An early start but I stayed in bed whilst J motored out to sea. He hadn’t been able to sleep so felt we may as well get going. Plan was to visit Lunga .. the puffin island , on our way to Loch Na Keal. All I can say is that it was one of the best days EVER. We sailed a bit but the wind died so motored the rest. Weather settled we passed the amazing cliffs of Staffa and anchored in Lunga about 9 am ish . We were before the big trip boats and there was only one small motor boat there. Dinghied over to the shore and I got out . The tide would be going out so we left the dinghy where we hoped it would be an easy launch. Padlocked our life jackets to the dinghy and set off up the cliff. We’d seen videos of Brenda and Nigel’s “ puffins “ but nothing prepares you for the sight of them. As we climbed up you could see them all flying in towards the cliffs and once on the cliff top…, they were there…. in their hundreds. The most beautiful tiny little creatures. Comical in their two legged gait. Similar to penguins I guess . Probably normally slightly awkward for a bird that is at much at home in the sea as on land. The whole experience was humbling and awe inspiring. The fact that these tiny birds trust humans…. apparently they actually appreciate them as their presence keeps away the predators. Skuas etc. We were literally a few feet from them and the burrows they nest in. Pictures show the rest. We then walked on round the island and found an abandoned hamlet of Croft’s. Who were they? What were their lives like? Angelique was anchored in aqua blue water. The sun was shining, the wild flowers were amazing. I picked up a shell to keep in my pocket so I can feel that day. We were soooooo privileged. We left just as many more day trip folk were arriving from boats anchored off. One of the wonderful memories is the dinghy journey back to the boat. Looking down into the water was like an enchanted seaweed forest of so many different types and colours. Thick broad brown leathery straps and vibrant green leaves that looked like lettuce( to describe a few of the many). Little fish darting amongst it all. A different world that we need to take care of.
We left and went in search of our destination…. another lovely anchorage in cragaig bay. We followed Bobs charts and settled ourselves in the left hand bay … there was already a yacht in the Right hand bay. Wild and wonderful. Can’t remember what we did then but I think I have a pic of our meal!
What I learned today…… I absolutely love and am humbled by puffins…💕
Angelique 