Gigha Beach Photo by author
The Isle of Gigha, a place of beauty and tranquility. This is our second visit to this anchorage and it is just as delightful as the first time, so much so we stayed 5 days. Well whats the rush? We have all summer to explore the west coast and to be honest I was happy to soak up all that this hidden gem had to offer. Gigha is captivating - with sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas, stunning views and amazing sunsets.
We chilled out in the summer sun before walking to Achamore Estate. The Gardens viewpoint has stunning exposed views over to the islands of Islay and Jura while the pond area offers a secluded oasis. The Gallery below is just a wee glimpse of the garden and the colourful displays on show in early June.
The time in Gigha was a great start to our 2021 adventures, we walked, we frequented the restaurant and bar at both the Boathouse and Gigha Hotel. When surrounded by other people we found ourselves eves dropped on their conversations, not because we are rude people but quite simply due to them being loud and entertaining.
Oh my goodness! Suddenly I realised we had turned into what many years ago we scoofed at!!! Early in our relationship I remember observing other couples not talking when they sipped a drink or sharing a lovely meal in a restaurant or cafe. This amused Gary and I, this was alien to us as we chatted constantly to each other.
On further analysis we came to recognise that this new way of life of full-time sailing had us together 24/7, where we saw the same things, heard the same things and on a daily basis made all of our decisions together. In the past we spent a lot of time independent of each other, at the office, traveling to and from work and working towards our individual work goals. Therefore our leisure time conversations were always energetic and full on, often initiated by the simple question "How was you day dear?" We would love to unpack our day, share opinions and exchange ideas to fix the world. I jest but you know what I mean, we can all fix the world with a glass of wine or two.
Gigha sunset _ Photo by author
Sitting in the evening sun we concluded the analysis of our behaviour, it certainly was not a bad sign for our relationship, just different! We are content when out and about to sometimes sit in silence, especially as we noticed just how often we checked in with one another, smile and say the most important words of all 'I love you'.
Our flappy ear habit also offers opportunities to engage with others and join in with banter on shore. All sailors like to share their experience and the islanders love to talk about their homelands. Flappy ears give an introvert a way in without being pushy, thats my excuse and I am sticking to it!!!!
Please do not worry, we are not in silence that much as our new life does shower us with plenty of new experiences to blather about and comparing our individual perspectives of these events is always entertaining. Both introverts, one task orientated, the other driven by emotion, one a perfectionist and the other full of positivity. A challenging but complimentary mix of personal traits that allow us to keep this world made for two very interesting!
We continue our sail further north in search of more adventures. Until the next time stay safe and keep smiling xxx
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