Jean Says: We've been helping the economy here in Ireland by eating at the local seafood restaurant, and buying a few things. Bob has bought himself some serious deck shoes (hoping that by wearing them, he'll be taken more seriously - fat chance! I've had the full kit now for several years, and people still laugh when I try to tell them what to do). We also bought an Irish courtesy flag for Bella Rosa, so that she doesn't feel that she's working for nothing. The Irish soda bread we bought is fantastic, so we're having that for lunch today before we set off for Arklow.
The people here are very friendly and helpful. In pursuit of some local knowledge, we popped into the Harbour Masters office to ask his advice on the best time to leave. He strongly advised us not to leave before 13.00, otherwise they'd still see us out of the window sitting between the two buoys flanking St. Patrick's Bridge an hour later. We're not sure what St. Patrick had to do with this channel through the shallows, but he seemed to have had a fair bit of influence here in Ireland. We've only been here for a night, and we're already following in the footsteps of a saint, or should we say sailing. He must have got very wet, I wonder why he didn't go by road?

Bella Rosa sporting her new Irish courtesy flag. (note how the weather has reverted to type!!!!).