AT BURTON PORT ARANMORE.

9^th June

Left BroadHaven at 7 and set off for Aranmore Island, and Burton Port. The weather is closing in and we want to be somewhere safe.

We were able to sail some of the way, but the wind was very light, and we had to motor sail

to be able to reach Burton Port at High Water.

We had the most lovely calm day with smooth sea and a lot of the way there was no sight of land, as we made our way across Donegal Bay.

It was sad that we had to miss out Sligo (Lifeboat) and Killybegs. We need to make up our time lost.

We arrived at Arranmore, and it was beautiful, and a very tricky entrance, but as the car ferry went in and out, and we had plenty of water it wasn't as bad as it sounded and looked in the pilot book.

When we arrived at Burton Port, we had to moor up beside a fishing boat, which was the only place we could really go.

A BIG PROBLEM. We found a lot of oil in the engine compartment. We had cleaned out some at Innishmore, and checked on the way, but now we definitely had an oil leak.

The local people at Burton Port, have been so helpful, and have found someone to have a look for us. We won't be going anywhere tomorrow anyway, so we arranged for someone to come on board sometime tomorrow

We went to the local pub, which was very pleasant, and very 70's décor.

We then had dinner and early to bed we had had another 60 mile day.

10^th June

We had the key to the shower, and were all able to use it one at a time. It is a new facility here at Burton Port. It is a dying area, unfortunately, as they have a grant to enhance the Harbour with a pontoon for yachts, but can't agree on it. It is a shame. There is no shop, no bed and breakfast.

But a couple of pubs and a restaurant. We decided we would visit the Lobster Pot for a meal tonight. The local Engineer couldn't come on board until later, so we all took a taxi to Dungloe It is the only place where we can get bread, milk etc. We decided to do a big shop while the going was good.

We then had a visit from Frankie the Engineer, who wasn't sure what the problem was, we decided to clean out the engine compartment of oil tomorrow, and then start the Engine to see if we could locate the problem tomorrow morning.

Another yacht come alongside, we had met them at Dingle, they are travelling around Great Britian and Ireland, from Plymouth.

We went out for the evening to have meal at the Lobster Pot, it was really great.

11^th June

We got up and cleaned out the Engine Compartment, using Nappy Liners. A really useful way of mopping up.

We ran the Engineer for 40 mins, and found a leak. Frankie, didn't have an answer, so we have decided to carry on, and keep topping up. It isn't ideal, but this area, is very remote, and as least if we get further round towards Belfast, we have more chance of getting it fixed. The engine is a Bukh, and is Danish, and we think it is probably a part that will have to be ordered from Denmark.

We will get on further, and make a decision about the parts.

Today another Yacht came in, so we now have 4 boats moored up together.

This is a popular place, its a shame about the facilites.

The local fishermen are so helpful, and as the Harbour Master is not well, they got us Diesel, and Water from the pier. So all the yachts were able to fuel and water up. Which is really good.

Sandy and Carol, have walked to the local garage for Engine Oil, but they had non. We have organised a taxi to take them to Dungloe, to get some. That is what I mean about remote!!!!!!!!!!!

I am at the pub sending this Blog. -