SHEEPHAVEN divers availed of the brief break in the recent run of storms when they got their Sunday morning snorkel in Portnablagh.
After a significant blow during the week and the forecast of Storm Brendan on its way the sea conditions on Sunday morning were pretty good, with a bit of a swell and no significant wind.
The extreme sea conditions over the last week were clearly evident in the harbour, with large stones and cobbles flung far up the car park, a testament to the exposed nature of Sheephaven Bay to northerly storms.
On Sunday morning the air temperature was down to around three degrees Celsius, with the in-water temperature around nine degrees, while there was little or no horizontal water visibility.
Despite all that the January Donegal weather had to offer there was big turn-out of snorkelers, led by Dive Officer of the Day Willie Sheridan, which included amongst their number a new club member and also more returning divers.
For all involved the thirty minutes or so that they were in the in the water was the perfect way to prepare for the week ahead.
While the health benefits of open water swimming are increasingly more discussed, to all involved on Sunday there is no doubt that for a brief period of time all earthy troubles are thankfully left behind on the shore.