello to all the gang out in GSK Dungarvan, especially the IT team. Hope Martin hasnt been working ye too hard while Ive been away. Derek sends all his best wishes to all the lads in the Council especially those in the Tramore Office...and to Reggie who has been working double time while hes been away... Tony sends his best wishes to the lads in the shop - apparently sales have doubled while hes been away. Siobhan is going to send him around anticlockwise when he gets home!

Monday, June 25, 2007

Day 30

Up this morning at 7 a.m. to get the weather forecast, as predicted the winds were forecast for force 7 to galeforce 8. We had two open crossings, one of 5 miles and one of 10 miles so we decided to wait and see what the wind would do later in the day. We got out and about at 10 a.m., had breakfast and completed some running repairs on the boats. We waited around for a few hours and at 2 p.m. we took a stroll into town. We had dinner and stocked up on some shopping, then returned to the campsite. As the wind had dropped we decided to pack the boats and try and make some progress. We were on the water for 5 p.m. and paddled across Carlingford Lough. Midway across the Lough the wind picked up again and it made the second half of the crossing a little more interesting!!! With no sign of the wind moderating we decided not to cross the ten miles of Dundrum Bay so instead we skirted inland with a view to shortening the crossing for tomorrow. We pulled in at a beach at Gyles Quay and we got dressed. We called into a beachfront house to ask the owner if possible to pitch the tent beside his house. He immediately agreed and told us there would be cup of tea ready for us when the gear was packed away. Many thanks to Paul and Paula for their generous hospitality, another fine example of the generosity shown by everyone we have met on the trip so far. We are currently having a couple of pints in Fergusons Bar in the nearby holiday park. Plan is to get to bed soon and be up early in the morning to make some more progress towards home. 3 hours 20 minutes on the water and 14 miles covered today. We are still planning if at all possible to try to make it home for Saturday.
Mick (www.seapaddling.com), Tony is anxious to take you on over the 30 mile leg to Dungarvan - how are you fixed?

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Day 29

Up at 6.30 a.m. We left Ballywalter at 8 a.m. The morning was cold and overcast and it was starting to rain. Fortunately the wind was at our backs so we made good paddling time to Portavogie, Strangford Lough and Ardglass. When we reached St. John's Point we were faced with a 14 mile open crossing of Dundrum Bay. Because the forecast was for the wind to get stronger we decided not to stop for lunch and to paddle straight across the Bay. We reached the far side of the bay and paddled past Annalong and Ballymartin. Finally we rounded the corner and landed in Kilkeel at 6.50 p.m. We had completed the 46 miles in 9 hours and 50 minutes. We have stopped at a caravan park, have gotten something to eat and after the long day we are hoping to get an early night. This will be our second night without any drink....starting to get upset! Our plan is to get up early tomorrow, cross Carlingford Lough, Dundalk Bay and make our way down to Skerries. We have 6 paddling days left so if the weather is good we are hoping to be home in Dungarvan next Saturday. So hopefully this will be our last Sunday pitching the tent - it is starting to become an environmental health hazard! On a personal note I would like to wish my son Aaron the best of luck on his last day in primary school tomorrow. Am proud of you buddy.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Day 28

After a quiet celebration for Derek's birthday last night we decided a sleep in was in order this morning so we got up at 8 a.m. Thanks again to Tommy Fitzgerald for coming into Glenarm last night and for sorting out the Larne Harbour Patrol. We were on the water for 10 a.m. and paddled to Ballygalley Head. From there we made the open crossing of Larne Lough. As we crossed the Lough we had to make way for the passenger ferries coming in and out of the harbour. As luck would have it Tommy Fitzgerld's high speed ferry passed in front of us and we got to talk to him briefly on the VHF radio. At this stage the morning was very nice, the sun was shining and the wind was at our backs. We paddled on for the opening of Belfast Harbour. As we approached the harbour the skies clouded over and it began to rain so we stopped briefly at a place called Whitehead for lunch. After a ten minute stop we made the 8 mile crossing of the Harbour. It rained steadily as we crossed the harbour but we completed the crossing without incident. We paddled on past Donaghadee, Millisle and Ballyferris point. We eventually stopped in a town called Ballywalter, got something to eat there but because we couldnt find a suitable camping place we got back in the boats and paddled to a nearby beach where we have set up camp and are settled in for the night. Our plan is to be up early in the morning to make as much headway as possible. 38 miles and 8 hours 38 minutes paddling. Congratulations to the Dungarvan Under 12s Hurling team on winning the county final today. We were rooting for them from up here.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Day 27

We spent last night in Dunseverick Harbour where John Johnson has an exhibition centre - he spent over an hour bringing us through all of the items he had on display e.g. lumps of coal from the Titanic, war memorabilia from World War I and World War II. If you are ever in the area - well worth a visit. John's knowledge about the history of the local area was very interesting. I forgot to mention yesterday that after we left Giants Causeway we came across a BBC Film Crew who were filming the 40th anniversary of a dive on the Spanish Armada ship - the Girona, which sank in 1540. The original diver was reenacting the dive he originally made in 1967 (despite Tonys best efforts he didnt manage to get on camera!). Up this morning at 7 a.m. and on the water for 8.50 a.m. Thanks again to John for all his help. We paddled from Dunseverick Harbour to Kinbane Head, for a change the wind was at our backs and the tide was in our favour. The only downside was the heavy fog which kept visibility down to less than 100 metres. In the good paddling conditions we were averaging around 6 mph and were making great time. We rounded Fair Head shortly after 12 noon. That was it - we had paddled the north coast of Ireland! (its all downhill from here...) We rounded Torr Head and then Runabay stopping for lunch in Cushendun. We stopped for about an hour before making the 8 mile open crossing to Garron Point. Once past Garron Point we headed directly to Carnlough although due to a slight miscalculation we ended up in Glenarm about 2 miles further south. We stopped in the marina and the harbour master sorted us out with showers, a place to keep the boats and somewhere to camp for the night. He even drove us into Carnlough in order for us to get something to eat. Many thanks! We are back now in Glenarm in the Bridge End Tavern having a couple of pints to celebrate Dereks 41st birthday. Fair play to Tommy Fitzgerald who has driven up from Larne to meet us. Its nice to see a face from home. Plan for tomorrow is to get up early and follow the tide as far south as possible, hopefully getting past both Larne and Belfast Lough. 35 miles and 7 hours 36 minutes paddling...
p.s. Tony wants to know how many paddle strokes do you think it will take to get us all the way around Ireland....Prize to be sponsored by O'Mahony Cycles(?!)(a paddle stroke is every time you put a blade in the water...) Postcards and answers etc...

O.k o.k. Derek I know it's my round....!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Day 26

A big thanks to Brian Harris of Culdaff who gave us the use of a house just opposite the beach last night. It made a pleasant change to sleeping in the tent. Up this morning at 6 a.m. and on the water for 7.30 a.m. We paddled to Inishowen Head and as in previous days the wind was up about Force 4 to 5 and directly in our faces. Rather than chance the crossing from Inishowen Head straight to Benbane Head we paddled in around the opening to Lough Foyle to try and shelter from the weather as best we could. The going was extremely tough at this point and after 6 and a half hours on the water we had covered the 21 miles to Portstewart. We decided to stop there for lunch in the hope that weather conditions would improve in the afternoon. We left Portstewart at 4.30 p.m. and headed for Giants Causeway. Passing Ramore Head it was like a new day, the seas were calm and the wind died. We paddled the 8 miles to Giants Causeway with ease. We managed to get out of the boats at Giants Causeway and have a walk around taking plenty of photos. Many thanks to Steve, a photographer that we met who took some photos of us all. As the evening was getting late we rounded Benbane Head and have stopped for the night at a pier about 8 miles short of Ballycastle. As the sun is setting we can see Rathlin Island across the sound and beyond that we can see the coast of Scotland. 35 miles today and 10 hours 29 minutes on the water.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Day 25

After a four mile trek last night we eventually came across the Lighthouse Tavern which ironically enough is next to the lighthouse on Fanad Head.we had a couple of drinks in there and met a local guy called Graham Bowden who runs a surf school in the area. He spent a lot of time talking us through local tides and surf conditions and also told us about the new surfboard he is trying to develop as well as a line in surf clothing. After a couple of hours with him he very kindly offered to drive us back to the campsite. When we left him he gave each of us a tshirt from his very own NaRossa label. When we got to the beach where the tent was pitched the wind was blowing at about 30 mph so we had to use rocks to keep the tent pegs in place. Just as we got into bed it started to rain - thankfully the tent held up through the nite despite the conditions. Up this morning at 7 a.m. and on the water shortly after 8.30 (the late start due to the fact we needed to hit the right tidal conditions at Malin Head). We left Fanad Head, crossed Lough Swilly to Dunaff Head. From there we paddled on an arch through around to the west side of Malin Head. At this stage the south east wind which was blowing a force 4 was at our backs and helping. We rounded Malin Head in pretty good conditions but once we reached the east side of the peninsula the south east wind was directly in our faces and made progress very difficult. We paddled on down past Glengad Head and have stopped for the night in Culdaff Bay. We have gotton something to eat and are about to make camp - forecast for tomorrow is reasonable with the winds due to moderate down to force 4. The south easterlies will still be in our faces but hopefully we might get some shelter from the land. Tomorrows proposed landing point is Ballycastle. 28 miles and 7 hours 32 minutes on the water.
Some useless bits of info.....Gola Island that we stayed on two nights ago is the same island in the song Baidin Fheidhlimi - a song about a drowning tragedy involving a Gola boat on passage to Tory.
Malin Head is not the most northerly point in Ireland - it is in fact Dunaldragh Head which is two kilometers east north east of Malin Head...(informational and educational!)

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Day 24

Up this morning at 6 a.m. and on the water for 7.30 a.m. (I think the lie in was due to the fact that Tony got no drink last night). We paddled up around Bloodyforeland and onto Horn Head in very good conditions - calm seas, little wind although we did go through a few rain showers. Once we rounded Horn Head we were paddling across the top of Ireland and we headed for Melmore Head. It was at this point that things got tough - the wind altered between North Easterly and South Easterly and Easterly which made going extremely tough. Because of this we decided not to stop for lunch and try and gain as much ground as possible before the end of the day. Up to Horn Head we had been averaging up to 4 mph. From Horn Head onto Melmore Head the speed dropped below 3 mph. Conditions continued to worsen as we made our way to Fanad . We rounded Fanad Head shortly after 5 p.m. and made our way inland and landed on a beach approx 2 miles from the headland. As look would have it there was a shop just a stones throw from the beach so we are restocked with all of the necessities (rumour has it there is a pub only 2 miles up the road so we are pitching the tent and going exploring!). Forecast for tomorrow is not great but the plan is to try and sneak across Lough Swilly and make our way around Malin Head. (a lot will depend on whether we find a pub or not tonight) 37 miles today and 10 hours and 20 minutes paddling.
Blog typing is courtesy of Chez Moloneys tonight...many thanks

Monday, June 18, 2007

Day 23

Up at 5.30 a.m. and on the water for 7 a.m. to try and get to Gola Island by this evening. The morning was overcast but the seas were calm so we made good progress across Loughros More Bay and Gweebarra Bay. After completing 20 miles we stopped at Crohy Head for lunch. The wind had picked up and the North Easterly had made going a bit tougher for the last hour before lunch. After an hour's break we got back on the water and paddled in around Rutland Island, up past Burtonport, past Aran Island (the one in Donegal!) on up through the Owey Sound and then finally into Gola. The evening is overcast and it is raining on and off so we have managed to set up camp and had dinner of curried noodles and sausages followed by coffee and Nana G's cake. Our plan for tomorrow is to make as much ground as we can up through Bloody Foreland to get as close to Malin Head as we can. Assuming the weather holds up we will try and round Malin head on Wednesday - once we round the most northerly point of the country it will hopefully be all downhill from there to home! We are all doing o.k. although there is no pub on this island - we could be in for a long night....37 miles in total and 9 hours 22 minutes paddling.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Day 22

We got up this morning at 5.30 a.m. to be on the water for 7 a.m. In contrast to the last few days there was very little breeze and the seas were calm. We made great progress crossing Donegal Bay covering the 21 miles in 4 hours and 45 minutes (amazing how quickly Derek can paddle when Waterford are playing a match at 4!). We pulled into Trabane beach just short of Rossan Point for lunch. We spent an hour there, continued on around Rossan Point and landed in Glencolmkille at approx 3 p.m. We got dressed, organised a place to pitch the tent and headed to the local pub to watch the Waterford Cork game. After much nail biting Derek was delighted with the victory and as a result bought myself and Tony dinner afterwards in the local restaurant (joke!). We stocked up with supplies in the grocery shop and are now heading back to the campsite to settle in for the night. The plan is to be up again in the morinng at 5.30 a.m. to try and get on the water for 7, again to make as much progress north as possible. Forecast for tomorrow is mixed so we will have to see what happens in the morning. In total 30 miles today and 6 hours 28 minutes paddling. Up the Deise!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Day 21

Up this morning at 9 a.m. Had breakfast, day looked pretty bad so we decided to head into town to kill some time. Bought papers and had cup of coffee in the Fisherman's Weir. We decided then that rather than spend another day in Easkey we would paddle across Sligo Bay and set ourselves up for a shorter crossing of Donegal Bay on Sunday. We made our way back to the campsite, packed all the gear and were on the water for 1.30 p.m. We paddled the 14 miles inland, past Aughris Head and stopped at a beach called Ballyconnell, Co. Sligo at 5.30 p.m. We got dressed and went to the nearest house and were warmly greeted by Dermot Healy and his wife Helen. They allowed us to pitch our tent on their land and brought us in for tea and buns. We went down to our campsite and made our dinner after which Dermot took us on a tour of the local area, including Lissadel House and into Drumcliff to see W.B. Yeats's grave. We are now back at the campsite getting ready to hit bed to be up early in the morning. The plan is to cross Donegal Bay and make as much progress north as possible. After 3 days on dry land it was good to get back on the water and make some progress. The breeze has died as the evening has gone on so hopefully this bodes well for tomorrow. A very big thank you to Dermot and Helen for their hospitality this evening. They couldn't have done any more for us. 14 miles today, 4 hours paddling...on the road again!

Friday, June 15, 2007

The story so far

How's it going there everbody from cork new york dundalk gortahawk and glenavaddy.
Here we still are in county sligo and its a long long way from here to donegal. As that bono fellow says were stuck in a moment and we can't get out of it. Half way through our expedition the next few days are crucial. The weather man has turned against us and hit us with the dreaded north easterly force 6 headwind just when we are heading that direction. The next 5 or 6 legs of the journey were going to be the toughest in the best of weather.. Picture it in force 6 winds.
The situation now is that we have 14 paddling days and we have 16 days left to do it in. That only gives us 2 more wet days. That said we are as determined as ever to complete our mission, safely of course.
So far our journey has brought us to some of irelands most remote and scenic places. Sights we will treasure forever and times we feel privilaged to have had the oppertunity. We all owe a great debt to our supporting families back home. Perhaps some day we will revisit some of these spots with them.
For now though our thoughts are focussed on tomorows weather.
The highlight of the trip for me so far was rounding downpatrick headland of the coaat of north mayo. A sight to behold. Not too far from here ia crevagh head abnd again this was fascinating with sheer cliff faces and deep dark caves.I can't wait to see the much talked about northern coastlline.
A word of thanks to all those people back home who are following us on the blog. Your comments and support are much appreciated.
Best wishes to the deise on sunday against the rebels.well done to dungarvan u.12 hurlers who defeated lismore in the western final last week.
I will bid you adieu for now and perhaps be bold enough to ask u to prey for more favourable weather.. Assuming you say the odd prayer that is.
Slan go leir

Day 20

Same internet 'Cafe' different day ! As per forecast we are still in Easkey - it has been raining since last night thankfully the tent is holding out. The winds seem to be moderating slightly but it is still too rough to attempt a safe crossing of Donegal bay. Listening to the forecast at 6 this morning it looks like conditions for the early part of Saturday are equally poor with NE winds of up to force 7 expected. Right now we are hoping to see some change for the better and perhaps get on the water at some point before tomorrow lunchtime.
We met Nana & Grandad G again this morning on their way back from Donegal and they treated us to breakfast (again !) and we caught up on all the news. We bought the papers and retired to the Fishermas Weir - reading three newspapers is the only way to pass the morning ! We are now fully up to speed on Berties new government (Toby - has Trevor given you the call yet? - don't forget who your friends are when you become rich and famous )
No other news guys - hopefully we will start to make progress tomorrow and there will be some real news to report. Take care-

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Day 19

Well, we are officially into the second half of our trip with 17 days left to July 1st. Unfortunately we did not get out on the water today - we spoke to the coast guard in Valentia last night and they gave us the forecast for the next week or so - no go today or most probably tomorrow. True to the forecast the wind is howling in from the east creating messy seas and wind in our face - no point in going out. John and Kathleen - the owners of the Fishermans Weir pub in Easkey were kind enough to offer us the use of one of their B&B rooms this morning - this gave us the opportunity to have a shower and shave and also wash out the kayaking gear - we are like new men !! (Maybe now the dogs will stop following me around...)
Days like today tend to wreck your head because you want to be out on the water and making progress towards home but from a personal safety perspective you know it is not worth the risk. so we are spending the day walking around Easkey and checking out the surf along the beaches -to us the surf looks very big but the locals tell us that it is small compared to some of the surf that comes in during the winter (Martin - on a day like today you would have a ball up here - the surf looks amazing and thats on what the locals regard as a calm day !)

George - we were tracking Sam Crowleys progress yesterday and saw mention of you Tom and Eamonn - he seems to be making fairly steady progress - at this stage we are hoping that he doesn't catch up with us !!

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Day 18

We got fed in Enniscrone last night and went to the local campsite to see if we could get a spot to pitch the tent. Unfortunately it was closed by the time we got there so we wandered back to where we left the boats in Dessies house. He very kindly offered us the use of his back garden to pitch the tent and we sat around chatting for an hour or so. We were in bed fairly early but planned not to go too early in the morning because of the poor forecast.
We got up this morning at 8:30 and the day looked fairly good so we decided to hit the water and paddle as far as we could in order to try and get into position to cross Donegal bay in the next day or so. Dessie was up before us had the breakfast on and sorted us out with a fry up and resupply of drinking water before we left. Many thanks to him and his family for all of their hospitality - they really could not have done anymore for us. (As a side not Dessies dog seemed to take a fancy to me - not sure if it is beacuse I haven't showered in a couple of weeks !)
We were on the water for 10:45 and paddled for Easkey (10 miles up the coast) the wind started to pick up (as did the sea) and the barometric pressure also started to drop (a sure sign of bad weather approaching). We landed at Easkey beach (surfers paradise) next to the pier and met two Welsh surfers who gave us directions to town and told us we could pitch out tent next to there camper vans in a nearby field.
As luck would have it Nana and Grandad G were only and hour away on their way to Donegal - the met us for lunch (treated us again !!) it was great to catch up.
We are currently updating the Blog from and internet cafe (pub!) in the town of Easkey - due to head out and pitch the tent in the next few minutes (or maybe hours!). Forecast for the morning is not good - we have a 25 mile open crossing to the far side of Donegal bay but will need pretty good conditions to try it so it could be Friday before we get on the water again.

Side note - George, on the wildlife front we have seen loads of seals, puffins and one or two dolphins. Yesterday morning Derek saw a shark at about 8:30 a.m (12 foot Basking Shark - we spent the rest of the day trying to keep our hands out of the water!!

Toby, Craig (kite surfing/ Surfing ledgends of the South East) looks like it's goin to be your type of weather for the next couple of days - at least someone is enjoying it!!

Thanks for sorting out the salt water question - keep watch for futher questions over the coming days - there may be a prize at the end of the trip! Comments as usual are very welcome - it really is amazing to see the amount of interest people are taking in it. Keep it up as it gives us a great lift at the end of the day to know that you are keeping track of out progress

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Day 17

After we got back last night from the six mile round trip to the shop it started to rain so we pitched the tent as quick as we could and then cooked our dinner of pasta and sausages in the rain. We were in bed for 9.30 p.m. - a quiet night was had by all! Up this morning at 6.30 a.m. and on the water for 8 a.m. The morning was wet and miserable but the wind and tide conditions were in our favour so we made good progress. We left Portacloy and headed for Downpatrick Head past the Ceide Fields. After paddling for four hours the mist had lifted and by the time we got to Downpatrick Head the sun came out and it turned into a lovely day. The coastline around this area is absolutely spectacular - the rugged cliffs and sea caves were the highlights of the trip so far and we spent some time exploring and taking photos. We paddled on from Downpatrick Head to Creevagh Head where the seascape was equally impressive. We rounded Creevagh Head and pulled into a small beach for lunch, having paddled for five hours, 24 miles done. We stopped for an hour and then got back on the water to try and paddle to Easkey. However as soon as we got out to sea the wind got up to Force 5 and with a forecast up to Force 6 we decided to cut our losses and we made for Enniscrone on the far side of Killala Bay. We landed on a stony beach in Enniscrone and we met a local gentleman named Dessie who very kindly offered to store our boats in his back yard while we headed into town to get something to eat and find somewhere to pitch the tent. The plan for tomorrow is to try and make headway into Donegal Bay with a view to crossing the bay on Thursday (conditions for tomorrow are not favourable). 33 miles in total today and 7 hours 21 minutes on the water.
Just a reminder again that donations can be made to the Make a Wish Fund directly to the Permanent TSB Sort Code 990634 A/C 10915037 Thanks for all the donations and sponsorship so far.

Tony wants to know how the salt has got into the sea water - answers on a postcard to .......

A few more pics capturing the venture so far....

Check out a few pictures of us as we circumnavigate Ireland..there are many more photos capturing the fantastic, breathtaking scenery and our venture on the seas...we will post more when we return to base...click to enlarge (ignore time on pics!)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Monday, June 11, 2007

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.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Day 15

We camped last night on the beach in Inishbofin, had a quiet evening and were up this mornning at 7 a.m. We were on the water for 9 a.m. and headed for Clare Island. The weather was beautiful, a slight headwind but it didn't slow progress too much. We landed on Clare Island at 1 p.m. and had lunch on a bench on the beach. Tony and Derek practised eskimo rolls (in an effort to impress the locals!). We spent an hour on the Island before heading for Achill. We rounded Achillbeg Island and headed up Achill Sound. When we got to the bridge connecting Achill Island to the mainland, we parted ways with Thomas who had to make the return journey to Dungarvan. Thanks to Thomas for making the effort to spend the few days with us - he covered 60 effortless miles and it was great to have the company. We paddled under the bridge and headed for the Northmost tip of the island. With the tide running very quickly in our favour we reached speeds of 10 mph as we exited the sound. We paddled around the north tip and landed in a town called Dogourt. We have just had dinner and are sitting down to plan tomorrow's route. We are hoping to make Benwee Head by tomorrow evening. 36 miles today and 8 hours 35 minutes on the water.
- All the lads were delighted to hear from Cobbs Wall and we are looking forward to sending him on some pictures and catching up when we return
- Just to let Peter Power know that I have gone all environmentally friendly and even the diesel is green now!
- Derek wants to know if the parties are ever going to stop in his house....
- Last but not least, a belated happy birthday to Siobhan for yesterday from all of us - we will celebrate it properly when we get home

Saturday, June 9, 2007

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.

Day 13



Up at 6.15 a.m. this morning and on the water for 9 a.m. We left Liscannor and headed for Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. It was another beautiful morning with the sun shining and the wind at our backs. We landed on Inishmore at 2 p.m., changed our clothes and headed into the town to have a bite to eat and replenish supplies...then Tony spent another hour topping up the tan. We got back on the water at 4 p.m. with the intention to get as far up the Spiddal penninsula as possible. As per usual the lovely NorthEast wind picked up and slowed us down to less than 3.5 mph. We soon realised that we were not going to make as much progress as planned so we decided to come into land in Carna in Co. Galway at 9 p.m. Thomas Walsh met us at the landing site and we proceeded into the Carna Bay Hotel to meet my parents and sister Linda, who had travelled up as a surprize to catch up with us. They treated us to a lovely meal and it was really great to see friendly faces. Mary the hotel owner was more than hospitable and held over her kitchen staff especially to feed us and has offered us the use of the staff quarters for the night - a welcome change from the tent! Thanks Mary. 37 miles today and 8 hours 41 minutes on the water. (pictures above taken at the Carna Bay Hotel). My blisters now have their own blisters...Derek is sore in a delicate part of his body - lets just say we're not rubbing any cream in for him. Catherine you will have to meet up with us again soon to sort it out! Forgot to mention a big thank you to Keatings Bar in Kilbaha - the owners set us up with the makings of ham sandwiches and tea. Also a big thank you to Paddy Bourke and friends for the useful information on the sea and tide conditions in the area.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Day 12

Up this morning at 5.15 a.m, had breakfast and on the water for 7.15 a.m. We passed Loop Head shortly after 8 a.m. and with the seas calm and the sun shining it was a magnificent sight. We turned the headland and the usual North Easterly wind was in our faces. We stopped in a cove just north of Kilkee for lunch after 25 miles and realised with the constant head wind affecting progress, we were not going to make it to the Aran Islands as planned. After lunch we made for Liscannor, past Mutton Island and paddled across Liscannor Bay. The constant wind made it a long and ardous day and we pulled up on a beach just north of Liscannor after 7 p.m. We have pulled the gear onto the beach and have hitched a lift into the town. We are about to sit down for a meal and make plans for tomorrow. We hope to be joined by Thomas Walsh on Saturday who plans to paddle with us for a few days. 40 miles on and 10 hours 41 minutes on the water. Tired!
p.s. I have noticed that there is some concern about the regularity of our pub visits - please note that I am purely only acting as chaperone to the boys .... it is a tough job to keep them out of trouble!

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Day 11

We finished up last night by having a few pints in a pub called Nora Murphy's on the pier in Brandon Point. They looked after us well and also donated some milk and bread - a lovely spot if you are in the area. We hit bed at 11 p.m. and up this morning at 7 a.m. Quick breakfast and on the water for 9 a.m. The plan for today was to make Kilkee. After 40 minutes on the water crossing Brandon Bay a fog descended which brought visibility down to 500 metres, slowing progress. We used the GPS to get to Ballyheigue and stopped in a cove just west of Ballyheigue town for lunch. Due to the fog at this point we made plans to stay there overnight. However at 3.30 p.m. the fog lifted and we decided to cross the Shannon Estuary heading for Kilbaha, 3 miles inland on Loop Head. We left Ballyheigue at 4 p.m. and made the 15 mile trek around Kerry Head and across the Shannon Estuary. Constant wind in our faces and paddling against the tide slowed us down to 3 mph paddling speed. We eventually landed in Kilbaha Bay at 8.50 p.m. We have landed the boats, dressed and are after a pint in Keatings Bar on the pier. The guys here are sorting us out with some food and a place to pitch the tent. We are hoping to be on the water at 6 a.m. to catch the outgoing tide to bring us around Loop Head and up to the Aran Islands assuming weather conditions are favourable. 33.5 miles on, 8 hours 56 minutes on the water.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Day 10

Up at 7.30 a.m. and on the water for 9 a.m. We left Knightstown and headed across Dingle Bay and through the Blasket Sound. We pulled in to Dunquin for lunch with the weather just ideal for paddling - sun shining and the wind low. From there we headed around Clogher Head, past Smerwick Harbour and on for Brandon Head. The cliff scenery either side of Smerwick Harbour was just beautiful. Just beyond Smerwick we met another kayaker, called Dave Thompson coming in the opposite direction. Dave, from Newfoundland, Canada is on a kayaking holiday here, exploring the islands of the southwest. We rounded Brandon Head and have come into Brandon Point for the night. The sunny day has done wonders for Tony's tan but has somewhat quietened Derek - we have only heard a little bit of Christy Moore today! (As you can see Derek is doing his best to catch up with Tony - ya, this is the life) 40 miles on this evening after 8 hours and 47 mins of paddling - a good day.

p.s. Note all comments come through the blogsite for moderation before being published so if you don't see them on screen immediately don't worry, they should be published as soon as they are vetted! Keep them coming.

Monday, June 4, 2007

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!

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Day 8

Up this morning at 7.30 a.m in Castletownbere and on the water (at last!) by 9 a.m. We were delighted to see an improvement in the weather with a beautiful sunny day and light breeze. When we rounded the bay out of Castletownbere, it soon became clear that we were not going to make as much progress as we hoped. The wind picked up and blew North Westerely into our faces which made progress difficult. We rounded Blackball Head and then made our way to Crow Head and from there into Dursey Sound with the wind rising as we went. We made it through the Sound (the channel between the mainland and Dursey Island) and looking up we could see Ireland's only remaining Cablecar, linking mainland and island. Once we got through the sound we decided to pull in at Garinish Bay, where we have landed for the night. The O'Mahony and Lyons families are here with us, we have pitched our tents and are settled in for the night. 18 miles completed after 4.5 hours of paddling and the mood has lifted now that we are back on the water. Hopefully this week we will catch up and make headway up the west coast.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Day 2 in Castletownbere - Still here !!

Its 3.30 on Saturday afternoon and we are still stranded in Castletownbere - it's a very nice place and the people have been very friendly and helpful - but to be honest we would rather be making progress up the west coast.

My inlaws - Nana and Grandad G - arrived from Milltown (via the scenic route) last evening and brought us out for a slap up meal - we had a great couple of hours in their company even though Derek is still the worse for having to finish the bottle of red! Thanks folks much appreciated.

My family came to visit last night - it was really great to see them even though it's only been a week - many thanks to Liam for the driving! As per the forecast todays weather was as bad as expected, strong south easterly wind F6 to F8 which we could not get out in. Tonys family arrived early this morning and we all headed out to Dursey Sound to scout ahead the next leg of the trip. The wind direction would make the passing through the Sound relatively easy at slack water but the problem is trying to navigate the coast up to that point. We are anxiously waiting to see if the forecast is going to allow us to get out in the morning - any good weather would be most welcome at this point. Dereks family are due down this evening - so we will all have caught up with everyone before the day is out - it is great to see everyone and get the news from home.
The plan for this evening is to sort out the gear make sure everything is dry and ready for when we hit the water again. Once again a big thank you for all of the comments - George - no wildlife photos as of yet we have seen two seals and a few puffins - rumour has it there are lots of dolphins and some whales in the area so heres hoping...
Brendan - Derek says there was no need to pay for the vote he was always going to be good for it anyway - the generous donation for the Make A Wish foundation is very much appreciated - hope all of the lads in the two sites are keeping an eye on the blog and that we can post news on good progress next week.

Update from tomorrow should be back to Aaron as we will be on the water with any luck if not cabin fever is going to set in big time!!

Friday, June 1, 2007

Update from Castletownbere Friday 1st June

Hi all - greetings from a windswept Castletownbere - unfortunately the weather is once again not in our favour and we won't be on the water at all today. The forecast for today, tomorrow and Sunday is not looking too good - hopefully we can make some ground towards Dursey Sound before Sunday with a view to getting up to the Dingle penninsula on Monday. The forcast for next week looks a lot better and we would hope to make up some of the ground we have lost up to now. It is frustrating to be hanging around (drinking Guiness and eating crabcakes !! Just joking Tony doesn't drink at all and Derek certainly doesn't eat crab cakes his mother 'Terry Organ the Queen of Abbeyside' will vouch for that!!)
Just stocked up on medical supplies in the local chemist - need to get the blisters and sunburn sorted out so it will be like a scene from Casualty for the evening - show me where it hurts Tony!! Derek bought an extra 'Water-bottle' in the chemist for the long crossings.
Nothing for it this evening only to plan as best we can for the break in the weather and see how much progress we can make in the difficult conditions. Thanks for all of the comments - it was great to get to read them this morning, something to put a smile on the face - keep em coming - pass on the link to friends and family.

Darragh - best of luck from Dad to u and the Dungarvan U10 hurling team in the Ballyduff semi-finals tomorrow - call to let us know how you got on as soon as you can.darragh is the captain and hopefully he can lift the cup for the fourth year in a row