Tuesday 2 July 2013

Rain Rain and Rain again


On a pleasant Wednesday 26th June I was joined at Oban by Bob Jim and Graeme for our "summer" cruise. With lots of food and fine malts we headed southwest with a fairwind hoping for Iona, not to be as the wind fell away so we went over into Puilladobhrain and anchored with another 17 yachts in this fine little spot. A pleasant walk to the pub for tea in fine weather and high spirits was enjoyed by all.

This is the last time the sunglasses came out!


Next morning it was raining as we motored into a  headwind with  thick fog coming in as we neared Iona. It did clear and fair up as we went through the sound though and on to Bunessan. A pleasant night aboard with a delicious meal prepared by Jan and brought along by Graeme washed down with a glass or two of the good stuff. We had planned next day to spend some time exploring ashore then head up to Coll but the weather put paid to that. Strong winds and rain kept us at anchor all next day. Jim and Graeme ventured ashore for a walk and a trip to the local shop where they procured some excellent local produce.

Saturday morning the wind had eased so we headed up to Staffa. We had hoped to land but with the previous days wind the anchorage and landing stage were as expected untennable. We did venture in for a look but a visit to the cave will have to wait for another day.


 The frown lines show as I check the chart again at the rocky Staffa shore

We headed on to Tobermory where it brightened a bit. The highlight was a trip out to the Cafe Fish restaurant which was outstanding and the best seafood Ive seen anywhere. Next morning the wind was blowing hard from the south with lashing rain so the crew sensibly decided rather than punch all the way to Oban they would get the bus and ferry home. They got home from Tobermry to Edinburgh in 5 hours which was good going. Overall the weather was very disappointing but it was still great fun with everyone staying upbeat and amazingly talking about next year. 


Bob gets a turn at being Skipper at last

I had a good trip down to Oban next day where Ive sat in the rain waiting on Susan to arrive for the slow trip home.

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