Position: 58º 00.73' N 006º 26.2' W
Weather: A dry day, mostly sunny with some cloud this afternoon.
Distance travelled: 55 nautical miles – furthest yet on this current trip.

Thursday 1st September

Veronica and Martin started the day with an early morning swim. They were showered and dressed before others had even lifted an eyelid (well myself anyway). We departed Ardmore Bay with the sun beating down, and calm seas for cetacean spotting lay ahead. Due to limited wind, the sails had a quiet day, and we resorted to motor power instead. Iris started the day high in the heavens of the crow’s nest, with a seal spotting to her name. Then as Sarah took to the mast, the day looked even more promising, with four porpoise passings during that hour.

Our anchorage at Tob Lemreway in Lewis was now just a short stretch of water away. Yesterday the Risso’s Dolphins made a late appearance, but today it was not to be. So for today’s wildlife picture you will have to make do with one of the many local jellyfish. On the bright side, the skipper promises sightings of Minke Whales, Sunfish, and Bottlenose Dolphins tomorrow – who am I to argue?

The Silurian Ramblers Association took a stroll ashore on Lewis in search of gin and chocolate. Alas the high street hadn’t been built yet – but Martin did manage to get some prawns from the local fishermen. So we won’t be going hungry tomorrow you’ll be glad to hear. Tonight for dinner we had mango chicken. The tone of conversation lowered somewhat after this. Let’s just say that cheesecake should be enjoyed in moderation.

Later this evening something amazing happened. A startling number of cetaceans were spotted from the boat – amongst them were Killer Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins. And with the accompaniment of narration by David Attenborough, it was really quite marvellous – I give the Blue Planet DVD my highest recommendation.


Log by Chris (captain as declared by an elderly resident of the isles)