Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th August 2014
On Saturday 23rd August, after the lost paddlers found Verners Bridge we packed up the boats for an overnight stay at Coney Island. An interesting bunch of 7 paddlers took off from Verners Bridge along the Blackwater River at a relaxing pace, taking a right turn off the Blackwater along the canal and out onto the Lough where a few managed to take advantage of the wind and sailed across to Coney Island.
We arrived and claimed our camp site for the night. Tents were set up and after having a late lunch we went in search of fire wood for the camp fire later that evening. I was lucky enough to get a lesson from the Matriarch on how to use a bow saw! Very impressive.
The Island Warden welcomed us and kindly gave us a tour of the Island and its history, which is not for the faint hearted.
We had dinner in the evening and eventually the camp fire was lit. The wind had died down the stars were out and we were joined by a group of Duke of Edinburgh students and leaders for some evening entertainment and stories which took us into the small hours.
The sun was shining the next morning and the Lough was calm. We packed up and set off back to Maghery where we departed after a great weekend of paddling and craic.
Many thanks to all who attended the Coney Island paddle, hope to see you all on the water soon.
Marion
