I will start by making an apology (I know they say you should never do that). This is going to be a long blog as we managed to fit a lot in in the last 5 weeks of the season.
The short version for those in a hurry is, we sailed down from Oban, stopping off at places along the way to Northern Ireland. We then sailed back up to Crinnan and through into the Clyde. Finally, 10 days around the Clyde then put the boat to bed. There, that is the summary.
For those who want the full technicolour version, read on…. (it’s mainly pictures :)). I will cover the Cannal and the Clyde in the next and last blog of the year. Finally, no effects or filters were used in the sunset shots. They really were that good!!!!
Jenny, took this as we were getting on the Ferry to Kerara. The sea serpents hold up the seat with the tails supporting the backObanThis is a ferry that was originally in Norway. It is fascinating as it leaves no wakeNice Sun Set. This photo and the next two were taken at 10-15 minute intervals.And AgainAnd Again
We left Oban early the next day as we had to get the Tide to get through to Kilmelford. Last time we did it we made it with about 3 mins to spare before the tidal gate closed so this time we left early.
Leaving Oban and it was a touch dampSoon cleared up so went out for a walk at KilmelfordPart of Scotland’s Rain ForrestNot sure what an Interpretation Hub is, but this is what one looks like. The blackboard had a list of wildlife sightingsSomething to add to the blackboardLooking south from Kilmelford
We then set off for Jura
Departing Kilmelford – despite the rain, a stunning skyAnd it did rainFeath in a clagged in Jura
We decided to do a wee walk to Kilearnadal Burial ground. This is the old burial ground on Jura and was named after St Columba’s uncle, St Earnan. Some old graves date from before the 1500s. The Scottish islands are dotted with similar sights.
Some of the graves are just slabs of stone with basic carvingThis one is easier to make out , but you can see that the carving may have been done by whoever was available with the letters being of all sizes etcA medieval grave
Onward to Islay
Moored off ArdbegAnother nice sun setThe sky on fireJenny off for her morning swimInteresting directions Bike ride to KildaltonCarved over 1300 years ago this is one of the finest existing Christian crosses in Scotland (or so the book says!)
Ballycastle and a visit to our friends David and Hillary
We set off to Ireland and had a very smooth crossing. When we arrived in Ballycastle we discovered that we had arrived in the middle of the Horse fair (one of the oldest in Northern Ireland). It runs over 4 days and we arrived on Day 2. Missed the horse racing on the beach, but in time for the firework display, which was set off from the marina, and the fair itself.
Leaving IslayScotland on the left, Northern Ireland on the right Rainbow across the seaSign for Lammas FairThe beach at Ballycastle where the horse racing happened the night before we arrivedBeach and LagoonExploring the rocks with Rathlin Island in the backgroundBusy PlaceDavid Arrives and assumes his favourite position, awaiting the fireworksCracking displayOut for Lunch with HillaryDavid’s very cool garage wall, every item is s memory and having them on the wall means that Hillary can see them and talk about them when she comes home for lunchApparently, they were expecting up to 50,000 people to visit the small town for the FairAnd yes, they did have horses at the horse fairNo – it will not fit on the boat!
Off to the tropical Paradise of Gigha
Once we had said our farewells to David and to Northern Ireland, we started making our way north again to travel through the Crinnan Canal. We had a few days of fine weather still on the forecast so we took our time and stopped off in Gigha so Jenny could have her long-promised meal at the Boat House. In our view one of the nicest places to eat on Scotland.
Good by NIJenny discovers the boat has been hit by inflation! Took a bit to get it out the cupboardJenny at the IT hub (3 screens !)Took this picture of a boat we met earlier in the year in Mallaig then sent it to themYet another Sunset ……..Lunch in the CaribbeanThe Boat House never disappointsBike ride to work off the food (Paps of Jura)A view from the North end Stunning beachBromptons on tourGood job I came when I didTime to head North and Loch Na Cille for some SnorkellingAt anchor Time for a swimAn urchinJenny took some cracking pics of this chapBeautiful colourSea MonsterJenny Jenny taking picsFishMore FishYep – dingy is still there Jen has happy feet That evening we had swallows attempting to roost on the boatThey totally ignored usAnd yet another fine sun setJura in the distanceA day that just kept giving
The last day on the west coast
We got up early the next morning and headed to the Crinnan canal for the final two weeks of the trip. As if to say goodbye, the sunrise was almost as spectacular as the sunset
Feath 