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On board Silurian
Most weeks April through October she is either monitoring the waters of the west coast of Scotland for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, or serving as a floating classroom for one of the many Argyll island primary and secondary schools. Read the log below to find out what Silurian and her crew have been up to each week and all about the whales, dolphins and porpoises they spot! To find out about the latest marine life sightings spotted elsewhere, click here. If you would like to send the crew an e-mail with your questions click here. Click here to view the Silurian Log archive. End of 2008 seasonThe 2008 field season has now ended, and there will be no further blog updates until next year. See you in spring 2009! # posted by HWDT @ 12:30 PM
 Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th September 2008
Date: Wednesday 24th September, 2008
Anchorage: Tobermory Position: 56° 38’.100N 006° 03’.700W Distance Travelled: 37 NM Away from Moidart, and transecting towards Tobermory and the end of the last trip of the 2008 season. It’s a trip that’s been pretty blessed really – good weather, plenty of animals, and a great team of volunteers and crew. Seas and skies were calm again today, and we had a lovely close minke whale encounter on our way home, in amongst our usual friends of seals and harbour porpoises. A good clean of the boat was followed by an epic dinner, and sad farewells. Thank to you this group of volunteers, and to all those who’ve given their all on Silurian this season. It’s been a busy, successful season, and we quite literally could not have done it without you. Susie, Science Officer Date: Tuesday 23rd September, 2008 Anchorage: Loch Moidart Position: 56° 47’.200N 005° 50’.200W Distance Travelled: 54 NM Well, the end is near as today was our last full day at sea. Tomorrow we will make our way back to Tobermory Harbour. Our time together has just flown by, filled with many happy memories. The day started at the small isle of Canna, with slightly overcast skies, but the sea looked calm. As we left the harbour, some of the seals made a haunting keening sound, as if they were sad to see us leave. We began surveying for the day at 9am and saw a few seals and harbour porpoises, occasionally. The cliffs of Rum were spectacular and the light shining upon the valley at Eigg stunning. At one point between Rum and Eigg we came across a plastic drum that must have escaped from a mussel farm. We tried to haul it aboard, but it was filled with water and too heavy to lift. So we abandoned it and at the same time a Customs boat was soon racing our way to investigate what we were up to. Completely innocent, of course, but gave us some excitement for the day. The rest of the day raced by and we were soon arriving at Loch Moidart for the evening. As soon as we were anchored, a party went ashore to explore a ruined castle on a bluff . The evening was gorgeous and we were treated with a beautiful sunset. Our final supper on board Silurian was haggis, neaps, tatties and a wonderful whisky sauce with onions. It was enjoyed by all (as far as I know). It was a full, rich day . Danielle Date: Monday 22nd September, 2008 Anchorage: Isle of Canna Position: 57° 03’.200N 006° 29’.800W Distance Travelled: 50 NM Hours of watching the sea with hope finally paid off and rather spectacularly! Our efforts were rewarded with the sighting of a northern bottlenose whale early in the day to whet our appetites, followed shortly by a minke. But the piece de resistance came in a party of not one, not ten, not thirty, but at least fifty jumping, diving, beautiful, rubbery, shiny, playful common dolphins, attracted to the boat and eager to, what can be described by nothing else other than play! Wonderful, wonderful day, imprinted firmly on our memories. Ellie # posted by HWDT @ 11:51 AM
Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st September, 2008
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 # posted by HWDT @ 1:56 PM
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