Thursday 12^th June, 2008

Anchorage: Tobermory

Position: 56° 37.200 N 006°03.900 W

Distance surveyed: 32nm

FULL HOUSE! They saved up their appearance for our last day, and were nearly missed by the skipper who was too busy gossiping, but finally the common dolphins made a leaping, splashing entry into Silurian’s path. So, once we take into account the harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, white-beaked dolphins, killer whales, Risso’s dolphins, minke whales, basking sharks, common seals and grey seals too, we’ve seen all the species we could reasonably expect to in the Hebrides. The first time we’ve managed it, at least since I’ve been Science Officer on Silurian.

We started out from Rum this morning, and though the sea was a little lumpy, the skies were clear, and our five volunteers were far too much the salty sea-dogs to be phased by a bit of sea. Our passage back to Tobermory, via Eigg and the Cairns of Coll, took us through some marvellous Hebridean landscapes and wildlife (not least the common dolphins), and back safely into Tobermory, to a heroic boat-clean and excellent meal out.

Many thanks to Jean, Barbara, Tony, Ted and Wendy for so much hard work and enthusiasm, and to my fellow crew members, Dave and Gen, who put in a good few hours themselves. And over to Tony for a final poem….

Shore-bound ramblings (with no apologies to he whose name cannot be spelt)

By Tony Wood

Twas an historic day in June
When the good ship Silurian
Tied alongside the harbour in Tobermory
Basking in a blaze of satisfied glory.

For the seasoned crew and the Earthwatch five
Had made sightings galore
To add to the sealife story.

For the seasoned crew this voyage in June
Was but one in an extending series
Seeking answers true to the outstanding queries.

We Earthwatch five must now bid adieu to the seasoned crew
Wishing well-deserved success to all your future endeavours.

Accept our heartfelt thanks
For the sealife and local lore
Imparted in harbours,
The cheers and the good companionship (how could we mutiny?)
And the consistent concern for our safety.

Tuesday 10^th and Wednesday 11^th June, 2008
Anchorage: Isle Ornsay (10^th); Loch Scresort, Isle of Rum (11^th)
Position: 57°08.800 N 005°47.700 W(10^th); 57°00.800 N 006°16.60 W(11^th)
Distance surveyed: 41nm (10^th); 36nm (11^th)

We left Canna after being stormbound for a day, during which we enjoyed hot showers and a delicious meal at the Harbour View Café. It was a bit lumpy and blustery as we set off under full sail with two reefs in the main. Everyone enjoyed truly sailing, and it was the epitome of sailing. We sailed around Soay, where Gavin Maxwell had his shark oil factory, using the relative calm of the shelter to enjoy the special bacon butties from Dave. Back out in the rough waters again we finally turned into the Sound of Sleat to run before the wind to the shelter of Isle Ornsay. Wendy demonstrated her expertise in the galley with sausages which were luvverly. There was a long walk to the pub for a short drink.

Morning was quieter and calmer; we investigated the dramatic Loch Hourn, brooding Byronically in the amongst the steel grey clouds. We saw many porpoises, and detected many more on the hydrophone. No sailing today but the scenery was magnificent. We headed for Rum for the overnight anchorage and are now safely stowed for the night in Loch Scresort. Hunters pie made by Tony on Jean was this evening’s culinary delight.