1st - 14th November. In Recreativiehaven Schagen, North Holland. Wood delivery and local news.

We are currently moored on the east wall of the harbour at Recreativiehaven Schagen, opposite the boat Veritas. The sky here is threatening, but on the whole the weather has been good since we arrived here in Schagen.

As coal is not readily available in Holland, we ordered a cubic metre of hardwood. We had wondered how you measure a cubic metre of wood, so now we know! The sawhorse was only needed to cut the pallet wood, as the rest was ready for the fire.

This wood is all oak, and has come from France. The cratch has never been stacked as full as this, with the rest of the wood on top of The Puzzler.

Less than a week after we arrived in Schagen, local reporter, Martijn Gijsbertsen, came to interview us for the maritime page in the local paper, Noordhollands Dagblad. We really liked the article and felt he had done a good piece of work.
The main headline says, "Overwintering in a narrow floating house". Above that the subheading tells us, "Wooden  jigsaw puzzle business sold in order to be able to cruise round Europe with a colourful motor ship". With the remark to the right about our being British bridge players, moored in Schagen harbour, that just about says it all!

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!)

1st - 9th November. Bridge, bowls, and river reflections in Enniskillen.

The police launch is about again today.They always manage to look very busy.

The Erne mooring by the shopping centre looks very bleak, when seen across the water. We usually tie up on the long end jetty, as there is just room for The Puzzler to fit there.

We can bring the trolley right to the boat at this mooring, and can then use the side doors for unloading the shopping.

Back to Broadmeadow for bowls at the Forum in the morning, followed by bridge in Enniskillen in the evening. The cygnets here are growing up fast. Andy saw them flying for the first time today.

The mooring at Riverview is our next call, for bowls at the Cathedral Hall. In the evening we have a lift to Irvinestown for bridge again. Many thanks to Jackie and Angela.

Reflections today, across the river from Riverview, are outstanding. These riverside mooring are a traditional part of life in Enniskillen.

A sleepy heron watches us go past him.

The trees are still holding their autumn colours, beside the old Erne Hospital, which closed in June. There is now a new state of the art hospital on the outskirts of Enniskillen.

Heading back across to the Round "O" in the morning, there are more reflections in the river.This stillness of water is more usually seen on canals, rather than here on the river.

Later in the day at the Round "O", the reflections move to the other side of the River Erne. A rowing eight is out for training, with their coach in attendance.

Finally, in the evening, the sun sets behind the trees of the Round "O" park.