Date: Saturday 21^th April 2007

Anchorage: Kerrera

Position: 56° 24’.800N 005° 31’.400W

Distance Travelled: 29 NM

The volunteer team (Ian and Ted from the UK; Bela and Lisa from New Jersey, USA) arrived at Tobermory around 1930 last night, later than expected as the train was delayed on arrival into Oban and the ferry didn’t wait. Fortunately a hot and filling meal was ready for us on Silurian on our arrival. After the obligatory safety and other briefings, the team adjourned to the local hostelry for a few ‘mineral waters’.

After a good night’s sleep, we rose to a rather grey and damp morning. More briefings and then a quick trip ashore to buy essential supplies (more ‘mineral water’ as it looks at though this could be thirsty work!) before departing Tobermory at about 1200 heading down the sound back towards Oban, in light rain and a wind of about Force 4.

Saw our first grey seal after about 15 minutes, streamed the hydrophone, and started our lookout duties. During our passage, we picked up many acoustic traces of harbour porpoises, and saw a few more seals, but otherwise had no sightings.

Although we had planned to head south once clear of the sound, it got a bit choppy so we headed on across and dropped anchor in the lee of Kerrera (just short of Oban). Took the opportunity, despite the steady drizzle, to hop in the RIB and go ashore on one of the very small outlying islands (little more than an outcrop). Great views, quite a few birds seen, and another seal, and the most wonderful tussock grass – like walking on a foam mattress!. Then back to Silurian for dinner and of course essential rehyradtion. Looking forward to tomorrow!

Ian