Into Northern Ireland
August 24, Day
Richard took me back to Dunany and I got the boat from the fancy grounds again. Sad to leave their house, they were a lot of fun. Packed up and was on my way with some westerly wind crossing over to Carlingford Lough. Now I’m in Northern Ireland! And the majority of the winds are southerly which has been just amazing. The thing about the Taran 18 is that it can be a little squirmy in a choppy following sea, just because it’s so long that it can fishtail quite a bit. Other than that it's a total dream to paddle, I feel so comfortable and stable in it. Truly the expedition boat for this. Went to get close to the Carlingford lighthouse and then the jet skiers really flooded the area. I even had the lifeguard jet ski come over and she said "hey you're pretty hard to see, are you okay? If you need help just stick your wee paddle in the air and we'll come and help you". I didn't want to sound rude but just paused and said "I'm okay, I'm circumnavigating Ireland". The look on her face and stutter in surpised words said it all. I'm just a girl after all huh. I paddled away, dodging the annoying sound of the jet skiers (not to mention what the dolphins and seals must be hearing from underneath).
The wind pushed me along then up the coast where I was communicating with Damien, Richards paddle partner for their circumnavigation next summer. He collected me just past Kilkeel, where I asked the nearby house if I could stash my boat in their yard. People are always very kind about that, I have had very little trouble leaving it places. We went to his house and watched Young Offenders over dinner, it's such a ridiulous show.
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