Portree to Ornsay to Tobermory (again) to Loch Aline to Oban.

Hello again Linda.

The plot so far. 

In essence, three intrepid sailors are boating somewhere in Scotland.

Thursday 9^th August 2012

We left Portree and headed under the bridge to Skye planning to stop at Kyle of Lochalsh (mainly I think because the latter sounds very Scottish).  K of L was however, in our view, pretty horrible, so we went on to anchor on the Isle of Ornsay (which was nice).

Martin introduced us to McEwan’s  80 Shilling  (beer). 

This was (in every respect) a good thing.

We explored the island  (walked up to the hotel).

The hotel offered shooting, fishing and deer stalking and had a restaurant.

We had an excellent meal on board and a peaceful night at anchor.

Friday & Saturday 10^th  - 11^th  August

Back down to Tobermory.

Fuel, water, electricity, food and very nice walk in the hot Scottish sunshine.

A meal at the pub.

Sunday 12^th August

We went sailing!

We set off for Lismore Island but ended up in Loch Aline.

It was a nice day (when we set off).

The wind was on our nose and went F4 .. 5 .. 6 .. 7.  The tide was adverse (obviously).

Our course tacking down the Sound of Mull

There are lots of boats around here (possibly as crowded as the Solent at 3 a.m on a weekday in early February when BBC 1 has the FA Cup Final on and ITV4 a slightly pornographic movie).

Anyway ... there were enough boats around for a little race and (it being the Olympics at the time), we took Silver.

8 miles of proper sailing was enough, which is why we ended up in Loch Aline.

Loch Aline.  Another beautiful, sheltered Scottish loch.

Monday 13^th August

Off to Oban.  Raining today. Motored.

Oban Marina. Nice.

Unfortunately we have to say Goodbye to Martin tomorrow morning.

Martin tying a Turk’s Head to the wheel (I was surprised that this is still allowed).