Around To Portsalon.

Goose in the Bay Off Portsalon
We woke before the alarm and as both crew were alert and willing we set off early for Portsalon on Fannad head we hauled anchor at 5.30! Not much wind, so we motored along this spectacular stretch of coastline. Past the Rosses and on towards Marble Hill and Downings.  Passing the spectacular Tory Island we wondered if the King was receiving visitors but on second thoughts we decided to press on!    we had Fannad light in our sights and once we closed on it we swung to starboard and into the deep water fiord.  It seemed more than calm enough at Portsalon (still and hot as we have ever known Irish waters) and intending to anchor we spied a substantial visitors mooring and duly picked it up and made fast.
Neil was to join us here and he was a keenly anticipated addition to our crew, having sailed with us from Ardglass to Dingle he didn't take long recognising Goose and we were no sooner tied up than our phones were hopping.  It was Neil eager to come aboard.  He was advised that the outboard required some attention and once complete we would be in to pick him up.  The attention required was significant and unsuccessful! After about 45 minutes the skipper decided to row in and perhaps Dine in comfort with Neil before returning to Goose. Mark opted to stay aboard.
After two pints and a fish supper the land lubbers decided to head back to Goose.  Neil (possibly because he'd witnessed the skippers oarsmanship on his approach) opted to swim! A fair distance.... but he's a strong swimmer and the skipper agreed to stay close.
Despite the contents of his stomach Neil made it to Goose only to find the boarding ladder didn't function.  This resulted in a somewhat cumbersome boarding via the tender but once aboard the three motley crew were reunited and the evening was spent catching up on everyone's adventures and a plentitude of jovial bon compagnie. It was to be an easy sail next day... so...eventually the crew settled to sleep soundly.

Marine Boy Neil

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