Irish mist

A

Another 7am start to catch the tide saw the opposite bank of the river hiding in thick fog, radiation fog which forms over land accompanied by clear nights with high pressure. this one was a real pea-souper.

So it was glasses on so as better to see the plotter and acho sounder not to mention the lateral marks.

Of course most of the time visibility was limited to a vague shape of one bank or the other, sometimes it was the proverbial inside of a ping pong ball.

As we approached the Barmouth we left the worst behind and the visibility opened up, we were joined by a seal for the last section, it was obviously amusing itself by disappearing every time Lynne attempted to take his photo, something that as a sea-kayaker I am all too familiar with.

As we set course for Rathlin Island, carefully steeringg outside the Skerries opposite Portrush as the mist socked in again and it was very cold. the Fog didn't burn off all morning and as we approached Rathlin around dinner time the Island was nowhere in sight. I was slightly concerned as the plotter was telling me it was less than a mile away, and Rathlin Sound is no place to be sloppy with your position!

Suddenly it appeared in a clear spot on the port side.

My trusty hand line was retrieved, for the first time without a fish to show for it. Preparations were made for the small harbour, by rigging fenders both sides, it being Friday we were unsure how crowded the pontoons would be. We should not have worried, as we approached the entrance it became apparent that we would be almost alone!

Faced with such a plethora of choices, we opted for the most difficult, cross wind, downwind and poor Lynne had two minutes to rig and figure out how to use a mid-line, oops! However at the second attempt we made it and a bit of faffing about soon saw Dark Tarn tied up in the optimum position for a quiet night and easy exit. She gently leaned over in the force 4 easterly ( forcast was 2 or less SE or variable ) and we put the kettle on for a late lunch.

We had a quick explore and were lucky enough to find the postmistress in and despite it being half an hour after she should have closed she allowed us to withdraw some cash. We also discovered a chippy and a bar. We were sorted!

Following our usual pattern we may well stay and explore awhile!