Portree, something about sheep, and beyond

Thursday 10th July etc.

We picked up Sara and Judith in Portree at the start of  what was to be a lovely week.

From our anchorage in Portree.  We like Portree. Note my new shirt (left).

Thence to  Loch Ewe (no connection with sheep) and a very pleasant walk around Inverewe Gardens.

Next stop, The Summer Isles.

We found a wonderful sheltered anchorage between the isles and researched the reason for the islands' name.   Well ... apparently the Summer Isles are great for grazing .. in the Summer .. (obviously). Indeed, King Hakon (of The Battle of Largs fame) used to moor his sheep here from early July.  

King Hakon was of course a great leader and navigator but, one must say, completely rubbish when it came to animal husbandry.

The Battle of Largs (2nd October 1263)

Thence to Loch Torridon and Loch Sheildaig where we had a very nice walk.

Off on a very nice walk.

Walking in Torridon  (note absence of mainland sheep in Summer)

Next stop Isleornsay. We had planned to stop at Kyleakin but kept going, this was a good thing and we enjoyed supper in the pub that evening.

Wednesday 16 July.

Sara and Judith caught the bus to Portree and subsequently ended up in Ullapool. There is apparently a perfectly sound and reasonable explanation for this which may (or may not) be discussed in depth in later postings.

Jean and I set off in earnest for Arisaig, the forecast then started talking of a possible F8, so we phoned Mallaig, but Mallaig was full. After much concern., discussion, deliberation and general dithering we eventually arrived in Arisaig without seeing  much over F5.

Sunset in Arisaig.

Our journey home to Essex involved a ride in the flubber, four buses, an aeroplane and a taxi.

Intrepid guests

Saturday 5th July 2014
We met Penny, Pat and John at Mallaig Railway Station.
They were tired. It is a long way from Australia to Mallaig, so we took them out to a BLT and tea at the Mallaig Fishermans' Mission (where traditionally, sailors go to play with their mobile phones).
Once fed, we all went for a nice walk up the hill outside Mallaig.

A family walk.

Sunday 6th July

We introduced our soon-to-be-rellies to sailing with a gentle reach to Loch Duich where we anchored opposite the castle.  There are lots of castles up here. We had roast chicken for supper.

Monday.

To Plocton.

Excellent supper at Plocton Hotel.

Tuesday.

Flubbered ashore. Said "Goodbye" to P, P and J.

Wednesday.

To Portree.

We like Portree. It was hot and sunny.

Two good things that happened today

1. My employment at Essex Polytechnic has been renewed for a further year.
This will of course be a huge relief for dogs everywhere.

2. It stopped raining (briefly).

The Outer Hebrides and beyond

Hello again Dear Reader(s).
We are now safely ensconced in the cafe at the Fisherman's Mission in Mallaig.
My regular reader will be aware that I haven't blogged much recently.
Sorry about this but The Sea of the Hebides is lacking in broadband presently.
Anyway,  since Loch Maddy we've been to ..........

North Harbour Scalpay  where we met Angela and Martin and their campervan.
They came with us to the Shiant Islands where we enjoyed the wonderful birds and failed to find any giant black rats.

Angela and Martin enjoying lunch in the Shiant Islands

Back to Scalpay, then up to Stornoway (where we met Angela, Martin and their campervan). Stornoway has a new marina which is excellent.

Next to Loch Claidh. Lovely quiet anchorage with 3 families of seals.

Seals in Loch Claidh.

Nect to Loch Harport, Skye. Water pump leaked all the way and sprayed black muck all over my nice clean engine.

Lovely peaceful night anchored outside the Talisker distillery.
Replaced the water pump next day.  Thank you Sara !

Arrived Mallaig 1st July, in good time to avoid the promised gale.

Mallaig has a newish marina.  Easy, friendly and good (but no loos, wifi or laundry ....well, basically a complete absence of basic facilities  .. but good shelter, pontoons and friendly staff and boaters).

We are having  good time and look forward to welcoming our guests soon.