Thursday 26 September

The local boy-racers were round again last night, showing off with "doughnuts" and the like - until a couple of police cars turned up when they disappeared. We suppose a nice empty car-park is just too tempting, even if it was pouring with rain.

We didn't need to rush as the ferry was at 11.30, but nevertheless made a reasonably early start and arrived at the port to find there was a 30 minute delay, due to fog in the channel. Eventually boarded and found comfortable seats and the ferry departed only 20 minutes late. The sea was flat calm and we never really noticed the crossing as we decided on an early light lunch to avoid having to stop once we were across.

Arrival and disembarking quickly we headed off to try and get ahead of the traffic in which endeavour we were quite successful as the roads were quiet. The rain had stopped before we got up and the clear weather had extended ahead of us so it was a pleasant drive through southern Scotland, pausing just before Dumfries to let Jamie out and enjoy a cuppa. The ferry traffic caught us up, recognised by a long line of almost identical white vans we'd travelled with on the crossing, but on setting off again there weren't any hold-ups.

We finally reached home just before 7.00 pm, got tea organised then started the unloading, which will be finished tomorrow.

*     *     *     *     *

And so ends another trip with new memories of places seen and enjoyed. We really liked Ireland right from the start and wished we'd allowed a little longer as we'd only managed half of our objective, the Wild Atlantic Way but we resolved to return next year to take up where we left off and maybe stay a little longer too. We were very fortunate with the weather; it was never cold and what rain we had didn't prevent us from doing anything.

So Bertie will get cleaned and put away again, but there are a few jobs that need attending to before the annual service and of course our next trip, which will probably be our over-winter flight south to the sun.

If you're still with us, thanks for joining us and we hope you've enjoyed reading this load of rubbish!

Terry, Brenda and of course not forgetting Jamie.

Wednesday 25 September – Belfast

We decided to miss out on our bus trip around Belfast when we first arrived but as we managed the return trip in one day, rather than sit around kicking our heels thought we'd give it a go. So after a reasonable start to a lovely morning we headed back into Belfast, parking up close to the Titanic Centre from where we knew we could catch one of the tourist buses.

Typically we managed to miss two! But it seems that they had a couple of extra tours on today so didn't have to wait long. A friendly and knowledgeable guide welcomed us aboard and we set off, first out of the city proper to Stormont and the seat of the N.I. Government. After a brief security check the bus was allowed right up to the palace and passengers got off, apparently there being a proper tour. 

Stormont

Along the way we were given lots of info as to the history and current situation, as well as comments about the areas we passed through. We were surprised to learn, and see, that the famed Harland and Wolff factory had gone into admistration a few weeks ago due to a continuing strike by its workforce, who had a picket line around the gates.

A big part of the tour covered the area that featured “The Troubles”, the 30 year civil unrest where so many died, all in the name of religion – although if you look back in history it all started when the English land and factory owners caused the separation of the two main protagonists and it just developed from there. However that's another story.

The Peace Wall (1)

(2)

(3)

Enough about the past; despite there still being some ill-feeling much has been done to heal the rifts and the area is now thriving although there is much of the famous street art, left we presume as a reminder that the past must not be alllowed to repeat itself. What did surprise is that the famed separation wall still exists (see photos above) and is still locked at night.

Crumlin Road Jail - now a museum & visitor centre

The very centre of Belfast, as well as having it's share of fine old architecture, is very much like other cities with much modern development. It is extremely busy, several times we were held up in traffic but the tour company seem to have factored that in as the bus ran pretty much to schedule. With more time it would be nice to explore more, however not for us on this occasion. We changed buses in the city centre when ours stopped for their break, and returned quite quickly to the Titanic Centre. We often use these tour buses when we want a taste of a city and the Belfast example was as good as others.

HMS Caroline

Back to the van, then, and a late lunch before making our way back to Carrickfergus for our last night. We plan to eat out again before an earlyish night, ready for a reasonable start in the morning to the ferry terminal which, thankfully, is only 20 mins away.

Tuesday 24 September – Rinville to Carrickfergus

Knowing it was quite a long way back to Belfast we planned on taking two days. However another early start to a beautiful morning caused us to check with the satnav and we realised it could be done without too much effort in one day, a good proportion of the route being on motorways, the rest on good main roads. This would also give us the opportunity of doing the bus tour of Belfast that we missed at the start of the trip.

Little really to say, a motorway is the same everywhere but at least we stayed ahead of the weather system creeping across the country so it was a pleasant drive. We paused at a small harbour south of Dundalk for lunch after having made excellent time before joining the heavy traffic into and through Belfast – we'd managed to hit the early rush hour queues but were in no hurry. In the end this was actually helpful because the carpark at Carrickfergus Castle was pretty full but as we arrived many cars were leaving so we got a similar spot overlooking the harbour as last time.

As I write, at 10.30 pm there are a couple of the local lads showing off in their souped up motors, but we expect, as last time, that they'll shortly go home.

Monday 23 September - Askill to Rinville (nr Galway)

A wide awake Jamie encouraged an early start but the weather wasn't joining in the fun! Within a short while it was raining and it set in for the day, although again it was never cold. We'd sort of set our minds on reaching Galway for our last day on the Wild Atlantic Way but there was still quite a long way to go – if we stuck to the route.

But the weather didn't really encourage much exploration today although it did complement the dark and brooding landscape with mist and cloud over the hills and valleys that we were now passing through. We took a short cut across a peninsular which took us across miles of boggy moorland with much evidence of peat harvesting – this of course is another feature of Irish landscapes and was easily viewable from the comfort of the van. Pity it was of no help for photographs.

Although the roads were generally wider now, it was quite busy and several times we had to stop and give way to tour coaches. Touring hire cars were also much in evidence, identified by the Dublin registration and useless drivers!

Campercontact suggested a suitable stopping place just east of Galway so once we had rejoined the WAW we set TomTom, who took us right round this surprisingly sprawling city and deposited us at a quiet marina overlooking an inlet. No facilities, although we did discover a water tap later, so we settled down to another quiet evening. Thankfully the weather system had passed through so Jamie's last walkies was dry and quite pleasant.

Regretfully we can go no further on the Wild Atlantic way, but have resolved to return to complete it. Tomorrow we need to start heading north towards Belfast, ready for our ferry on Thursday.

Sunday 22 September – Crossmolina to Achill Island

As we went to bed, still raining, we suspected that Jamie was going to be a problem again, and sure enough half an hour later he was asking to go out. Terry obliged but, just in case, bedded down on the side seats to stay with him as he was obviously unhappy. Over the next couple of hours we were out twice more, but then he settled – but Terry had an uncomfortable night.

Dry if dull at Sunday Breakfast time so after dealing with the tanks etc. rejoined the Wild Atlantic Way. Again we were a little disappointed with the scenery so missed out a number of the viewpoints, which all appeared to be of long beaches and the occasional view of the coastal headlands. Accessing these meant leaving the “main” road and navigating little lanes, just to turn round and come back again, which seemed a bit pointless to us so most were by-passed.

We did however start to pass through somewhat hillier and boggy moorland, which of course is another feature of the Irish countryside. Unfortunately we had omitted to top up the fuel tank and it was also a somewhat unpopulated area, as well as being Sunday. This discouraged us from taking some of the peninsular diversions until we came to a filling station that was open. It wasn't really a problem but having managed something similar before we did not want to be faced with a low fuel situation.

Lunch. The stand indicates a WAW point of interest

But all was now well and we found a nice, if somewhat breezy, beach for the obligatory exercise and an extended lunch stop. As the afternoon wore on the scenery started to become more interesting and the sun came out – that always makes everything look better. Consulting our trusty Campercontact App we noted another private aire-type place just after crossing the bridge onto Askill Island which we'd reach at just about the right time for a stop. On arrival we found that the owners were on holiday but the couple in another Brit van, who had arrived shortly before us, had been told by the guys who were currently redecorating the house to just carry on and put the fees in an envelope in the letter box. So we dropped anchor, had a nice chat with the other couple then tea.

Saturday 21 September – Donegal to Crossmolina

Another bright sunny start to the day, breakfast, do the tanks and a chat with Joe, the site owner, before calling at Lidl, just a few hundred metres down the road to restock. Up to now we've made very few food purchases, having managed very well on what we brought from home – but now the fridge was looking a bit empty!

That sorted we rejoined the Wild Atlantic Way, passing briefly through Co. Leintrim (one of the smaller counties) and into Co. Sligo. The scenery now changed quite significantly; gone were the craggy coastlines and instead lots of long sweeping beaches enclosed by low-lying headlands. We still, however, had the twisty narrow roads as the route faithfully followed the coastline as far as possible. Some of these roads really were not suitable for our size vehicle, and the surfaces often were rough and extremely bumpy, but it was not busy so we managed. It was interesting to occasionally note from signposts that despite driving for several hours we were only a few miles from where we started!

Called at a couple of these magnificent beaches so we could let Jamie off for a run and at one, Streedagh Beach, came across an ever-growing crowd for some kind of event. We eventually put together that this was the site where the defeated Spanish Armada came ashore (not really sure why) and were anihilated and a remembrance parade was being held. This explained a contingent from the Spanish Navy, who had a corvette anchored just offshore, and many Spanish speaking people. Apparently this was held every year, but being of little interest to us, and without wishing to cause any offence, we managed to extricate ourselves from a by now very full carpark and creep away before it all kicked off.

Memorial crosses being erected in the sand

But the weather was turning. A strong wind had got up and the skies were lowering, confirming the forecast that it was going to get a bit rough, so we decided to head inland and find a more sheltered stop for the night. Campercontact suggested a spot on Lough Conn near Crossmolina, which actually wasn't far off the WAW so TomTom was enlisted to take us there. It was basically just a small jetty/harbour where a few watersports activities were carried out, but an area had been dedicated for motorhome parking. Just a small toilet block and a tap but it was more than enough for us – all they asked for was a €10 donation.

Sure enough the rain arrived, becoming quite heavy. We were somewhat amused to see a small convoy of French motorhomes arrive, ignore the empty spaces and huddle together on a piece of waste land. They still apparently made use of the few facilities but we bet nothing made it into the donations box – typical!

We were somewhat disappointed at the abrupt changes in the WAW compared to Donegal, but will carry on the route for now, but always bearing in mind that each mile we travel is one more away from our return ferry from Belfast.

Friday 20 September – Donegal

We'd decided to stay put today, for a day off driving, but also to get some washing done. We're staying on a private motorhome site which has all facilities so got our load in early and by mid-afternoon it was all done, dried and put away. We also had nice hot showers and the van got a clean out and service too.

The rest of the day was quiet as we had sort of planned to go into town this evening for a look-see and something to eat as well as maybe look in on a pub or two for the fabled “craic” The site owner very kindly offered to take us in to town, it's only 2km, and show us the best places although he did say that anywhere was good.

So after a mini-tour he dropped us off in the Diamond, the market “square”, and we had a stroll around. Tried to get a look at the Castle but couldn't find any good viewpoints and there was not a lot of anything else so walked round the restaurants. Pretty well standard fayre, with a couple of individual variations and all at similar prices. In the end we chose the Market House, a somewhat upmarket place attached to the big hotel, mainly because it was the last one to look at and was quite busy without being crowded; for us an indication that it's probably okay.

We weren't disappointed and enjoyed an excellent meal with superb friendly service – enjoyed it perhaps a bit too much because we staggered out and simply couldn't face a pub as well. Good job the taxi rank was right outside the door!

For us a perfect end to a wonderful trip round County Donegal. Tomorrow we head south for a different experience.

Thursday 19 September – Malin Beg to Donegal

And we're STILL in Co. Donegal! There's so much to see, even if we don't call at every viewpoint; we are trying to take photos of the best but after a while we've become a bit blasé when rounding a corner on some narrow coastal road to find yet another gorgeous view, usually including a long, sweeping, sandy and totally deserted beach. The sunshine just makes it that much better too.

More scenery to enjoy today, enhanced by blue sky and warm sunshine – even the locals say it's unusual for September, but nobody is complaining, least of all us. The Wild Atlantic Way is well signposted although we did encounter one place where some wag had played with the post and started along the wrong road, although we quickly noticed and turned around. 

A very steep climb at Sliab Liag

We took the marked road to Sliab Liag, said to be the highest cliffs along the Donegal coast, and parked in the carpark, the onward road looking unsuitable for our size, though several cars went through. Taking Jamie we set off up a very steep hill to the first waypoint before realising that there were several along a couple of kilometers pathway – in the hot sun this was just a little too much and we weren't prepared properly for it so turned back. 

Our next stop was Fintra Bay, another fine beach, accessed down a short but very steep and twisty narrow road – glad nothing was coming the other way! Lunch then a walk with Jamie on the beach, the sea looking very inviting, but not this time although there were a few folk swimming. We were torn between staying here for the rest of the day and pressing on but decided we needed shopping, showers and a laundry, which we could get in Donegal town.

A decent, almost finished renovated road took us to the outskirts but our quest for a Retail Park got us lost before realising that it hadn't been built yet! So we programmed the motorhome private aire into TomTom, which took us straight through this attractive town (may go back later) and past a Lidl; we'll return there to resupply in due course.

The aire turned out to be a concreted over yard behind the owners house, but it was nice enough for us and more importantly had showers and a laundry as well as all other necessary facilities including electricity and WiFi in the not unreasonable price. A long chat with the very friendly and enthusiastic owner and we decided to stay for two nights with the intention of going into Donegal town tomorrow night for eats and a look around. It's only 2km away and he has offered to drop us there – we'll taxi back.

We've now one week left before we catch the return ferry from Belfast. We'll continue to follow the Wild Atlantic Way for now but are aware that every mile is now taking us that much further from Belfast. Fortunately the main roads are good and appear to be relatively quiet so when we have to return it shouldn't turn out to be a rush.

Wednesday 18 September – Dunfanaghy to Malin Beg

Very quiet night on our own and a nice morning, dry and bright with not a breath of wind. After breakfast swept the sand out of the van ('cos there was a sign saying you mustn't take beach material away......) but needn't have bothered, just piles more at lunchtime!

Rejoined the Wild Atlantic Way with a plan of simply to follow it and stop off wherever took our fancy. Called in to a harbour with a ridiculously long name, Magheraroarty, where there was a service point to empty the tanks. As we left noticed a seal on the beach. The route faithfully follows the coast which results in some narrow twisty lanes and interesting encounters; lots of hire cars with folk obviously “doing” the WAW and also a big truck which took up the whole width of the road as we came round a corner! Also, shortly after commenting we hadn't seen any others, we came across what looked like a group of French motorhomes travelling almost together; probably a guided tour.

But the route also means we got to see some stunning scenery, a few samples of which we've added here. Apart from the obvious villages we noticed several places where there were lots of dwellings spread out over quite a large area, all in pristine condition, some obviously newly built but also many having been totally refurbished. Unkempt or abandoned buildings were very few and far between.

Naran

We stopped at Naran, another fine beach village, for lunch and Jamie got his half an hour of running about. We (well, Bren) chatted to three generations, all ladies, of a family from Oregon in the USA who were looking up their ancestors. They had been over here for three weeks and still couldn't get over the time it took to get from one place to another – yes we know what you mean; in a direct line we're only covering 20 miles a day yet the mileage is five times that! 

After lunch, more of the same with a bit of cross country through a range of hills for a change, listening to the van being shaken apart on some diabolical roads, some of them looking as if they've only just been resurfaced too! We ended our travels for the day at another view point carpark, overlooking the beautiful beach at Malin Beg, where we were joined by several other campers of various description (the Frenchman and his lady next to us just seem to have a mattress in the back of a little Citroen van). 

The beach is down 165 steep steps; Bren said no way but Jamie wanted his romp so Terry took him down anyway and then the little darling wouldn't come back when called, much preferring to take off down to one end then the other of the beach. Then he proceeded to pull his way all the way back up the 165 steps.

Our “pitch” allows us to see right across Donegal Bay to Co. Sligo and Co. Mayo with excellent views also to the west where we've come from. So with the day having been glorious we watched a superb sunset whilst having a late tea – hope you like it too!

Or maybe, a few minutes later

Tuesday 17 September – Buncranna to Dunfanaghy

Another peaceful night and a bright sunny morning. Today we're going to track the Wild Atlantic Way properly, but first some LPG and refill the fuel tank. Incidentally diesel is a tad cheaper than the UK but petrol is much more expensive.

"Roundabout Art" in Buncranna

Yesterday we picked up several guidebooks that cover sections of the WAW including very good maps, but there were signs everywhere and once we'd worked out that if it didn't have a (N) or (S) on it, the road was a sidetrack to a feature or viewpoint so we could decide if we wanted to take it or not. Bear in mind that the route does it's best to stick to the coast so includes many narrow twisty and hilly roads, not ideal for a motorhome but, even meeting the local weekly bus on one narrow bit, we managed okay.

At last we had found the scenery we were expecting. Craggy cliffs and hills overlooking long sweeping bays of golden sand, the fields dotted with bright white cottages and pretty villages taking us back in time. We took quite a lot of photos and include here a few that hopefully give some idea although, as usual, they cannot possibly do the reality any justice. Coupled with the whole thing illuminated in bright sunshine, it was bordering on magical.

Ballymastocker Strand

Fanad Head lighthouse with Malin Head in the distance

From Rosguil - the post is a WAW viewpoint identifier

Lunch was after a good romp with Jamie on what was reckoned to be the most beautiful beach in Europe (we haven't seen them all but can go with that) at Ballymastocker Strand. We viewed Malin Head from afar and tried to visit another notable headland and lighthouse at Fanad Head but many of these places have not really catered for lots of visitors and so a quick photo, then struggle to turn around and rejoin the WAW.

After yet more creeping around narrow coastal roads we paused for a cuppa at Rosguil and planned our next overnight stop. There are a few campsites around but quite expensive at a minimum of €25 per night for facilities we don't need although fortunately there are also plenty of places where we can park up overnight without troubling anybody. Up to now we've had little problem getting water and disposing of our waste although recycling anything other than glass or tins doesn't seem to be the norm here.

So our final stop for the day was at a carpark close to the village of Dunfanaghy at another fabulous beach of Kilahoey. Once again Jamie had a good run around – as I write he's curled up fast asleep next to me, his paws going as he relives his day (aah!) - before we settled down for the night. There have been quite a lot of comings and goings but almost all have been dog-walkers and now at 10.00 pm all we can hear is the gentle lapping of waves on the beach...............

Monday 16 September – Buncranna to Buncranna

We don't seem to be making much progress in our quest to travel the west coast of Ireland! Up earlyish today, our plan was to visit the Famine Village which we bypassed on Saturday then head further south. But first we visited the T.I. office, just to check the Famine Village was open today – and ended up with another pile of information leaflets and books. I'm sure these folk are paid by the amount of paper they give out!

It turns out of course that there is a lot to see and do on the Inishowen peninsular so we arranged our routing to take some of it in. There is in fact another guided route, the Inishowen 100, which is a circular tour and we quickly found ourselves following the signposts, some of which coincided with the Wild Atlantic Way.

Suffice it to say we spent the latter part of the morning following narrow country roads, up and down mountains including a recommended stop at a waterfall which involved a 2km stroll up and then back down a valley. Unfortunately dogs were not permitted, cannot see why, so Jamie got left on his own again.

Glenevin Waterfall

Just approaching lunchtime we arrived at the Famine Village, an exhibition set up by a local around the home and village he used to live in, mainly covering the events of the Famine in Ireland but expanding into the why's and wherefore's. The owner was in fact the guide and was very interesting to listen to, offering a personal view of Irish history and the subsequent results of all that befell the land. The effects of religion, poor government, rogue landowners etc. were covered, not in any political way but from his own opinions. Certainly quite different to anything else we've ever experienced and we would thoroughly recommend it – as well as for the tot of poteen (“illicit” Irish whiskey) and the tea and scone afterwards which made up for what we thought was a tad expensive €10 pp admission.

The original "Gypsie" Travellers

Peat thatched cottage

Eviction through non-payment of rent

Several set scenes showing the results of the Famine

We enjoyed our visit, although Jamie was in a huff because he'd been left alone AGAIN for hours and hours........... But as it was now mid-afternoon it was obvious that we were not going much further today so decided to return to Buncranna for tonight then make a serious effort to make progress tomorrow.

It's fairly obvious that there is no way we are going to complete even half of the route so have changed our mindset to progress at a comfortable pace for the time we have left, then make plans to return maybe next year to complete it.

Sunday 15 September – Buncranna “Amazing Grace”

Despite the noise from the road, surprisingly busy considering it goes from nowhere to nowhere, we had another undisturbed night although it rained most of it. It being Sunday we thought that we'd have a day off so enjoyed our usual late Sunday Breakfast while we watched most of the other vans leave before repositioning to a slightly better pitch.

A morning, well day really, of doing notalot, Bren catching up on some knitting and Terry creating this blog whilst we watched the weather slowly improve. We don't appear to be making much progress with our “tour” but up to now we've really enjoyed our visit, not expecting the attractiveness of Northern Ireland and friendliness of everybody we've met. We're not too worried about the weather having come expecting it to be wet and taking anything else as a bonus.

But something notable, indeed famous, about Buncranna although probably little known. Adjacent to the parking area is a small garden/park which is dedicated to one John Newton, author of “Amazing Grace”. It seems that this foul-mouthed aggressive sea captain fell victim to a shipwreck caused by a sudden violent storm off the nearby coast and was adrift for three days when, by amazing grace, the wind changed and blew the wreck into Lough Swillie, above Buncranna, and he and his fellow sailors were rescued. He became a changed man by the experience and turned into a pious god-fearing convert who became a priest, forming his own church, and writing the words and tune to the now world-famous hymn.

He also converted from a slaver captain, his trade before the shipwreck, and joined forces with the anti-slave movement who after 20 years achieved abolition of the African slave trade.

John Newton

As I write in early evening the sun is trying to break through and the forecast seems to be good for a day or two so perhaps we may make some progress tomorrow. First off we intend to visit the famine village we missed yesterday, then rejoin the Wild Atlantic Way, hopefully refilling the gas bottles on the way.

Saturday 14 September – Bushmills to Buncranna

A dry, clear night, only disturbed when the wind got up and started scraping tree branches along the back of the van – very noisy but harmless, but it was getting up time. After breakfast Bren popped into the Co-op across the road for some bits to top us up whilst Terry had a clean-out of the van; we had stopped at a couple of places where the grass had been recently cut and had been brought in on wet paws, shoes etc. Glad we'd left the carpets at home!

Today our plan was to cross over to Ireland Republic, via the Lough Foyle ferry from Magilligan Point onto the Inishowen Peninsular in County Donegal at Greencastle. Still following the Causeway Coastal Route we first called in at the service point at Portrush, where we could have stayed last night but it was a pay aire and we had no need anyway. We continued westbound, pausing to view Dunluce Castle, another NT site which looked to be very busy, from the empty viewpoint just along the road.

Dunluce Castle

The ferry is only seasonal and we had been told was finishing this weekend (thinks, in view of Brexit will it ever re-open?) so as it avoided quite a long drag round through Londonderry we felt the £13 cost was acceptable. Up the edge of the lough and to Dungaree Beach for a romp with Jamie and lunch before joining the Wild Atlantic Way up to Malin Head, the most northerly point of the Irish Republic.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a well signposted tourist route following the west Atlantic coast of Ireland for some 1350 km and was our objective for this trip. It even has dedicated TomTom routes, which we had downloaded although not really required as it is so clearly signed.

Malin Head (c. Active Me, Ireland Travel Guide)

Unfortunately the weather had started to deteriorate again and by the time we'd managed to find the only space big enough at Malin Head in a coach layby to park, a sea fret had moved in. Nevertheless we treated Jamie to a walk to the top for the view before it was obscured. In the UK a place like this would have a visitor centre with tearoom, gift shop etc. Here we found a mobile tea van with a trailer of simple souvenirs – refreshing! All this for the ruins of the old watch tower which actually has the history of being the very first radio signal tower for ships crossing the Atlantic, recorded by just a few information boards.

The reality!

Chased back to the van we rejoined the Wild Atlantic Way and headed for another overnight stay suggested by Campercontact at Buncarra. A short stop to deal with a poorly puppy – we think the chicken we gave him at lunchtime might have been off – but he soon recovered although we're left with a bit of washing to do.........

Situated behind the T.I. Office, Buncarra has created a dedicated campervan parking area – a bit not quite right because the spaces are marked out car-size. Apparently the construction company “hadn't thought about that” but it didn't matter as the dozen or so vans had sorted themselves out, leaving just one space for us which we squeezed into, narrowly missing a tree which was in just the wrong position. Kettle on – and the gas bottle ran out! Changed over and checked for refills to find of the few autogas stations in Ireland, two are located in less than 7km from us!

We had intended calling in to a local place of interest, the Doagh Famine Village but ran out of time today. Despite it meaning a backtrack of around 10 miles we'll try to visit tomorrow when we leave here. The day has ended very grey and damp with the forecast showing a clearance after lunch on Sunday. Meanwhile we're warm, dry and comfortable so might try some TV tonight for change.