by Steve Tanham
There’s a ferry across this largest of Donegal’s Lochs. It takes you, with car, from Bruncrana to Rathmulan, on the far shore. It departs from the end of the pier, as in the shot above, which is how we first encountered it.
If it’s not raining, that is, or too blowy … or if it’s not September, when the summer timetable is replaced by a less formal approach.
The good news about turning up for your much-anticipated crossing and finding the boat tied up on the side of the jetty that doesn’t have the slipway, and looking as empty of crew as the Marie Celeste, is that you can turn round and make your way back through the downpour to the start of the jetty.
where the excellent Tank and Skinny’s cafe awaits to cushion the disappointment.
Later, when the mood is soft and satisfied, you can watch the arrival of your second latté, and gaze out over the scant remains of a bacon pancake-stack drizzled, liberally, with maple syrup.
And wonder about trivial things like the origin of the name ‘Tank and Skinny’s’, while staring at the driving rain that now obscures even the end of the jetty, let alone the far shore at Rathmullan – normally a thin line of white harbour-houses in the far distance but now beyond even imagination.
It’s a place to visit if you like weather … and wildness; which we do. The ferry can wait for another day. The coffee is calling.
©Stephen Tanham 2023
Stephen Tanham is a writer, mystical teacher and Director of the Silent Eye, a correspondence-based journey through the forest of personality to the dawn of Being.
http://www.thesilenteye.co.uk and http://www.suningemini.blog
Sun in Gemini 
I would love to know the origins of the name Tank and Skinny. Such a good name. Being flexible is crucial on holidays.
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Yes! We never got to find out. Flexible is essential. 😊
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A most interesting post, Steve. Sounds like a good place to visit o a rainy day.
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Thank you, Robbie. Yes, a great refuge!
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Wonderful, Steve. Very Atlantic weather, but the coffee sounds like it was ample consolation.
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Thanks, Michael. “Very Atlantic” is the perfect description. One day warm and sunny; the next stair-rods. Wouldn’t have it any different … but take a mac!
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That looks like a glorious day!
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Certainly a glorious breakfast! 😊
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I like wind & rain & dark clouds.
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We do, too. Donegal is perfect for that 😊
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