These are the adventures of Andy and Sally Rawnsley on their narrowboat "The Puzzler". We have been living on the boat for over nine years now and are still loving it. Our Ulster born Shih Tzu, Shannon, has grown up, and has taken over the boat! After three wonderful years in Ireland, we transported The Puzzler to The Netherlands, and spent a year there. In 2015 we went southwards, to reach the north of France by June. After glorious weather throughout the summer, we arrived in Roanne in late October, and enjoyed our winter in this friendly port. We cruised extensively in France in 2016, 2017 and 2018, returning to Roanne each winter.


Thursday 16 January 2014

22nd December 2013 - 3rd January 2014



Shannon had great fun on Christmas day and soon got the hang of opening presents.

We have had no snow in Enniskillen at all, and the weather at Christmas was kind to us. Here Andy and Shannon are by the slipway at the Round "O".
The leaning tree at the Round "O" is leaning even further. The water level here normally only reaches to the clump of reeds, so is considerably higher than normal. There are fewer ducks to feed this year, but the family of five cygnets are very popular.
There has been a lot of rain to keep the river level high. When we were beside this fishing jetty last year, collecting wood, I had to lean right down from our bows to reach it. Now this small cruiser is nearly floating out on to the grass!


At New Year, we were in Cashelnadrae again, with Janet and Maurice. We had a great time.


On the beach at Rossnowlagh, the cliffs are quite impressive. It was a glorious sunny day on January 2nd.


This beach is over a mile long, on the Atlantic Ocean. We did not walk the full length of it this time!



Shannon liked to lie beside the Christmas tree, while we were playing games at the table.
One day, however, she went through to the living room and found the fire ready to light, with interesting paper and sticks. Having removed some from the fire and sorted them out, she settled on a cushion. Well, it was more comfortable than her own basket!



Next day we went to walk round the Rosheen. The weather could definitely be described as "bracing".