Arisaig - back to the mooring - 30th July

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loch Creran - west Coast - 20th July

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

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!)