Sunday 26 July

The night started peacefully but sometime not sure when our windmill ( we call her “Trixi “) started to whirr ferociously. Julian turned her off on the app but it was obvious that the wind had got up. I got up a couple of times to check we hadn’t moved as well so a bit of a disturbed night followed by the alarm going off at 6am. Outside it was wet, grey and windy ☹️. The wind was more or less behind us as we gybed up the sound towards lismore. The weather deteriorated and visibility got worse….. and then J said “ you won’t be surprised but the Oban ferry is on its way” there’s always a ****** ferry just when you least want it! Fortunately it appeared out of the murk and went across us and out of the way. Little boats are alway expected to keep out of the way of more important boats! After passing Lady rock and Lismore lighthouse ) Although we couldn’t see it)where it’s always a bit rough due to tide running ,we got into the sound of Mull and the wind dropped! From 28 knots to 7! Bonkers. The sky cleared and the sun came out. We sailed into Loch Aline where of course the wind got up again and we had a slightly unceremonious landing due to the tide and me not being adequately prepared with lines and fenders ☹️. After sorting the boat and all the wet gear out J did a lovely cooked breakfast which was much needed! We then set out to find a Sunday paper but were sadly disappointed when we arrived at the shop and it was closed. Also the marina facilities are all closed due to COVID so no showers or loos available, and all payments by bacs. Not Even any rubbish collection! Okay for us as we have shower etc but not all do.

Loch Aline is an interesting place historically due to its ancient history….. google it and you can find out about the fossils gryphaea and how it used to be a tropical swamp ! Also more recently about the quartz and silica mining which appears to be booming. I went in search of the fossils and they are all over the shore…. prehistoric oysters apparently!

What have I learned today …. J and I have learnt some new hand signals to aid anchoring( and reduce the need for shouting)!…. will let you know how it goes!

Sue x