Search and rescue for a ditched plane (simulation).

 Last night watching the sun go down...magical.

Is that a fin I spied?

 A decision of where to go was a difficult one to make today. I needed to do a shop and Ian wanted to go to Ardmore but the only place where we could do a decent shop was Waterford. This meant either a long trip up to New Ross to cross the River Barrow or catch the East Passage Ferry with a cost of 12 Euro's but saving us a good 50 km. The ferry won!

So, the first port of call once across was stop for the Tesco shop. Here we were shocked! The prices for staple dietary requirements were astronomical. I ask you...2 Euro for a loaf of bread and nothing under 6 Euro for wine....well it's almost enough for this lady to give up on drink!

We ummed and ahhed over were to go next. Our biggest problem now that we are in County Waterford was finding somewhere to stop for the night. Ardmore is sadly lacking in either wild camping sites or paid ones and our water condition, as well as having to empty the loo, was getting critical. The only place where we could water up and empty the cassette was at a place called Helfic Harbour. So head for there we did.

Typical we missed the left turn toward the harbour and ended up going up a steep hill with nowhere to turn. Then suddenly a lookout layby presented itself. Here we stopped to take photos and was met by a local lad who told us that the harbour parking for campers was closed for the time being. All to do with a search and rescue simulation for persons in the water after a plane had ditched. This included the RNLI life boat, Helicopter rescue, Civil defence search and rescue, Police, Ambulance and Coast guard. He also informed us of a layby near to the harbour where we could stay until the planned incident had finished.

Look out point.

 So the wrong turn did us good and a very pleasant afternoon was spent watching it all unfold.

Lifeboat launch

Yacht rescue

Cliff rescue

A helicopter hovered overhead.

The safe return of the yacht

 By 7pm all the rescue vehicles had disappeared and luckily we were the first in the car park. Water tank has been filled and loo emptied at the toilets (permitted for a 25cent fee). Car park is now full and some very noisy children playing opposite but the view again is wonderful and worth any agro.