Grania

2nd Oct back to the Mooring

2011-11-26T15:55:00.001Z

Another quiet day little wind motored back in a calm day.. dead still as you can see when we got back to the mooring

Picture of the boat looking south from the mooring

Pete taking the view in

1st Oct - Loch A Choire on to Loch Aline

2011-11-26T15:48:00.001Z

Last outing of the season. Went for a quick dash across Friday night from the mooring to Loch Choire with Pam (my Pam) and Pete. This is a morning shot of the hills around us.

Loch Choire

Had more of a motor in mist to Loch Aline. Stayed at the new pontoons, which were very nice, and hardly any one there. But a bit pricey considering all the facilities are still to come £25! Walked into town, where we had a drink at the Loch Aline Hotel - passed it's best perhaps ! Should have gone to the working mens clubs that's where all the action seemed to be!

The evening sun set was brill however...

28th August Oban Home

2011-09-27T13:26:00.006+01:00

Wild winds 40knots got in shelter of Lismore and motored. To wild for pictures that day so here is a little clip of the trip instead.

27th August Sunart to Oban

2011-09-27T13:25:00.003+01:00

Brill Sail down Mull to Oban

26th August - Moidart to Loch Sunart

2011-09-27T13:24:00.005+01:00

Left Moidart for Coll and ended up going to Sunart - as the wind was on the nose the whole way to Coll (

25th August Tobermory to Loch Moidart

2011-09-27T13:23:00.002+01:00

Woke to a wonderful morning - Headed out off Tobermory turned left towards Ardnamurcdan point, wind was mixed so bit of sailing and motoring towards loch Moidart. The entrance entrance to Moidart was a challenge, having to wind our way through a channel in it what seemed like a expanse of water. But what a fantastic place. Best anchorage by far on the west coast so far! Tucked in behind a forest covered island next to another with a Castle on it. Dave turned up within an hour of us and, anchored close by. We all went to visit the castle, motoring over a mil pond, Dave Neil and crew came over for drinks post dinner and just made it back!

24th August Night Sail to Tobermory

2011-09-27T13:22:00.002+01:00

Motored up to Tobermory to get ahead. Wonderful evening as we motored in the sunset. Got in about 10.30 in the Pitch Dark , which was interesting picking our way through the bouy's!

Oban - to boat house - 22nd July

2011-07-31T17:10:00.001+01:00

Lovely lazy morning in the sun. Well not that lazy I spent the morning scrubbing the decks and Pam sorting below out. Gordon and Mary were joining us at 11.00, to head off to the boat house. We pulled along side to top up with water and make life easier.

Grania Along side at Oban

Before heading off once all were on board. Dodged the Mull Ferry on the way out,

Mull Ferry

and motored over to Lismore light house with the wind on our nose. Once around that and heading up Loch Linnhe we got the sails up for a while and had a lunch .. just a small affair !!!!!.

Lunch just like we always have !!!

Before eventually we decided we were'nt making much headway , on came motor. Shortly after wards it start to miss fire.. oh no :-( it never died but i decided that there was no way I was going in to Loch Chorie and the Boathouse and get stuck there!! So back to mooring. Long story short did a full fuel filter change ( which was probably over due) and she now runs sweet. Went along to port Appin (by Car) for a meal, and another sunset.

M & G in full control

The Crew


Port Appin Sunset

Stalker Castle Just round the corner from the boat

Loch Melford to Oban via the Cuan sound 21st July

2011-07-31T16:51:00.000+01:00

Lazy morning did not need to leave until 13.00 to catch the turn of the tide at the Cuan sound 3.5 miles away. Went for a walk along the shore and enojoed the sun. Was a bit worried starting the engine as the previous morning to took tow attempts to start, first time that had happened. But no worries she fired up first time. We pottered around to the Cuan Sound and went through ob the last of the ebb. Much better that being shoved through at 7 knots.

Out the other side Sun was still out bu the wind had gone Arrrg! Motor sailed to Oban where we took a sailing club mooring as the Marine looked jam packed. Lazy evening reading and watching a glorious sunset.

Tayvallich to Loch Melford 20th July

2011-07-31T16:37:00.002+01:00

A late start had us heading off into a Mist. Back the way came but turning right towards Loch Melford. It was a horrible motor up no wind and misty rain We eventually grabbed a visitor mooring out side the Loch Melford Hote l and the sun came out true Scottish day . We had a meal up at their Bistro, where there are some fantastic views. This was followed by a late fishing session as the tide was in ... 3 mackerel (one got away).

Two of the fish

Pam in the late evening sun with the Hotel behind

Oban to Tayvallich - 19th July

2011-07-30T10:44:00.003+01:00

Route Oban to Tayvallich

8 o'clock start, in order to catch the turn of the tide at down at the sound of Luing. Got there just as it turned. We shot down doing 12.6 knots over the ground with just the Genoa up . ( see pic of GPS).

We then and a lovely lazy sail and motor at times down to Tayvallich. We were fortunate to grab one of last visitor mooring bouys as i didn't fancy anchoring there as it's a very busy little place. We'd been there year back when we hired a cottage so this was the first time back, so we went ashore and for coffee and a shower in the cafe before a stroll about, which included booking a table at he restaurant for later that night .

Mooring to Oban - 18th July

2011-07-30T10:29:00.001+01:00

A late start to the weeks sailing due to the forecasted weather...which never came!! Got to the mooring late Monday afternoon to be met by glorious sun and very little wind. Motor sailed down to Oban. Entering Oban bay an odd site met us a big fishing boat in the middle and a RNLI boat. I've been into Oban many times, but for some reason i got it in to my head there were only 2 cardinal ( in fact there is 3) as that is all i could see!! The idea being buoys 2, 3 you can pass between as it is a shallow patch and a rock near the 3rd buoy. Any way i head to wards what i though was the 2nd of 2! to leave it to my port. Mean while i was getting distracted by the RNLI boat and the stationary fishing boat. As i got to the buoy i suddenly realised it was a northern buoy which I should be leaving to be starboard side! I suddenly remembered there was 3 buoys but the fishing boat , which i now realised was aground (which was why it wasn't moving ) was block my view of the 3rd. Any way it was nearly high tide and i had 6 meters of water under me so i carried on over. But collected a friendly slapped wrist from the lifeboat for my efforts.

June 3rd - The local neighbour hood & Engine concerns

2011-06-03T16:00:00.002+01:00


Walk about


Chilling at the Boathouse

Grania

Escaped early on the Friday once Owen was done with Driving lesson. Got up to boat about 5.30pm, still lovely and sunny. Had some engine concerns as exhaust alarm went off! Checked EVERY thing all seemed ok so fired her up again and monitored all, but temperature was fine, so disconnected the alarm! Northerly winds were foretasted so decided to nip down to Appin which gives better protection than the mooring. Went to the pub, and was let off the mooring charge! Next morning a Northerly F6 was blowing with a few wavelets! With that and the concern on the engine, decide to stay put, then eventually decided to nip over to Loch Corrie, where the sun came out. Went for a walk and finished off at the boathouse restaurant balcony in the sun, with drinks ( and eventually got sun burnt) . Met up with a Dutch couple who were cruising the west coast

Scotland

. He popped over later that night for drinks – turned out he was a civil engineer, he took Owens details as he had a friend looking for folk – lets see what happens? Leisurely start next day got back to mooring after lunch so we could get back to sooner to sort front room out.

The Big view !

30th April Shake down sail.

2011-05-01T20:45:00.006+01:00

Got to the boat on the 28th April and spent half a day fitting my new present to the boat..... a solar panel .. brill.. then we nipped over to loch corrie to the boat house restaurant for a very nice meal. Lazy next morning then headed down the west side of Lismore towards Puilladobhrain ( pool of the otter) none of those were to be seen. Sail was brill if not a bit windy 36knots was hit. Pam not to happy!!. Puilladobhrain was fantastic beautiful afternoon of sun shine, walked over the hill to Clachan pub ( bridge over the Atlantic!) .. had a pint,, then back for a curry on boat ! As it was a shake down cruise front toilet needed a service ! .. then another speedy sail around kerrea to oban, in another sunny windy day. Lazy pm in Oban, shower playing up so another hour sorting that out.. good thing Owen was along, to get to those places I couldn't. Headed into town got some mussels. To cook on the boat..another sunny lazy day....

2011 Season Kicks off. 8th April

2011-04-17T08:38:00.002+01:00

Another seasons starts with a great weekend. Dave (mate) lent me his spare van, which meant I was able to load ALL up for the boat and Gordon and Pete my generous crew, volunteered for another weekend of scrubbing painting, and abuse from me ( if they are to be believed :-) ) Considering I'd not been to the boat for months, our first day was brill all the big jobs done, including rigging boat sails etc.. Next day sun still out and we started on my 'list' ..sea cock lubrication ..exciting or what .. several hours later after cutting the boat up to reach a 'bugger' of a seacock that sheered off and had to be replaced and my arms being so bruised from working in a 10inch square hole that i'd looked like I had been abused! We rewarded ourselves with a Guinness at the wide-mouth frog pub. Next day we launched to be met with 36knots of wind and rain...Scotland for you !! And my boat now sits on mooring ready to go! Cheers G & P

Sept 25th - Linne to Puilladobhrain

2010-10-03T11:54:00.003+01:00

Up the friday night with Gordon & Pete for a planned early start. But sun was out and wind was little so left later than planned, in next to no wind. But got a opportunity to fly the cruising sail for the first time. Piece of cake, and great fun. As you can see plenty of blue sky, but with a northerly wind, a tad cool. Drifted around fishing off the end of Kerrera where I caught a couple of very small mackerel. Anchored at Puilladobhrain. lovely sunny evening. friend Dave Punton and his crew were at anchor there as well, and joined us for dinner. Head off next day back to the mooring

22nd August loch Corrie to Linne marine

2010-08-23T22:44:00.004+01:00

Late start after a mega breakfast. Left loch corrie at 11 am for a lovely sail across to the mooring. Had a couple porpoise do a small display off the back of the boat.

I've added above a small something i pulled together of the trip with Kieran & Gerard

21st August Oban

2010-08-23T17:39:00.002+01:00

Wind still about so went for a walk on Kerrera, very nice. Left Oban eventually at 13.00 with three reefs and a small hanky flying at the front. Still did 7 knots across to Lismore lighthouse. Turn north up towards Loch Linnie. Had a lovely sail as wind reduced. Pulled into Loch corrie, and grabbed a buoy. Lovely place, booked a meal at the boat house, which was very good, even though the rain came back for our transition from boat to restaurant.

20th August Oban - Trip with Kieran & Gerard

2010-08-20T23:25:00.003+01:00

Started morning with no wind and still water. Motored out off linnie and past Port appin. Shortly afterwards let genoa out in 12 knts of wind. Wind picked up very quickly and coast guard announced force 7 to 8 plus due. So decided to head to oban. Rain and wind arrived visability disappeared! Got into oban and got place in marine. And not so long after did the sun not come out. Bizzare! Went over to oban for walk about,beer etc.. .saw this great yacht, you would think we were in the med!
Kieran bought some mussels which we had followed by curry!!! More wind has arrived ( nothing to do with meal!) can hear it howling out side and the waves are hitting the boat like a hammer. Hope I can get some sleep much creaking, slapping & howling and that's just the neighbours!

22nd July Thursday

2010-07-25T18:26:00.001+01:00

Got a away from Canna Thursday am in 20 knots of wind from the North East = Good sailing. The sun came out and the wind calmed down a bit, dying for a while but then picked up again to circa 12 knots from behind. Decide not to stop at Tobermory ( been there to many times and in looked busy as we sailed past) so carried on down the Mull to the mooring, Getting in just after 8.00pm ( 12hrs sailing) and we tied up and launched the dinghy in record time to get to the local restaurant to catch last orders for food at 8.45.

21st July Wednesday -Isle of Canna

2010-07-24T20:56:00.005+01:00

What a night!!! From the wonderful previous evening, by 01.00am the weather turned quite nasty. Winds increased to force 6/7 with gusts of 34 knots (Gale 8). Got up at 02.30am to check boat was holding on it's anchor. It was, phew!! BUT it was not the same case for some others who, had started to drift and, boats were drifting about the anchorage trying to get their anchors back in. I decided to stay up on deck to keep an eye on things, as i didn't fancy someone hitting us or us starting to drift. However my recently designed and purchased riding sail stopped the boat from yawing about and potentially, pulling the anchor up as it has the potential to do. Best spent money ! Morning came but the wind continued all day! But by now i was confident we weren't going any where. That was until some boats arrived late after noon from the Clyde cruising club ( what they were doing out in that weather i don't know) But with all the boats already in and the wind still blowing that had a night mare trying to anchor as the only spots left had a lot of weed, (not good for Anchoring) Some were taking over an hour to anchor dropping and lifting the anchor several times. One guy was still at it 2.5 hours later and finally gave up and tied up the ferry terminal. Another night was with me on anchor watch in case other drifted as by now i was more confident we were staying still. All was well !

20th July Tuesday -Isle Of Canna

2010-07-24T20:41:00.004+01:00

Finally escaped Dunvegan, with another early start along with the local fishermen. Have seen enough of Skye for at least 10 years!!! - Again very little wind, so motor sailed most of way. Got to Canna mid afternoon, and there was only a handful of boats ( that Changed - as did the weather, from this lovely view) Had a great walk about the island. Which now has about 20 folk on it down from, the 436 in it's hey day!, but they have 4 Churchs to look after their souls. BUT they had a recently open restaurant, which was very nice. Got back t the boat, later by which stage we had been joined by others.

19th July Monday -Dunvegan

2010-07-19T19:58:00.002+01:00

Returned car this morning and the lady ran us down by car to the bus stop. Avis never do anything like that for me! In fact all the folk we have come across have been great, willing to help, suggest places have a chat. The weather starting to look better so stocked boat up with fuel and water as planning an early start. Then lay about reading/sleeping /fishing. In the sun. Planning on going to Canna tomorrow .

18th Sunday - Dunvegan

2010-07-19T19:52:00.002+01:00

Did tour off island went over to the east Isle Oransay and Armadale! The across and up to Uig which was Ugh! Went for a lovely meal in the old school house as recommended by the locals in the bar! And managed to navigate back to the boat. Can't imagine what our neighbours thing we have been coming and going all week!! While they've remained on board... bit strange!

17th July Saturday - Talisker Distillery

2010-07-19T19:46:00.004+01:00

Decided to hire a car as it was cheaper than a taxi for one trip to Talisker. Infact we got it from Saturday 13.00 to 10.00 on the 19th (as they were shut on the Sunday) Any way drove over to Talisker, and sampled did tour and bought bottle! Picture is off the oldest cask 1979 which sold for £215 per bottle ! Seems young compared to brandies in France that go back to the II world war! Drove about after that. Sun was out by the pm.

16th July Friday

2010-07-17T21:48:00.001+01:00

Forecast weather looked promising for a dash across the to the Outer Hebrides so we left at 9.15am (saw 6 dolphins) once out in to the Minch It was evident that the weather was getting worse quicker than expected , so a call to the Stornaway coast guard confirmed a gale warning was imminent so we turned tale and head back to the Dunvegan followed by two yachts! And sure enough it arrived! Look’s like we will be in Dunvegan for a while longer. As more weather was expected. Popped over to the village get a few bits to see us out. Popped to in to the local bar and met up with the fisher men we had seen on the way out and back, as they finished early as well, caught up wit the local gossip!! Forgot to mention met up with some from work last night , he comes from Dunvegan! One of those weird I recognise the face but the place was wrong. Picture Pam getting some quiet time J

15th July Thursday

2010-07-17T20:09:00.000+01:00

Dunvegan Castle

14th July Wednesday - Dunvegan

2010-07-14T18:31:00.001+01:00

Slow start to today, took bus into Portree to see if I could get a replacement charger for my phone as I can only use it on the boat with a cable that gives it power but won't charge it! No joy :-( had a wander about. Currently back on boat. Wind is up so staying put tonight and possibly tomorrow due to weather - to be reviewed am. As am keen to get across to North Uist and Loch Maddy. Let's see!

13th July Tuesday - on route to North Skye

2010-07-14T18:23:00.003+01:00

Did the same thing to Pam as I did to the guys from the forge. Talked about leaving 7.00am woke earlier and I was off the mooring and away by 6:15am! Pam still in her bed ! All was still out there and I felt a passage around north Syke was on! We crossed the inner sound in sun light and silky still water. We were at Raasay by 9.00am. Which was good as they were doing firing exercises in the restricted area, and we would have had to have gone round it rather than straight across when the navy boys were still having breakfast! We crossed up into the sound of Raasay and headed north to the top of Skye (still motoring) saw seals and either a dolphin or Minke whale as it was only showing its dorsal fin we were'nt sure. Need to polish up our cetaceans spotting skills. Tide was bang on went round top end of Syke at 8 knots with the tide similar story as we down the Minch at 6.5 - 7 knots . Picture is off Dunvegan head. As we headed into the loch. Managed to grab the last mooring , of two across from the Dunvegan hotel a classic example of a fawlty towers hotel frozen from the 80's with it's own Sybil!!

12th July Plockton

2010-07-14T18:05:00.000+01:00

Red sky at night Shepards delight looking good for tomorrow!

12th July Plockton

2010-07-14T18:03:00.001+01:00

Pam getting fully into holiday mode. Decided to stay an extra day as weather was glorious. And a chill out day sounded good. Had several fishing sessions through day no joy :-( decided on a mini cruise around plockton by dinghy with Pam at the helm. Packing up to night for an earlier start tomorrow. Heading up to Raasay may headon over Skye if weather remains good

9th July - Drying out in Plockton

2010-07-12T12:05:00.002+01:00

Drying Out

8th July - The Forge pub

2010-07-09T15:43:00.002+01:00

View from our table at the Forge

The Forge the middle of no where pub! We left Left (escaped) Arisaig into a lively seas, but had a great sail upto the forge, wind and sun all the way. And it got better! On shore several beers later pre dinner drinks ! Then ate in Forge -nice. The picture is our view from our table. Earlier start tomorrow!

Another lunch at Arisaig!

2010-07-07T13:58:00.001+01:00

Owen and Gordon taking the sun and WIND... still plenty of it.

6th July Arisaig

2010-07-07T12:25:00.001+01:00

Got out of Tobermory at 7.30am before the storm came. Had a slow rolling ride around Ardnamurchan point and motor sailed down to Arisaig, with a few mild cases of mal de mer after a breakfast on the move . Anchored up in Arisaig but to far to motor a shore 4 up in a building wind.
Instead we ate drank and slept!

5th July Tobermory

2010-07-06T06:09:00.001+01:00

After a long motor sail into a 30 mph wind from Loch Linnie finally got Tobermory and managed to bag a spot on a pontoon. And the sun came out!! Gordon knocked us up an excellent steak plus, before we headed for rhe pub. Early start am as we head to Arisaig and aim to beat the next chunk of weather.

Oban June 2010

2010-06-21T13:55:00.002+01:00

Here we are enjoying the June sunshine in Oban bay, After a lovely sail down from the mooring

Arisaig - back to the mooring - 30th July

2009-07-31T09:57:00.003+01:00

Arisaig is a lovely spot & possible place to leave boat to better explore NW coast. Had a potter about, but we had already decided to leave by 12.00 to head back around Arhnamurchan point as the weather forecast for Friday was not looking good! As you can see it was up hill the whole way ! Pam retreated below with a touch of the 'malade de mer' . Kept going and got to experience our first night sail together - and learnt that neither can see well in the dark (Though Pam has the edge on Dermot! Got to mooring before midnight - knackered & happy!

Arisaig - 29th July

2009-07-30T21:07:00.003+01:00

Arisaig with the sun setting on what was a wild and windy days sail/motor. Left Isle of Ornsay in the morning to a choppy slow going motor. Bailed out about lunch time in Mallaig - horrible place with no where to park up . So headed down the coast to Arisaig where we had to navigate a twisty channel through the rocks to get to this delightful bay where we anchored in time for this sunset, and a beer or two-:-)

Isle of Ornsay - 28th July

2009-07-29T18:39:00.016+01:00

Yep wind was still to much so stayed another day. Took a local bus to Portree the capital of Skye. Best bit was hours bus ride across Skye (pics to follow) scenery was fantastic. Portree was ok trying to copy Tobermory but not so well. Spent evening in local hotel at head of pier before the 1/4 mile ride back in dinghy to boat.

Isle Ornsay -27th July

2009-07-28T16:18:00.001+01:00

Left Kyle of Lochalsh to head back down the sound of Sleat. Winds were blowing 25+ on the nose so we dived into Isle of Ornsay on Skye for a bit of shelter as worst was forecasted. A lovely place with a hotel at its head. Had a wild night wind. Will probably stay an extra day as gale force winds are Forecasted! Then see where we go.

Kyle of Lochalsh - 26th July

2009-07-26T18:58:00.003+01:00

We were heading for Loch Torridon but the outlook for the following two days was wild so did an about turn and headed south for here. D enjoyed a few more hours of 20 knots of wind to play in! Poss heading for Isle of Oronsay 2morrow.

Plockton - 25th July

2009-07-26T18:46:00.002+01:00

Lazy day in the sun. Walked thru Plockton,had pub lunch and spent afternoon reading papers while D busied himself cleaning boat etc. Piper sta2ted the Plockton sailing regatta. D caught two little fish and several little crabs in his creel which were released straight away. Had to have tea at the pub shame!

Plockton via the Skye Bridge -24th July

2009-07-24T22:29:00.002+01:00

A great sail up from Inverie via the Sound of Sleat one big long beat without touching the wheel (or using the auto pilot.) Now at Plockton, another evening in sunshine ( though by phone camera is not doing it justice, an up dated pic will follow once we find wireless) A great days sailing F4 most of the way. :-)

Inverie - The Old Forge pub -23rd July

2009-07-24T11:11:00.002+01:00

The Old Forge pub the remotest pub in the uk. 17 miles over 3 munros or by boat (we did'nt walk!) - away at 7 this morning to get to this lovely spot. -And had another sunny afternoon fishing and drinking G&T's :-) Sea food meal excellent - currently enjoying sunset & another hot choc!

The Isle of Muck -22nd July

2009-07-22T21:00:00.004+01:00

Left Tobermory this morning and got got caught in torrential rain for while as we rounded the most westerly point of the uk - Arnamurchan point. Then had glorious sunshine all the way to Muck & it is still shining now. Muck is very quiet but with 38 folk what can u expect! Cooked my catch from the day before - nice ! And now settling down
To a hot choc - what a high life!

Tobermory - Mull - 21st July

2009-07-21T18:08:00.001+01:00

Motored from Loch Lhinne in goergeous sunshine - water like a mill pond - Pam stll getting dressed and preparing breakfast. Finally arrived Tobermory at 12;30 - very early-but all but one of the morrings raken ! So we pounced on it !! Cafe Fish was fully booked since yesterday so as Dermots brief fishing activity was un productive , we shopped after the obligatory drink in the Mish nish . Rian and strong winds rocking boat now ! But eagerly waiting for Aberdeen Angus steak to be cooked

Grania Ready to go

2009-07-20T21:03:00.001+01:00

Loch Creran - west Coast - 20th July

2009-07-20T20:39:00.003+01:00

Holiday is underway - but boat is not!, weather was wet & wild this afternoon so fitted new shower pump and retired to local hostelry with this view.

West Coast Trip July 2009

2009-07-14T04:54:00.002+01:00

On the 20th July, Pam and myself will set off for two weeks around the west coast of Scotland. The plan is to head up past Mull towards Skye and the Western Isles. Subject to internet access we will hope to share a few photos and words on what we are up to - much like a modern day postcard (not that I was any good at sending those!)