Tobermory to Mallaig....

Just outside Tobermory.

A reasonably short sail today, as tomorrow I plan to sail through Loch Alsh, the gap between the Isle of Skye and the mainland.  Part of the route passes through Kyle Reah where the current can run at 7Kts, so if I catch this at the wrong time I could be going backwards!

I left Tobermory after breakfast and had one of my best days sailing, keeping up a decent speed and not having to switch the engine back on until I reached this evenings harbour of Mallaig.  

Spotters.

Lighthouse of the day.

The mountainous views along the way were stunning and I saw dolphins leaping out of the water on several occasions.

This is the life!

Destination Mallaig...

I had originally planned to anchor, but after a call to the Harbour Master I was informed “We don’t do that here” and was directed to the man in charge of the few buoys that are available.  The almanac obviously needs updating.

An early start tomorrow to catch the tide flowing in the right direction at 0726hr (yes tide times are that precise, but not always accurate) and hopefully I will reach the Skye Bridge in good time and start heading north.

Todays route.

A day in Tobermory......

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Had to be done!

Brown Eyes displaying the EACH banner
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Onwards to Tobermory....

The views from Brown Eyes that morning.

The anchorage I had chosen for the night proved not to be as sheltered I as thought. I had a restless night as Brown Eyes continuously tugged against the anchor chain as the wind pushed against her high hull.  I got up several times during the night to check we hadn’t dragged the anchor and I’m pleased to say we held fast.

Todays passage was fairly straight forward, heading up the Sound of Mull.

Lighthouse of the day.

Complete with cannons!

Scotland have their own Navy??

Safely at Tobermory.

Colonsay to Mull...

The view from my anchorage at Colonsay.

A short hop to the Isle of Mull today and Scotland was kind enough to provide it’s usual wind, along with some rain of course!

With the lack of internet I couldn’t update this blog again, but I managed to post a photo of the cloud covered mountains on FB and a Scottish mate commented: ”A typical Scottish sunset.” 

It was a wet one....

Some might say an improvement!

Lighthouse of the day.

Another night at anchor ready to sale down the Sound of Mull tomorrow.

Heading into the night's anchorage off Mull.

The days route.

Port Ellen to Colonsay......

The tide I required for my next leg didn’t start until after midday, so this gave me time to get a few jobs ticked off my list and plan my next passage.  There are some very challenging routes through the Scottish Isles, with many riptides and undercurrents that can take you onto the rocks before you know it - I am doing my best to avoid these routes where possible.  I consider this trip is a big enough challenge on its own, without adding unnecessary risk!

This next leg took me north through the Sound of Islay which seemed to be lined with distilleries!

There was plenty to look at along the way and plenty of others out on the water.

With all the rocky outcrops and jutting headlands there was plenty of choice for lighthouse of the day.......you can choose your own today:

I'll come back one day and stop at this one. 

Lighthouse 1

Lighthouse 2

Lighthouse 3

I had chosen a quiet cove on the Island of Colonsay and no sooner had I dropped my anchor in the deserted water, 2 more yachts arrived, followed by a couple of canoeists who pitched camp on the beach!

Still the views were stunning and at least I knew I had selected a good spot.

The view from my anchorage.

The route.