Well we survived the gales in Oban ... actually on the island of Kerrara just off the coast. Fortunately the marina there operates an hourly 'taxi' service to the mainland, so we were able to get over to the town the same afternoon as we arrived and visit Mr T. for a mid-voyage re-provisioning shop. Mind you, when one only has Shanks's pony for transport, one becomes far more circumspect over optional luxuries (... that delicious red wine, this luscious fruit juice, not forgetting that excellent value 6-pack of Ruddles etc. etc.).
The following day, Friday, we caught an early taxi to town again as I needed a haircut. Found Flora - I was taken by her shopfront and what a happy chance! In fact it was Audrey who attended to my wayward locks and a brilliant job she made of it too, even to the point of giving me some helpful hints to pass on to my hairdresser back home. Somehow though, I don't think Yorkshire Tracey would take kindly if I were to say in mid-cut "now Audrey from Oban says..."!
Whilst in Oban, we took the opportunity to visit The Oban Distillery (no surprises there then). The guided tour was most interesting. And not only were we then treated to a wee dram at the end of the tour, plus a complimentary Oban whisky glass but we also tasted some of the over-proof spirit (65%) direct from a barrel. Very strong!
Back on board Follyfin, we enjoyed fresh fish for dinner from brilliant fishmonger on Oban pier (recommended by none other than Audrey): prawn tails as starter, followed by fresh sea bream. Delicious!
Forecast has improved and wind died down somewhat though still raining. So determined not to waste any more time in the fleshpots of Oban, we set off at 11.30 this morning, Saturday, in order to catch the north-west-going tide up the Sound of Mull. Perfect NE force 5-7 wind for sailing but quite rough until we had crossed the Firth of Lorn and the southern end of the Lynn of Morvern. Sped past Duart Point with its ruined castle looking very dour under the grey sky, and then once we had passed into the Sound of Mull, the sea calmed down.
The tide was with us all the way up the Sound and even though we did not have full sail up (as wind was gusting to 30 m.p.h.), a maximum boat speed of nearly 10 knots was achieved ... and that is fast for a sailing vessel! By tea time we reached the highly picturesque fishing town of Tobermory, on the NE coast of the island of Mull, where we are now tied up to a swinging mooring. [Much better pics are shown at the above website link.]
Tomorrow we plan to round Ardnamurchan Point, bound for Arisaig where we rendez-vous again with our former Canal Crew, Sylvia and Colin. They have been taking time out at their holiday 'station' but will join us for a few more days on a short cruise round the so-called Small Isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck (those names again ... wonderful!).
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ReplyDeleteHi Fiona & Mike, Greetings from a wet and windy Cambridgeshire. At Sandie's drinks party yesterday, the question was asked 'How do you think the Bennett's are getting on?', but no-one knew. But from your excellent blog, we do now , pretty well it seems, and enjoying it into the bargain.
ReplyDeleteHope to meet up on your European tour next year, at either Collioure or Port Vendres, probably PV as Collioure has v costly mooring charges.
All the best, X R&R.