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.

31st Dec 2012 - 3rd Jan 2013. New Year in far west Fermanagh.

For New Year celebrations, we are in the far west of Fermanagh, in Cashelnadrea. We went for a walk at The Rosheen, a picturesque spot by Lough Melvin, being well insulated against the inclement weather.

Driving round to the far side of Lough Melvin, we stopped to see the view, but Maurice and Janet were nearly blown over by the wind!

On a clear day the Atlantic can be seen in the distance from this viewpoint.

The view is good, looking up the lough, despite the misty weather.

Don't you agree that this is an idyllic setting for a cottage? This is where we are lucky enough to be staying.

We spent three days celebrating the coming of the New Year, being entertained by Maurice and Janet.

A good time was had by all!

Next morning it was off for more walking, and we passed the romantic centre of this area. The Ballroom of Romance at Glenfarne is the place to go, if you are footloose and fancyfree, so we are told. However, we continued on towards the hills!

From Black Lion we headed six miles to the south, and after a half mile track from the car park, there is a new bridge welcoming us to Shannon Pot.

This pool  is the source of the great River Shannon and the water gushes out of the ground here, Apparently when there is more water coming out, a small geyser is created, but today it is just bubbling gently.

The quantity of water from the pool is still quite impressive, creating this stream under the footbridge in a distance of less than twenty yards. The River Shannon  has a long way to go before it reaches the Atlantic Ocean beyond Limerick.

From Shannon Pot we carried on to the Cuilcach Mountains, and Cladagh River Glen, where there is an extremely scenic walk through the woods, alongside the Cladagh River. We saw several trees, which had slipped to lie across the Cladagh River, but it just carries on, as it has for centuries, to flow under or around them.

The Cascades Waterfall is not a place to lose your footing!

In a very old woodland like this one, the dampness of the climate can be seen in the moss covered trees.

Further on, this is the limestone arch after which the Marble Arch caves are named, due to its similarity to marble in appearance.The Cladagh River probably created the arch originally.

Marble Arch Rising is the source of the Cladagh River, where it emerges from the hillside. The northern slopes of the Cuilcach Mountains are the catchment area for three rivers which flow into the Marble Arch cave system. They meander through the underground cave passages for several miles before joining together to emerge as the Cladagh River, here at the chaotic limestone collapse which is known as Marble Arch Rising.

Beyond the Rising we climbed the path, which leads up to the Marble Arch Centre, and the public entrance to the Caves. When open, in the summer months, it is an impressive underground adventure.

On our way back, we passed Lough Macnean. There is just so much stunning scenery in this part of Ireland. We have had a wonderful holiday.

22nd - 30th December. A quiet Christmas in Enniskillen.

Our Christmas tree is up again, with the angel over it this year.

We saw the Boxing Day Meet passing the Round "O". They meet in Enniskillen, then go round the town, before heading out on this road. As fox-hunting is now illegal, they do not go very far before heading home again!

Boxing Day was extremely wet later on, creating an interesting combination of rain and lights on the windows of The Puzzler.

Every night there are ducks sleeping on the jetty. They wake up before dawn, and chat loudly to each other, making sure that we are awake too!

The geese never come on to the jetty, but keep to themselves. We were glad to see them all present after Christmas. Last year there were two less!

We found this interesting signpost, when walking on the other side of the River Erne.

It is a different view as we look back across the River Erne to the Round "O" mooring.

Looking downstream from Enniskillen Bridge, The Puzzler can be seen on the end of the Round "O" jetty. From here it looks very bleak, but then, appearances can be deceptive!

12th - 21st December. Christmas lights in Enniskillen and Bridge dinners.

Christmas decorations are now up in Enniskillen. This artificial tree looks better at night.

Here we are looking down the High Street in Enniskillen.

These trees are along the river beyond the library.

The most impressive sight is Enniskillen Castle at night, reflected in the River Erne.

In this view from the bridge, Enniskillen Castle is to the left, with a small cottage on the island. The Waterways Ireland building can be seen behind the island.

However at night the cottage becomes much more visible, with a sailing boat on the right of the island.

Bowling continues, with Andy winning first prize at The Forum on Monday.

A week before Christmas, we headed off upstream, passing the Ardhowen Theatre on the way.

We were making for the Killyhevlin Hotel mooring. The Ardhowen Theatre can be seen in the distance, above the stern of The Puzzler.

Reflections today are wonderful.

Looking upstream from the Killyhevlin shows just what a lovely river The Erne is.
We are here for the St Michael's Bridge Club Christmas dinner.

The meal last night was excellent, followed by a good evening of bridge, with prizes for all. Tuesday morning did not dawn bright and clear! The mist was so thick that it was difficult to see anything. However we had to return to Enniskillen, so with all lights on, we slowly cruised back downstream, using the horn at regular intervals, just in case anyone else was silly enough to be on the river in these conditions!

The mist was clear by Wednesday, but there is still a lot of water in the river.

Wednesday night was our second Bridge dinner with the Devenish Bridge Club at Mahon's Hotel in Irvinestown. Another excellent meal, in excellent company.

We mustn't forget the rest of the club.

Everyone was there.

And a good time was had by all.

After the meal it was down to the serious game of bridge, with prizes for all again. We could get used to this!

The Puzzler did not want to be left out, so has some new lights.