Shannon-Erne-Waterway 15-16 April

From Carrick we continued out of town. No chance of taking the wrong arch with these markers!







We nearly missed the turning to the right, a mile further on, which steered us away from Lough Key. You really do have to watch the chart to keep in the corrrect channel. We have decided to head north to Enniskillen as directly as we can, and will do all other parts of the waterways at another time.

After Hartley bridge the river becomes narrower, without any wide flashes. We passed some young cattle, wading through the river to escape to the next field.

We saw our first ducklings of the year. There were too many, moving too fast, to count them!

At the next right, signed this time, we joined the Shannon-Erne Waterway. This waterway was reopened in 1994 after being derelict for a century.

The bridges are wonderful. This is definitely a canal!

This new development was passed soon after we joined the canal.

There was a warden at lock 16, Leitrim lock, which is the first lock,and has a rise of a couple of feet. We found that as long as only one paddle is used, then ropes are not needed.

The locks are operated hydraulically, after you insert your smartcard, each lock costing one unit.

All the other 8 locks up to the summit were about 12' deep. This is lock 15.

At lock 10 the water over the bottom gates was quite impressive.

Going on through Lough Scur we moored at Keshcarrigan. We moored on the end of the jetty, as we fit best there.

Once again the walkway down on to the Jetty from the quay is ridged metal. This may be designed to be non slip but is certainly not designed for dogs feet! Catkin has to be carried over it, or else wear her boots, to protect her feet. She cannot decide which is worse!

Safely back on the boat. "Take them off please!"