( Overview
/ Two Bullocks on a Boat Go West
As we headed for Crookhaven, the wind veered to a westerly and increased; perfect for a beam reach sail. A leisurely couple of hours whilst we enjoyed lunch on the move.
We took the route between Alderman Rocks and Streek Head.
The ‘caves’ on Streek Head.
Blackhorse Rocks and north cardinal beacon.
Crookhaven Lighthouse, Sheemon Point dates from 1843. The dwellings around it were formerly occupied by the keepers of Fastnet Lighthouse and Mizen Fog Station. They are now holiday lets.
One of a series of lookout towers built by the British Military in the late 1700s because of concerns about a French invasion of Bantry.
We bought this contraption on a whim at a Boat Show; it feeds a line through a pontoon hoop or mooring buoy ring. Never having found it useful when approaching pontoons, it’s perfect for attaching a line to a buoy, as many of the buoys here don’t have pick up lines.
In the late 19th and early part of the 20th centuries Crookhaven was the last / first safe port for ships crossing the North Atlantic.
This little bird made us smile; for a while we thought it was like our persistent gull at lunchtime, but then we realised it’s plastic. Not sure whether it’s just decoration or has a purpose! Unfortunately the boat crew left before we could ask them.
Another dinghy pontoon! At the moment I’m doing lots of ungainly bottom shuffling, crawling and trying to pull myself up when I ‘alight’ from the dinghy.
Crookhaven Main Street. The pilot book writes it is virtually impossible not to immediately fall into conversation with someone when visiting, and that is exactly what happened! A very friendly village.
We renamed the village O’Sullivan’s Town; it seems everything from the pontoon, to the two bars and restaurant, is owned by the O’Sullivan family, and has been for over 90 years.
Kevin outside O’Sullivan’s Bar.
Brow Head Quarry. These reinforced concrete hoppers were built in 1926 for the Brow Head Granite Quarry Company. The company exported crushed sandstone aggregate to Wales until the 1940s and employed 70 men.
Larry the lobster and me! A delicious meal in The Nottage (owned by the O’Sullivans, served by Katie O’Sullivan and then we met the rest of the family).
The most southerly bar in Ireland.
A calm, warm evening. We could hear customers at the bars enjoying themselves as we sat on the back of our boat.
The longest day; it didn’t get dark until way past 11.30.
A beautiful crescent moon accompanied by Venus.
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