28th - 30th June. Sailing back up the River Barrow. Shannon is in an active mood.

It still seems strange to be passing safely so close above an unguarded weir, such as this one above Ballytiglea Lock.

The house by Lower Ballyellen lock has a wonderful outlook across the river.

When using the offside bottom gate at this lock, you have to be careful to watch the overhang of the lock beam, so as not to fall into the river below!

The cygnets are growing up so fast.

There were already three boats moored above Slyguff Lock, but this was no problem as The Puzzler is long enough to reach right across the middle cruiser.

We tied our stern to Derek's barge, Robert Emmet, giving us stern access.

Meanwhile the bows went tidily against Larry's barge, for our preferred bow access. It is not often that you can use both ends, when mooring outside other boats. Let us hope that the cruiser does not want to move in a hurry!

Shannon and Andy had an energetic game of football. She is learning how to control the ball in a tackle.

However she does not take it very seriously!

Next morning her new boyfriend, Butch, came round to play. They have become the best of friends.

Ceile, Bobby-Jean, Butch and Shannon were all sad to part, when we set off to carry on upstream in The Puzzler.

Once we were sailing along, Shannon thought that she would try balancing on top of the cratch. She did not fall in, but this is a dangerous new game!

Bagnelstown lock has an unusual, stepped top cill. This is the deepest lock on the River Barrow.

The reeds have grown quite a lot since we were last here in Leighlinbridge, a month ago. We will turn again to go up through the bridge tomorrow.