Location: Tobermory Harbour
Distance travelled: 26 miles
Weather: Tail end of some gales, wind, rain, sleet and sunshine

With the luxury of a long lie this morning and still recovering from the after effects of overdosing on Abi’s chocolate cheesecake we set out on what was to be a short survey mission hoping not to stray too far from the shelter of Tobermory. After the rock and roll ride round the Red Red Rocks we proceeded down the Sound of Mull, past Glenborrodale Castle on into the depths of Loch Sunart. Due to the late departure of the day, it was not long before lunch was on our minds though. With an all female group of volunteers on board the first buoy found as we entered Tobermory harbour the night before had been traded in for some crabs, enabling Marcus to serve up a delightful lunch of crab sandwiches. Shortly after, the hydrophone went hyper as over thirty porpoises were detected in the not too distant waters, though of course these remained undetectable to all on deck. Penny, did however have a sighting though this may merely have been an effort by the Science Officer to maintain spirits that these illusionary animals were still out there.

With the gales gaining momentum the gruesome twosome (Fiona and myself) were put back on effort at the mast. As punishment for our literary languishings the day before, Skipper had us strapped to the mast for some swell surveying, being unable to see any further than the next wave. Songwriting soon took a back seat as all efforts were focused on our ability to breathe. Unable even to open our eyes, and the crew deliberately giving us no forewarning of the fast approaching storm, we were pummelled to the mast by a ferocious storm, hailstones hacking at our clear complexions. Where our earlier saltwater facial had been a refreshing experience, Skipper eventually took pity on us and came to the rescue as we shrouded ourselves from the severe stinging we were been served. Needless to say our creativity was lacking resulting in only one further verse of “We all live in a big white yacht”.

With a short detour into Bloody Bay we bolted back to the tame waters of Tobermory and the backdrop of some magnificent Mull rainbows. Having experienced four seasons in one day rest and recuperation was required before quiz night at McGochans. So Skipper and his Silurian underlings go in search of some success (Team name: the battered and bruised) and a change from the developing obsession with Su-doka puzzles on board…

Log by: Josephine