To the outer Isles and back

It was an early start but well worth it as we left Oban just before 7am with a full load for Coll and Tiree and the sun just rising behind the town as we headed out West.  I did most of the watch across to the Sound of Mull, past Tobermoray and then over to Coll.  Sunshine all the way and the first signs of spring with a strong hint of green on the fields lower down near the shore.  

Still a strong swell coming into both of the piers but there wasn't any wind fortunately.  Our cargo was mainly empty cattle trucks from all over Scotland, they will be loaded up by now and heading back on the Lord of The Isles presumably for auctions somewhere this week.  Huge trucks that just fit into the space on board, the driver's are amazing at how they manoeuvre these vehicles around in the tight confines of the car deck.  Like many of the vessels in the fleet this one was built over 20 years ago when cars and trucks were considerably smaller.  An original mini was on board and is now completely dwarfed by the 4x4's that are very popular around this part of the world.  Glad I don't have to buy their fuel though.  £1.50 a liter on Mull I believe.