Date: Sunday 21st September, 2008
Anchorage: Loch Aline
Position: 56° 33’.000N 005° 45’.400W
Distance Travelled: 58 NM

Early up to race the tide, breakfast at 7am, anchor antics aplenty, so off by 7.45am. What a glorious morning, white tailed sea eagles soared overhead as we left our haven and returned to the high seas.
It has been one of those “if you don’t like the weather wait a minute” days. Sunshine, overcast, windy, sea mist, swells, calm, whitecaps, tide race, rainbow, china tea-set, cuddly toy. Saw some fantastic birdlife, really varied and beautiful, also some shags (Natures “minger” of the bird world).
Good porpoise sightings despite lots of boat activity and the swell making it difficult to spot. Fantastic anchorage tonight, a quiet Loch with marvellous views all round. Got off for a wander and some photographic splendour, everyone blown away by the beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Up market version of bangers and mash [beef sausage with dauphinoise potatoes and sautéed vegetables] for dinner, magnifique! To end the evening a star filled sky, reflected in the mirror still water. Definitely a place to re-visit.

Dennis & Elizabeth.


Date: Saturday 20th September, 2008
Anchorage: Bagh Gleann nam Muc, Isle of Jura
Position: 56° 08’.400N 005° 43’.000W
Distance Travelled: 50 NM

After rising slightly later than normal (a decadent 8am) we set out from Craighouse, heading out to start surveying up the sound of Jura at 10am. The tidal waters get squeezed between Jura and the mainland and other small islands, the currents creating fantastic swirls and patterns on the water’s surface. It also makes for great feeding for sea birds and more importantly for us cetaceans. So, lots of porpoise sightings today. When the tides allowed we headed into the Gulf of Corryvreckan, the site of a famous whirlpool created by the tidal races. The standing wave on the edge of the whirlpool was a dramatic sight, especially with the many circling birds. Going into our mooring site we were treated to a visit from a bottlenose dolphin and calf. Amazing views of mother and child as they investigated our boat, our first dolphin sighting, and a special moment for all onboard. What a way to finish the day.

Andy.


Date: Friday 19th September, 2008
Anchorage: Craighouse, Isle of Jura
Position: 55° 50’.000N 005° 57’.000W
Distance Travelled: 45 NM

We didn’t get round to writing a blog today because we went to the pub. Surveying from Loch Tarbert to Craighouse on Jura, where we had an excellent meal ashore and much jollity. Hurrah!

Date: Thursday 18th September, 2008
Anchorage: Loch Tarbert, Isle of Jura
Position: 55° 57’.600N 005° 55’.900W
Distance Travelled: 48 NM

We’re all really tired. There’s been a lot of Big Epic Hebridean weather and scenery today. Here’s what we’ve liked best…

Elizabeth: Riding the waves between Iona and the Ross of Mull
Kumiko: Learning to drive the boat
Andy: Stopping feeling seasick
Ellie: Shell collection from Loch Tarbert
Danielle: Walking on the raised beach at Loch Tarbert, having wanted to go there for years
Dennis: At least six bounces with one skimming stone on the fresh water loch
Glen: Andy’s stew
Lewis: Sitting in the rain looking out over Loch Tarbert
Susie: Lewis just nicked my one