Anchorage: Loch Tarbet

Position: 56° 24.2’ N, 05° 44.1’ W

Distance Surveyed: 49 nm

We departed Loch Spelve – playing dodgems with the mussel boomers – much to skips consternation. Silurian shimmied her tail feathers and petticoats were attended to and swished out the entrance into the Firth of Lorn.

A very gentle sail was enjoyed by all – easy airs caressing the senses. Watches and data logs rolling along nicely.

We became rather more exhuberant as Silurian rode the waves as we approached the waters between Colonsay and Jura – visual observations were zesty – albeit zilch on sightings – bar the odd seabird, ferry or fishing boat.

In the late afternoon we headed for Loch Tarbert, on the west coast of Jura - a cosy, tranquil anchorage – of fine repute. We anchored up in the ambient sunshine, repasting on the fine fare of chocolate brownies c/o Gemma. The crew were organised into shore-bound and dinghy explorers, while Steve and Cormac took time out from the mob – to enjoy a quiet moment of Silurian delight and most essentially to organise the nosh – which had caused much consternation in the Cormac fold. Note: Don’t hassle Cormac over the options of spud preparation – mashed is the way to go!!

The four chicks and Papa headed up the Loch – which was quite magical – eider ducks, one seal and a quiet moment as we absorbed the scenery in beau sunshine. We returned under the spluttery engine – Papa nursed it along with a dash of Girl Power on the oars.

The shore team were collected, a barn owl encountered upon the shore rocks. A fine nosh of mash, sausages and broccoli and much merriment ensued with tales of bouncy male castles and the joys of trapeze!

Some seabird ID for tomorrow as we up our data gathering quota – early kips for the pups and the crew.

Oh and porpoise acoustic detections – some 28 detections, so plenty of activity in the area.

Kate

Volunteer