Happy New Year!

Well 2016 has come in with a splash! The labrador refuses to walk the tow path any more when there is a humongous lake just across the bridge. Its a treat to see the whooper swans casually moving back and forth around the marooned river tomb that has been this way now for many weeks. The big old otter too has become more careless as all his haunts for daytime slumbers have been submerged by the fast flowing river. Instead he has begun to casually saunter up the tow path until he meets dry land and in among the fallen ivy covered elm trees, he attempts to sleep. We have resorted to keeping the Jack Russell on the lead or else she'd be in after it. Clouds of lapwings make fools of the white sea gulls beneath the tomb of Newgrange, while the curlew frankly don't give a hoot. The valley is wet and quiet and they're very happy. Across the road three racing currachs have been completed and are awaiting progress on alterations to the trailer. Huge thanks to everyone who has been part of their build todate But plans for the new year are well in tow. We are visiting the saw mill this week to judge whether or not a beautifully curved oak bow can be used for just that - the bow of a wooden boat. Also oak bark will be gathered to continue what is now a tradition of learning more on the art of leather, and we will pick up enough ash to carve new paddles for the little fleet of Boyne currachs, The plan is to be ready for what ever weather befalls us and to make use of the long evening be it rain or sun. Bovinda has not yet woken from her unusually long slumber, the rain has dampened people's enthusiasm to pull back the canvas for work only to be drenched before they have even commenced. Instead work has continued on the sail and its rigging and we are looking forward to a fun filled year of learning.......