Thursday 15^th June, 2006

Anchorage Tobermory

Position: 56°37.200 N 006°03.700 W

Distance surveyed: 30nm

Up the west coast of Coll we went, passing 5 basking sharks (4 of them feeding in the same group), and a minke, not to mention a porpoise at Ardmore Point. Not bad for a last day! Then it was hello to Tobermory again after what seemed like a very long absence. We have truly seen some wonderful things in some wonderful places this week, and we do feel truly blessed!

Susie, Science Officer

Wednesday 14^th June, 2006

Anchorage: Chach Chuirr, Tiree

Position: 56° 32’.700 N 006°44’.0 W

Distance surveyed: 64 nm.

Today when we woke up, there was no wave, no wind, the sea was like a sheet of glass. As we left we looked for otters. Issac did not know Spanish for otter, so I said look for big cat in the water. Kristina was a hero today, she climbed into the crow's nest and stayed there for many hours and she saw 2 porpoises. We saw 1 seal and a small pod of common dolphins but they did not want to play with us. After seeing dolphins, we reached the Treshnish Isles, where we went ashore and were entertained by puffins – nature's favorite wind-up toy. We were able to get very close and watched them returning with bills filled with sandeels. On the isles, there were many sorts of spring flowers including bluebells, thrift and orchids.

We'd anchored for the night, but it was such a lovely evening, and the crew got ichy feet, so after supper we carried on to the north coast of Tiree, a journey of amazing colours in the sunset sky and calm waters.

It was a magical day for Helaine who loves puffins. Jen once more disappointed as we landed on island with lots of puffins but no doughnuts.

Helaine Clare

Earthwatch volunteer

# posted by HWDT @ 11:13 AM