2010-08-13 Fenit to Portumna via Kilrush and Limerick
Read MoreSaturday, 14th August, 2010
We had spent six days (and nights!) in Fenit. And of course we had been watching the weather for 'windows of opportunity'! For several days we had earmarked Saturday as a potential departure date...it looked good and it duly proved to be good. We left Fenit circa 1pm....Besie and "Arthur" with Nauti Buoy in hot pursuit! We planned our departure so as to avail of incoming tide up the Shannon Estuary and also to avoid wind against tide when exiting Tralee Bay. Leaving Little Samphire Island in our wake we headed towards Kerry Head. Photo opportunities abounded...Departing Fenit...Little Samphire on the right. The lighthouse was established on 1st July 1854, de-manned on 5th December 1954, converted to unwatched on 15th December 1954 and electrified from 28th October 1976. [Source: Ireland's Lighthouses, a photo essay by John Eagle]
From setting out from Portumna on July 20th until our return on 17th August my Nikon D80 recorded 759 photos! A substantial number were recorded on this passage including many 'action' shots of Besie, Nauti Buoy and Pantou Pau.Sunday, 15th August, 2010.
Shane gets Besie ready for the passage to Limerick. Usually we would prefer to have at least one day's rest in between passages but on this occasion we noted that Sunday, the day after our arrival in Kilrush, is looking extremely good for cruising purposes. Winds are forecast at F1, very low swell, and SUNSHINE is powering down from a clear blue sky. Ideal conditions. And we will reap the benefits of an incoming tide as we head for Limerick!Geraldine captures the moment as "Arthur" and Besie prepare to depart Kilrush for Limerick. Nauti Buoy and Pantou Pau are planning to rest in Kilrush for the day and then head to Limerick on Monday. Yes, it does seem like a good day for resting...hopefully we will be able to enjoy the conditions on the water as we head up to Limerick.