Thatching, a work of art.

A very relaxing and peaceful night so why couldn't we get any sleep? With night temperatures around 16 degrees and only the roof vent open for ventilation, it was stifling. A definite downside to owning an older van, no air conditioning. We got up early to hunt for a water point as a shower would have been very welcoming. No luck on that front although the Brit Stop book showed this site to have one. With half a tank of water showing on the gauge, we were limited to a flannel wash to conserve water. Once breakfast was finished we headed off to Rosslare.

Yesterday's exit from the ferry port had a purpose. To get to Tacumshane  so we missed out on seeing the harbour and beach. This morning we found a convenient car park by the dunes with plenty of space for the Beast. Off we head to the water where I persuaded Ian to 'dip his toes' to see what the temperature was like and was pleasantly surprised that the sea felt warm. Of course, I had to join in to see for myself and quite right he was too. Lots of rock pools for us to explore, searching for anything that moved.

Irish ferry in port.

Back at the Beast and after a bite to eat we headed for Kilmore Quay. A trip to Saltee Island was arranged for tomorrow morning. Uninhabited apart from one mostly unoccupied house of which the owner claimed himself to be Prince Michael (even has a throne) the island's a bird sanctuary with Guillemots, Gannets, Puffins etc. We have been told the landing on the island in a small 12 seater boat could be interesting and we may have to get our feet wet scrambling over rocks, seaweed and the like. Hey ho, must be about time I go for a swim!

Another wild camping site found but this time we do have water and rubbish at hand. For 10 euros a night it is situated very close to the harbour and the boat we go on tomorrow The owner has even told us we can leave the Beast for the day. So after paying our fee, went off for another explore around the village.

The vigil sculpture of two grieving figures looking out to sea when all hope for their loved ones return was lost.

Rib bone from a fin whale washed up on shore in the year 2000

Memorial garden to those mariners lost at sea.

 Away from the beach toward the other end of the village was lots of quaint thatched cottages. One was in the process of having new thatch put on and watching this skilled man at work one asks oneself if this will become a dying art.

The fairy tale Rapunzel comes to mind.

And seen today

I haven't seen a Green finch in a long while.