Monday 12^th June, 2006

Anchorage: Bunessan

Position: 56° 19’.200 N 006°14’.900W

Distance covered: 52 nm

OK , so it had to happen sooner or later, the weather got wetter and the sightings dried up! Not even a seal to report for today. We were experiencing real Hebridean weather.

We set off bright and early with every intention of reaching Jura by evening, but, as they say, best laid plans etc. and we were quickly experiencing gusts of force 8, information that was relayed to us by the Science Officer (Susie) as she handed us a welcome cup of tea, whilst being harnessed to the mast and getting soaked by the sea spray! I think the journey brought out the pioneer in all of us!?? The time to worry is only when the skipper and first mate look worried, so as I glanced over my shoulder, I could see that they looked perfectly happy at their posts, the skipper looking dashing in his designer woolly tea cosy, sorry hat??? and they had that knowing look, as in, “ we think you may get wet”

So with safety very much being at the heart of today, and our pioneer spirits dashed, we headed in and decided to skirt around Loch na Keal and Loch Scridain on the Isle of Mull before finally anchoring at Bunessan for the night.

Without exception everyone had a good old soaking, and definitely had withdrawal symptoms from not having our daily dose of dolphin sightings. Ah and it was all going so well!

These are the kind of days when the hydrophone really comes into its own, and Susie cheered us up when she confirmed that there had been 4 porpoise recordings picked up.

They are out there somewhere, and tomorrow will be another good day, whatever the weather!

Kristina Home
Earthwatch Volunteer