I am starting to enjoy the moody weather of Scotland. They say you don't come here for the weather but for the stunning scenery.
And so our adventure continues of this beautiful land.
We arrived in Oban, restocked and simply explored the sights and culture. We enjoyed many local fish dishes, each one a real treat but one worth a special mention is the fish platter served from a little green shack by the ferry terminal. Absolutely fabulous and all for twenty quid, no wonder it was standing room only.
The short hop over to Kerrera was also well worth the visit. We visited the farm shop with its honesty box, only a short walk from the marina and open 24/7! In fact, the honesty thing seems to be everywhere on the islands and I just love it. Honourable people pulling together to make a living and this method of self service is probably a way of making things economically viable.This farm honesty shop sells, meat fresh and frozen, eggs, cheese, cakes, crisps, homemade jams & chutney, local crafts, cold drinks and ice cream. Such a find and I can certainly vouch for the braising steak - delicious! After our walk to the farm shop we mandered our way to the top of the hill for some cool photography shots. Sat high on the hill we toasted the evening sunset with a glass of red. Garys idea and I have to admit it was the perfect way to end another perfect day on the Isle of Kerrera.
A few days later we left for Loch Aline. Tides in our favour, we departed at 5pm and carefully navigated the busy commercial traffic channel which was packed with ferries and fishing trawlers. In these waters the ferry timetable has become a good friend, giving us a good indication of when our paths might meet, avoidance here is the best tactic.
Heading towards Lismore point the water and skies were 50 shades of grey. The weather forecast had enlightened us to expect and in turn endure rain, sea mist and poor visability. I see a monster! It kept me eyes fixed ahead, the darkness hung in plain sight, where the heavy clouds met the sea. A squall, how could I blank that out, the wind, the rain, yet with it, I felt alive. Wow, I was alittle shocked at myself, me embracing the unknown, it was a monster but almost of a friendly nature. Oh, how things have changed!
The light was low and so I asked if I should put on the navigation lights to aid others to see us. I flicked the switch but they seemed not to work, yet they certainly did the day before! Now doubt dwarfed over me again. Why did they not work? What if the passage did not go to plan? What if we needed to sail after dark? I quickly switched the nav lights off and switched on the tri colour light at the top of our mast but it was not dark enough to see if this light was actually working. I choose to remain positive after all it was only 17.00 hrs our passage was 3 hours max so plenty enough hours of light to sail without the nav lights. I only put the dam things on to be super visable, simply not necessary Tanya!!!! Time now for me to focus on the lighthouses and the murky seas ahead. I have a real fascination with lighthouses they are special and enchanting, with so many stories to tell. Even though visability was bleak I managed to capture these two as we sailed on by.
When we were safely anchored in Loch Aline I went to power down all the instuments used on passage, to my relief and horror I noted my silly mistake. I had not switched on the nav lights earlier but flicked the switch labelled instrument lights in error. Blooming heck! Dumb grey/blonde moment no wonder the nav lights didn't light up!
Loch Aline is very quiet, a picture postcard kind of place. A place where we could do more of what we loved, walking up hills, visiting places of interest and get to know the locals. One thing I know to be true, sailing the west coast of Scotland means you will end up in places that you can never imagine, that most people don’t even know exist. Magnificent places with so much splender and tranquility, my heart misses a beat just wondering what other hidden gems lie ahead.
Until the next time, be happy and have fun. Xxxx
Try Loch Drumbhuie at top of Sound of Mull and Salen in Loch Sunart. Glad you are enjoying the west coast of Scotland. Caroline and David