Weather calls of activities

We spent a bumpy night on the mooring at Millport and given the
forecast of Easterly 6 with rain we decided to return to Largs and
draw a line under the cruise for this week. We had three lovely days,
so must be grateful for that.
Undeterred by a bit of rain and wind Lynne was all for the crew
walking/stretching our way into Largs for an ice cream at Nardini's.
This is us on the return leg beating our way back down the prom.
Please note the Calmac ferry in the background continuing to carry out
the vital lifeline service to Cumbrae despite it all.
As the day progressed it got worse and by 4 in the afternoon we were
experiencing gusts up to 45 knots in the marina. Better to be tucked
up in Glasgow to watch the rain come down here and we visited
Kelvingrove Galleries and the Brewdog pub across the way yesterday,
Friday.

Quiet nights

We have done well with the weather, sunshine and fair winds all the
way to Tarbert on Loch Fyne today. Last night was so still, as you
can see from the photo, a decent paper clip attached with string to
the boat would have sufficed to hold us anchored in place.

Sailing weather

Off on a cruise with John & Lynne, fine sail up the East Kyle for us,
but not so good for others as you can see. This is the spit just off
Colintraive on the mainland shore. We saw the yacht sailing away a
few hours later so hopefully not too much damage to the vessel, can't
speak for the owner's ego though. Or maybe he was carrying out a hull
inspection? Onwards to Tarbert and hopefully langoustines for dinner.

Farewell old paddler

Monday morning saw my old ship heading back south after completing her
West Coast cruising. I understand that due to the clement weather, we
have had recently, she completed all of her timetable. Which in my
memory is the first time in a long time.
I'm heading home tomorrow having done my two weeks on board, it's been
a busy fortnight which is good. Lots of foreigners visiting our dear
place. On my walk along the prom last night I hardly heard an English
speaker. Lots of Swiss, Germans and Dutch judging by the accents and
the cars and buses we are carrying on board.

Previous & present

Walking along the Oban prom last night gave me a photo opportunity to include Waverley & Isle of Mull. I leave it to me readers to decide which is the more attractive.

Musical Arrival

Yesterday we berthed in Oban to a musical accompaniment from the local
High School pipe band. And very good they were too, those girls know
how to twirl their drumsticks. The opportunity to pass round a bucket
for donations wasn't lost on them either as the passengers walked
past, which reminds me of the young piper that used to meet the
Waverley at the Science Centre most days. I noticed one day as the
first past him there was a pound coin already lying in his box as a
kind of suggestion. Anyway it is all voluntary and they gave a fine
splash of colour to the quay side.

Some photos from around the Bay

An interesting dawn cloud formation, the Tall Ship Antigua, a pretty
little gaffer, Oban lifeboat after rescuing a yacht off Ferry Rocks,
the sun setting on Mull with enhancement and the Pharos dressed
overall for the Jubilee.

Old friends

On schedule an old ship of mine pulled into the Bay here in Oban this
evening. This is Waverley starting up again for the season and they
have picked a marvellous spell of weather to be here in the Western
Isles. Paid a quick visit and not much has changed, a few new faces
but plenty of old friends to meet again.