Date: Saturday 26th July, 2008

Anchorage: Longa, Loch Gairloch

Position: 57° 44’.100N 005° 48’.800W

Distance Travelled: 65 NM

We left our serene anchorage early in the morning and headed for the Sound of Harris. It was a very tranquil day with banks of fog across the water, and the sun was trying hard to burn through. The sea was still and quiet with few sightings for much of the morning. We were greeted at the entrance to the Sound by a pair of porpoise who swam past the main marker buoy as if to show us the way in, or perhaps to say goodbye from the Outer Hebrides. As we came into the Sound, Phil took the wheel, weaving us through the slalom course ahead and picking us a safe route through. By now the sun had burnt through the fog and it was turning into a nice day. As the afternoon continued, Science Monkey Cormac put down his computer and brought his spotting skills to bear on the horizon, picking out a pod of common dolphins about 2 km in the distance. The dolphins wanted our company at first and swam eagerly towards us. We gathered around the bow as they rode the wave beneath. The dolphins must have been hungry, though, because after about five or ten minutes they swam away from the boat. It looked as if the 15 or so individuals may foraging, with some interested-looking gannets hanging around them. We watched them for a while and then continued on our journey.

This was to be the highlight of the day as we approached yet another beautiful anchorage. The home for this evening was a rocky bay next to the island of Longa, within Loch Gairloch. Our wondrous skipper not only found us the perfect parking spot but also knocked up a fantastic dinner of haggis, neaps and tatties. Half of the team then decided to go and bag the island because even Dave and Susie hadn’t ventured onto its shore. This proved to be more of an adventure than at first expected. Landing the RIB was difficult and after three attempts, a place was found and we all jumped onto the rocks. However, a route from the rocky shore upwards could not be found and we had to jump back into the RIB and try again. The fourth attempt was much more successful and after a clamber up the rocks, the island was well and truly bagged. The team headed up hill and enjoyed the stunning scenery, whilst dodging the circling bonxie’s and midges. We all got very excited at the discovery of a cave and we weren’t disappointed when we explored its hidden depths. There were incredible rock formations and the atmosphere was magical. The sunset tonight was particularly special, with a vibrant glow filling the sky and we sat on the RIB to watch the final moments of the sun slowly ebbing below the horizon. The intrepid adventurers then crept aboard uttering many apologies about being late, and tucked into a feast of steamed pudding and custard, lovingly prepared by those who had made the wise decision not to fight the midges and relaxed on the boat instead.

A slow sighting day but nevertheless, another adventure and fun packed day onboard the good ship Silurian.

# posted by HWDT @ 10:20 AM