These are the adventures of Andy and Sally Rawnsley on their narrowboat "The Puzzler". We have been living on the boat for over nine years now and are still loving it. Our Ulster born Shih Tzu, Shannon, has grown up, and has taken over the boat! After three wonderful years in Ireland, we transported The Puzzler to The Netherlands, and spent a year there. In 2015 we went southwards, to reach the north of France by June. After glorious weather throughout the summer, we arrived in Roanne in late October, and enjoyed our winter in this friendly port. We cruised extensively in France in 2016, 2017 and 2018, returning to Roanne each winter.


Sunday 30 September 2012

8th - 16th September. From Trial Bay to Enniskillen via Upper Lougnh Erne.

Time to cut some more wood. This tree has lain here beside the Woodford River ever since April 2011, so was overdue for removal!
To get the bows on to a safe access for wood collecting, we tied up with the stern temporarily half way across the river. This did slow the hireboats down! Boaters familiar with the Shannon-Erne should be able to work out where we are.

There always seems to be a rainbow at Derryvore, in Trial Bay. Could this be because it always rains when we are on this mooring?
We wait until Monday evening to move on, as the weather all day has not been good, with a lot of rain. The sky is still threatening, but if we do not go a few miles tonight, then it makes tomorrow a very long day.
The sky is lightening as we turn on to Upper Lough Erne. This photo was taken only six minutes after the last one, (no editing) showing how quickly the weather can change here in Ireland.




In the morning at Geaglum.



Some of our newly collected wood is inside the cratch, but most is on top, as seen here at Geaglum.







There were over 25 birds on the pulpit of Inishturk, across the bay.


Moving on, we sail under the Viaduct, which is the main route between Derrylin and Lisknaskea.

Even though it is quite late in the year, the reeds along the sides of Upper Lough Erne are still as attractive as ever.


Last year these markers were nearly under water, when we came this way in late October.


The old railway pillars on the approach to the Ardhowen Theatre mooring tell us that we are nearly back at Enniskillen.



Enniskillen Castle looms majestically ahead of The Puzzler.


At the Round "O" all the ducks, swans and geese are back too for the winter.
"Down at the harbour,
 Early in the morning,
 Two little tug boats,
 All in a row".
Can anyone else remember this ditty from our childhood?

1 comment:

  1. I like the rainbow at Derryvore. Looks as though you have enough wood to keep you warm for a while! It must be good to be back in Enniskillen to see all your friends. Love Debs xx

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