Well we are one month into our island life adventure and what a month it has been. A mixture of work, socialising and time spent just getting acquainted with our new winter surroundings.
In only one month we feel very much at home, which is reassuring for us both and it gives us a great base to start the winter season from. Although it is the end of the season for summer cruising we still hope to sail when the weather allows and so in the water we stay. Kerrera Marina https://kerreramarina.com/offers a fantastic gateway to some of the most magical waters for all year around sailing and therefore the sails are staying on, just ready to unfurl and go, here's to feeling that winter breeze in our hair and on our faces.
The marina is nestled in Ardentrive Bay with views across to Oban. At night the lights of Oban twinkle bright like colourful stars, attractive on the eye and so calming on the soul.
Photo by Nicola Mabon
The night sky is so special, Scotland offers the perfect location for stargazing. I am really hoping to get some stunning shots of the Northern Lights and the Milky Way later in the year. The Isle of Kerrera is blessed with some very dark skies, especially on the west coast, and they offer a cracking view of the cosmos when the sky is clear enough. Viewing the night sky is magical, creating stillness and a sense of peace. The enormity of it all makes my heart skip a beat whether it's a rainy season full of cloud and rain…or a hot summer full of stars, with or without a sparkling moon…..it just blows me away. Oh by the way, the sunsets are magical too!
Tim and Gill Vollum recently took over Kerrera Marina and their enthusiasm and commitment to this project is infectious. The place has a buzz about it and the plans for the marina are exciting, you just know when it feels right and this is one of those moments.
Photo by Ann McGregor
During our first few weeks here we have observed many lift outs taking place and lots of boat maintenance quietly taking place in the boat shed. However, my attention has been drawn to the jingle of chain as divers work tirelessly lifting and replacing metre upon metre of pontoon ground tackle. A comforting sound for sure especially as many of our sailing friends had raised a brow when we said we were to winter this far north. Things are certainly taking shape here and next season this marina will be back on the map, bigger and bolder than ever before. One thing I can say with absolute certainty, this place has ambition and just oozes potential. If anyone can make this work the Vollum Family can!
The Marina has a family feel and the social hub of the place is the Waypoint Bar and Restaurant. Whilst the restaurant is not fully functional on a daily basis just yet, the organised meal events have been a resounding success and with views like this I fully understand why the crowds flock from far and wide.
Guest chef John and wife Zoe from https://www.hwb-bala.com, North Wales cooked last Sunday and wow it was delicious. Balliemore Farm Mutton with all the trimmings, whats not to like.
Life has certainly not been boring since our arrival. Tim and Gill are great hosts and have made every effort to introduce us to the marina and island community. As most of you know I do nothing by halves and I am determined to fully immerse myself into community life and so it all begins.
A week in the life of Tanya on Kerrera,
Sunday- Gary and I volunteered to marshal at the islands first kids bike event. A fabulous day, encouraging youngsters to race over jumps and peddle like mad up and down hills. One adorable chap got more and more adventurous with each lap. First lap - a wave, second lap - no hands but the most memorable moment was when I shouted to him, "see you later alligator" and he shouted back, "in a while crocodile". He was no older than 5!!!! How did he know those words?
After the event we were offered a cuppa at Tim and Gills farm where we meet these 6 gorgeous puppies. Gary quickly says NO! I hadn't even looked at him, never mind asked. I know dogs and boats are not practical but I do miss my dog so very very much.
Monday- I offered to help Gill and her friend Donna clean at the Boat House, a lovely four bedroom modern bungalow that has views over the marina and is listed with Air B&B. We mucked in together busily getting it ready to receive new guests the next day. It was strange being in a house again and it reminded me of my past life as a land lubber. Do I miss a home on land? I don't know, maybe, maybe not.
Photo by Nicola Mabon
Tuesday- We volunteered to help Gill move bags of sheep wool from one side of the barn to another so to make room for a hay delivery later in the week. Blooming heck they are heavy! If only you had seen Gill's children Oli, Rory and myself trying to wrestle the bags into position, it was certainly comical! The real muscle came in the form of Gill and boy was she pleased when Gary and Tim showed up to help her haul the last few bags. Great workout and a whole lot of fun.
I walked amongst the cows on my walk back to the marina. The place is teaming with wildlife and I have named many as my farm yard favourites, Jemima puddle duck, Muc and Muckier the Pigs, Ginger, Spice and Cinnamon the Piglets and last but definitely not least Bo and Jangles who are my favourite ginger Cows. A couple of names are influenced by the Scots Gaelic language, which I am also trying my best to learn. Slow going however!
Wednesday- Tim and Gill took us to the auction to buy Tups. We wrapped up warm for the concrete jungle establishment and off to market we went. With the sale catalogue in hand we viewed the many lots, scoring the catalogue with potential Tups to bid upon. Gill educated me on tup confirmation, good jaw, long straight back and sturdy wide chest. Just like the dog showing lark really, even down to colouring the coat to make an visual impact. Gill got in amongst them to examine those that took her eye. It's not every day you feel testicles and nashers before lunch! When the bidding began I kept my body still and focused on the activity around the ring. I was transfixed by the jibber jabber voice of the auctioneer, mainly double dutch but I tuned in eventually. Of course now is the time your nose itches, Typical! Don't worry I didn't buy a tup but Gill and Tim did and so we left with Ten Ten, Lance A lot, King Arthur, BB and Nutter. We took great delight naming them all in the bar that night, I wonder if the names will stick, time will tell I suppose. I loved my day at the auction and I have a feeling this will not be my last.
Thursday- Today was a false start for the hay delivery. The skipper first of all went to the wrong slip and then instead of correcting the situation he decided it was too rough and returned to Oban, leaving Gill and all the willing hands standing looking on in disbelief. I am beginning to understand the logistics of running a farm on a island and the necessary organisational skills required to do the simplest of tasks. Frustratingly, no matter how good the planning the whole thing can fall apart by a little swell and the skipper having the final word. So wet and cold we returned to the our boat to warm up and make some soup. My followers will be pleased to hear that my cooking skills are getting better day by day, Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup this time- Nice!
Friday - The hay delivery was a resounding success today and it was a privilege to be involved. This community pull together like nothing I have experienced before, Sheila and David from neighbouring farms got stuck in throwing bales about the stack like pros, whilst the rest of us passed the bales from the trailer to shed. Spirits were high and between us all we made short work of unloading the 426 hay bales . Gill rewarded us all with fresh coffee and bacon sandwiches back at the farm, so yummy and a much needed bite to eat.
Saturday - A day of rest and time to enjoy Pizza at the Waypoint! Such a great way to end the week, pizza, wine and family fun whilst hatching a plan to go to see James Bond at the cinema on Sunday.
Photo by Ann McGregor
I hope you enjoyed another insight into my crazy and bonkers life, featuring Kerrera Marina Kerrera marina | Facebook https://kerreramarina.com/and Balliemore Farm. Balliemore farm | Facebook
Fearless Inspiration
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