After sitting out the wind in Gairloch Joe and I headed south. The plan was very flexible and found us at Applecross for a night then on under the Skye bridge the next day. A lunch and re-supply stop in Kyleakin the weather was so good we went on through Kyle Rhea. Heading for Isleornsy the evening weather was very settled so we dropped the hook in Sandaig bay. The only other boat turned out to be RFYC “Tarka” so we went over and had a dram with Ron who was before that, enjoying perfect solitude!
Ron on Tarka
Tarka was an appropriate boat name for that location as this is where Gavin Maxwell lived with his otter and led to the much loved book “Ring of Bright Water”.
After an enjoyable morning stroll ashore we headed down to Loch Nevis. We tried a few likely spots for fishing but only had limited success. I fear we have been spoiled forever by the Faroese fishing! Another fine evening and we found ourselves in Tarbet and directed onto excellent free moorings provided very kindly by the estate owner.
Tarbet Loch Nevis
An early start to Mallaig as we had to be there so Joe could collect his railway ticket for Wednesday morning. Mallaig has its new marina facility and provides excellent pontoons moorings with a very helpful marina manager. Not cheap of course but a handy place to change crews or leave the boat for a while. Joe headed off on the early train and I prepared for my fire service colleagues to arrive on the 21st.
Bob Jim and Graeme
Arrive they did and we headed off to Inverie for tea in the “Old Forge”. A busy little place but handy for a first night. After a bit of rain at night we headed north and ended up again at Ardban for 2 nights. A walk of 8 miles round trip for lunch at the famous “Applecross Inn” and showers at the campsite was most enjoyed by some and endured by others.
A short sail next day to Plockton was very relaxing. I had not been there for years and found it very nice but perhaps just a bit too perfect. Good moorings though and a good shower and a pint at the Plockton Hotel.
A forecast of settled weather for a few days meant a motor south in glorious sunshine and round to Loch Scavaig on Skye.
The crew go mad in the midday sun!
We were chased by a pod of about 40 dolphins which leapt all round the boat and played in the wash from the prop. It was very difficult to get photos as they were not airborne for long!
They are there..honest
Well that is an impressive anchorage with the Cuillins coming straight down to the shore. I would recommend anyone up that way to stay there given suitable weather.
Loch Scavaig
A trip over to Rum was looked forward to but somehow did not quite meet our expectations. Perhaps it was the rain but the place seemed a little bleak. We were too late to go round the castle which would have been interesting but instead waited and wandered for an hour or so until the shop opened at 5pm (more whisky I guess). A great week for us though with fine weather beautiful places and many laughs
So back to Mallaig on Wednesday morning where we left the boat on a mooring
until Sunday when Susan and I return for a few weeks and perhaps St Kilda!
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