The sunrise was beautiful.

A different fuel pontoon. There are up to 5000 litres of fuel in the boatyard on the bank, and it is fed through this pump on the pontoon.

It feeds very slowly which is perfect for our fuel tank, as often it flows too quickly and backs up onto the deck of the boat.

Rachael and Patrick took over running the marina 10 years ago from his parents. Patrick still has a full time job as they don’t make much money because the season is so short, but in May they carried out lots of improvements, including this new pontoon. Don’t think Rachael ever stops smiling!

Because it’s such a small marina, every time someone leaves, everyone else moves along to make room for newcomers. Londubh (blackbird), the boat in front of us, was was built over eight years by her owner, and launched in 2018.

There is a community feel about the marina. Everyone is friendly and helpful, and there’s lots going on. This chap was trying to row away from the pontoon ramp in high winds, and everyone rallied around to get him tied up successfully.

Bere Island, measuring 11km by 5km, is essentially a holiday place, but has a population of 218. As well as the shop and bar in Rerrin, there is a primary school where Patrick and Rachael’s children attend.

Sounding like a helicopter, this ferry regularly travels to the mainland. At the other end of the island another ferry goes into Castletownbere.

Having spoken to a family in the bar yesterday, we went in search of Cloughland Beach. A pretty walk, to a quiet, calm bay…

…and a lovely swim. It felt cold initially, but was still, clear and sandy.