Location: 56 deg 23'N 005 deg 42'W
Distance surveyed: 32 nautical miles
Not an early start this morning, a few trots into town wondering what was needed especially if we aren’t going near any shops for a few days! Then we cast off and set off down the sound of Mull. There was a NE blowing with Mull providing shelter from any swell or serious chop. Then after briefing we were organized into teams to take on the tasks of observing, inputting data and lounging around. The sea settled down and the visibility improved and soon two to three porpoises were seen on the starboard side hugging the coast and traveling in an easterly direction. Soon two or three other groups of Harbour Porpoises were seen far on the port side. Now the sea became more disturbed and choppy as the wind shifted onto the bow of Silurian. Another hour of observation and we turned back to Loch Spelve to anchor up for the night. All afternoon a pan of meat and vegetables had been slowly roasting in the oven and the now the scent of herbs and a rich gravy filled the cabin. We motored slowly into the loch after first trying to identify a Sea Eagles nest on the cliff face. Lots of cries of : ‘where is it?’ ‘Is that it?’ at last two big piles of twigs were identified as being nests and we turned to make our way into the Loch. Then suddenly there was a yell; ‘Sea Eagle, Sea Eagle!” and there was a mad scramble to find binoculars and get up on deck, and yes, there overhead, a Sea Eagle powered above us as it made its way to a small hillock on the shore, all the time being dive bombed by sea gulls. Then we saw that the rocky kelp covered shore was dotted with seals. We identified two mothers with a young pup each; Laura said there were Grey and Common present, I wasn’t sure, I hadn’t checked the book! The Seals splashed and gamboled in the shallow water. Over on the other shore a heron stood still and unperturbed and coming towards us across the still calm water two swans, and still the Sea Eagle stood on his rocky hillock just above us! Now a gentle rain began to fall and our thoughts turned to our meal. Its not going to get really dark tonight, it’s a pale grey out through the deck house windows of Silurian, and it is absolutely still and quiet, whilst inside the sounds of people preparing for bed: toothbrushing, showering and clambering into bed. Tomorrow another day, who knows what we’ll see!