Wednesday 23 May 2007

Day 2 - Pushing North




Force 9 overnight, felt decidedly unsafe lashed to plastic pontoons in Port Ellen. Waves breaking over pontoons, throwing boat around like a cork. Needless to say -'night watchman's sleep' - wind died at 5-00am (time to sleep).... 8-00am knock on hull - 'Do we need diesel ?' .... yes but need sleep more !

Arranged for fuel bowser to arrive at 3-00pm at quayside... giving us a few hours to visit the LAGAVULIN distillery on Islay.... Donnie (ex-manager of distillery and RIB skipper) invited us to take a ride with him to the Distillery.... top banana, top bloke, top tour - BUT too many tasters !!!! Phoned Dad (Brian) to wish him a Happy Birthday... present to follow, unless we drink it !!!!

Left Islay @ 4pm after refuel and picked our way up the Sound of Jura towards the notorious Gulf of Corryvreckan (very large whirlpool). Sea state was 'confused' to say the least, but great to be tossed around - so close to land !!!!

Arrived Island of Kerrera @ 8-00pm... just in time to catch launch to Oban. Four pints and few whiskies later back on launch to Stray Cat for a long awaited and well earnt SLEEP.... (12 hours please)..... Ooops forgot BLOG.. sleep can wait !!!

Speak soon...... comments please !

3 comments:

charlie bravo said...

Yes Tim, never mind sleep we all want to hear what is going on with the journey so please make sure that the blog is updated every day prior to 2200 BST please ;O)

Sounds like you are all having a bit of adventure up that side of this fair isle. Can't wait to get on board for our leg - although I rather hope that the sea state is a little more sedantry :O)

Colin (the other one)

TIM GRAY said...

Roger that, Charlie Bravo.

Ken Oliver said...

Hello Stray Cat, we met in the "lock Inn" in F.A. followed you through the locks into loch ness then you just disappeared just like good old nessie what speed were you doing? we took 4 hours to get to the top! good to meet you all and the best of luck for the rest of the journey.
KO kelso