Thank you, it was great as always. we got the boat out early about 12pm, they are not anywhere as strict as the office in Carrick, this our second year from there, absolutely no problem with anything, do as you like approach, we got groceries next and set off south, a bit windy but fine.
Made it to Garrykennedy first evening, very quiet, had a couple of pints and food in Larkins very good, but only two other tables occupied, a bit of a stroll around the town and bedtime, next morning fine, but very windy, we decided to go to Killaloe, out of the harbour and across to turn down the south leg of Derg and things got interesting, waves splashing over the nose of the boat, with the wind speed high and low speed of the boat we were going nowhere, would have took two hours plus to get down to Killaloe, with the constant banging over waves, so we cut across to Scarriff and had lunch there in The Garden Cafe which was grand and we hoped for the wind to abate, we headed back out and over again to discover the wind wasn't just as bad but decided on Mountshannon as an overnight venue and had a good night in Cois na hAbhna, with a very wet and windy night, the forward bedroom roof was leaking a bit from the start, but it was ok a towel was used to soak it up when it rained.
The following morning we decided to zig-zag our way north, as to go down to Killaloe would have left us with a very long charge back up to be in Portumna for 10.30am Saturday morning, we agreed this time with the office before we departed. Stephen knew people in Williamstown so we called in there, then to Dromineer for lunch in Lough Derg House, I know the guy who owns Illaunmore, we spent a few hours there, we spent the best night of all in Terryglass in Paddy's, a pub we know well, with food, drink and a sing song till late and departed there at 9am Saturday morning for base, arriving at 10.20am.
Once again thanks for your help and assistance and we will be back next year, similar time, to book with you again. We plan on heading north from Carrick, the furthest north we have been so far on the river, is Leitrim village and Boyle, so Lough Allen, Ballyconnell and Belturbet are in our sights. we know there are a good few locks along the way and were made aware of bridge heights over boat when water level is up, so will need to take all that into consideration when choosing a vessel. Looking forward to it already.