13th - 21st December 2013. Party time in Enniskillen.

We were invited out for an Irish breakfast, which was extremely good. Shannon and Padi were very pleased to see each other again, but you get the impression here that Padi, nearer to the camera, is in charge. Well, it is her boat!

There is more water in the river Erne now, so it was quite a struggle, coming upstream through Enniskillen Bridge. The Killyhevlin Hotel looks out over this lovely mooring, about a mile out of Enniskillen.

We are at the Killyhevlin for the St. Michael's Bridge Club Christmas dinner. After an excellent meal, it was serious bridge, but with a prize for everyone.

Next morning it was back to Enniskillen for a session of bowling practice at St Macartin's hall.

After bowling we returned to the boat, with Andy remarking on a nearby marker which had turned the wrong way. Soon afterwards this cruiser settled firmly on the sandbank, having gone behind the marker. Andy managed to bring the bows of The Puzzler in behind him, and we pulled him off. The wind then tried to push us on to the other moored boats, but fortunately did not succeed!

Not content with sitting on the seat, or looking into the galley, Shannon has taught herself how to beg! She thinks that cuteness attracts treats, and she could be right!

While moored here at Riverview, we have fitted the Christmas lights outside The Puzzler.

Once it is dark, then the length of the narrowboat shows clearly.

The same evening, we had a friendly bowls competition at St. Macartin's hall. It was great fun, with 34 people taking part.

After the competition, we all went into the next room, for an excellent supper. ( Sally was on sandwiches today!)

4th - 12th Jan. A visit to Florence Court.

We still continue to play both bowls and bridge regularly.
A waterboarder went upstream past the Round "O". She tried to go up through Enniskillen Bridge but failed, which was not surprising. There is quite a flow on the River Erne at present.

We went walking at Florence Court, which is a splendid 18th century mansion and is the former home of the Earls of Enniskillen. It is set in acres of fields and woodland with many lovely walks.

In this building, in the grounds of Florence Court, there is an operational sawmill, which has been there since 1848. It is powered by a waterwheel, which is activated by the water feeding across from the stream above it.

The waterwheel can be seen close behind the building.

It is quite impressive.

We carried on further round the grounds to the pretty thatched summerhouse. The clematis, on the front arch above Violet and Andy, will be lovely in a couple of months time.

Time for a rest! The walls are lined with small branches, while the rustic furniture inside this delightful building is also made by using natural shapes in the wood.

We looked at the view, while Joe checked out the path in front of the summer house.

Having completed our circuit, we walked back past the main house. We really appreciated our visit here, having heard so much about Florence Court. It certainly lived up to our expectations.