Very South of France

It may seem strange to compare Enniskillen to the South of France and yes, it may be an exageration but, on any weekend, in boating season, the total value of boats moored would be in the millions of pounds. Plenty of £500,000 boats about. Some of the 'dinghies' being towed look as if they could be from a James Bond film or on loan from the SBS. 

The boat below reminds me of a novel I read many years ago called The Last  Convertible. Have no idea of her name. I call her Cafe au  Lait. Not many like her about. 

Despite it being busy we were lucky to find a mooring empty as we made our way back towards Killynick.

And the view from the side hatch. Swans arrived as if from central casting. 

I am a bit behind with the blogs. The next one is from a new destination.

Suddenly ...it's boating season!

We have made the most of our time on Lower Lough Erne. For the most part we've had the lough to ourselves. Unbelievable. Even this last few days on Inish Davar, with the bluebells out, there have only been one or two short stayers.

All change now. Easter is the start of boating season and the waters are suddenly busy. Enniskillen is always popular at the weekends and it was hectic. All the moorings were busy. Tens of millions of  ££ worth of boats. Most would not have looked out of place at any harbour on the Med. We had shopping to do and left a tidy sum behind us. Curry's did particularly well as we bought a new TV.

On the move this morning...well lunchtime... and had little hope of finding space on one of our favourite jetties. Delighted to round the bend to find it ...empty!!! No need to squeeze QISMA in. Lost a canal style fender as we moored but easily recovered.

And the sun just came out!!!

Happy days.

 Lots of boats....only one like this. I've named her Cafe au Lait.

Evenings like this

We hadn't moved! A foggy old morning. But we had no plans to move either. A lot more action on the Lough today and... Because of the weather.....boats still moving around  until 8 ish. We are sharing a jetty overnight for  first time this year...not counting Enniskillen! 

 As the day wore on things got calmer.

 Until!

Makes the occasional choppy crossing well worth while just to be here.

Nothing new to offer you

Last week or so has been bimbling down to Enniskillen and back. Mostly using moorings we've already been on this year. There was one surprise....a boat was already moored on one of them! First time this year. They didn't overnight so not too bad!

These are the last few days we will have the luxury of the lough to ourselves. Schools breaks up for Easter and the waters, whilst not bring busy, will certainly be busier than they have been up to now. We've gone days and days without seeing anyone out but us and some fishermen.

Usual resupply in Enniskillen and our chicken bought at O'Doherty's. Last week's just did not compare. How we will manage when we head south...... Only for four months  Gulp.

Next week we start to slowly move back down towards the Woodford River. A trip that could be done in three long days but we are taking 12!  We don't like to rush and there are some favourite moorings from last year

The swamp at Castle Archdale

At their best

 

A bit rough on the way up...what else is new?