Wednesday 25th June, 2008

Anchorage: Bunessan, Isle of Mull

Position: 56°19.200 N 006°15.000 W

Distance surveyed: 42nm

After a week of dodging heavy seas, today was our day. Facing a tough forecast we had a long relaxing breakfast until the Americans and British began comparing the various failings of our respective health care systems. Now well-versed in the UK’s health service, we set out and raised our sails. As the day progressed, the weather report came more and more true and we quickly took down the sails and began motoring into a fine mix of wind and rain.

The crew, Jackie and Vanessa took the opportunity to stay on deck and learn again what if feels like to be cold and soaking wet. Tom, Regina, Dale and Gordon, already knowing what it is to be cold and wet opted to remain in the Saloon listening to Celtic music. As our last full day at sea, comparisons were made to our first day, and we can each declare we are no longer fair weather sailors.

Back in the calm waters of Bunessan (thanks Dave) we sat down to a warm dinner of sausage with a Mediterranean vegetable medley.

Cultural confusion of the day: Lady vs woman. All ladies are women, but not all women are ladies and Americans generally prefer women, while those in the UK opt for ladies. Lassies and Lads was agreed to be a cheerful way to avoid the issue.

Tuesday 24th June, 2008

Anchorage: Bunessan, Isle of Mull

Position: 56°19.200 N 006°15.000 W

Distance surveyed: 44nm

We’ve mostly been able to dodge a series of forecasted gales and near gales. A day of great weather in the south-eastern range of HDWT’s area of survey despite forecasts of more severe weather. While cetaceans sightings were limited to the hydrophone which is now working smoothly once againJ, On deck observers were kept active tracking and logging sea birds.

We saw all of our select species except the Skua and the Puffin. Of special interest was the mottled juvenile Gannet whose plumage was not yet of a mature bird. Guillemots and Shearwaters were seen flying together in a unusual behaviour and several Fulmars flew along. As we prepared for heavy weather, the Storm Petrels made a appearance living up to their name.

Kittiwakes made unusually frequent appearances while the Shags were especially prevalent at the entrance to our anchorage off the Ross of Mull --- at least one mischievous Shags was masquerading as a dolphin only to take flight just as the sighting was to be announced- saving our valiant Jackie much embarrassment

Tonight was the Captains dinner featuring his haggis , neeps and tatties along with an especially delicious vegetarian haggis followed by joke telling and a brief survey of politics.

Cultural confusion of the day: What is a ‘neep’ and what a neep is not.