2010-08-13 Fenit to Portumna via Kilrush and Limerick

Saturday, 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.

Besie...exiting Fenit

Besie and Nauti Buoy with Little Samphire in the background...

14.25. Approaching Kerry Head....round the corner is The Shannon Estuary and then it's onwards to Kilrush...

Mary enjoying the cruise...

15.34...Besie charges up the Shannon Estuary...

15.35...Nauti Buoy heads up the Shannon Estuary bound for Kilrush. Loop Head in the background.

15.35...Besie against a Kerry coastline...

15.50...Pantou Pau (Matt Ryan) joins the dash for Kilrush. Pantou Pau was based in Kilrush for the previous week and headed to Fenit for a day trip! She arrived in Fenit as we were departing but was well able to catch up with us as we headed up the Shannon Estuary...

Looking back down the Shannon Estuary...Carrigaholt headland just visible in the background.

16.40...Kilrush in the distance...

Looking back down the Shannon Estuary...Carrigaholt headland just visible in the background.

Waiting to enter Kilrush Creek Marina lock....

Pantou Pau waits for the call to enter Kilrush Creek Marina lock....

The Shannon Estuary...Kerry on the left, Clare on the right!

"Arthur" approaches Kilrush

17.41...Pantou Pau enters Kilrush Creek Marina lock with Marina Manager, John Hehir, keeping a watchful eye on proceedings in his lock!

Besie in Kilrush Creek Marina lock.

Nauti Buoy in Kilrush Creek Marina lock.

Gerladine doing the ropes on Nauti Buoy in Kilrush Creek Marina lock...

Caoimhe Ryan doing the ropes on Pantou Pau...

A happy looking Louis Rice....

Matt Ryan (Pantou Pau)

Father and daughter...

"Arthur" about to enter Kilrush Creek Marina....

"Arthur" (left) and Nauti Buoy (right) safely moored in Kilrush Creek Marina. The Sea Lock can be seen in in distance.

Alice gives Besie a good wash....

Washing down your boat to get rid of the traces of salt water is a must after each passage on 'the salty'!

John Ryan (Rapport) pays a visit to Kilrush Creek Marina.

John and Shane.

20.55.......Absolutely still water...not a ripple to be seen. And believe me, it can really blow up a storm in this marina when the winds are mean!

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.

Louis in relaxed mood and looking forward to a quiet day in Kilrush.

The crew of Nauti Buoy bid farewell and safe passage to "Arthur" and Besie.