It was a lovely morning, but very little wind, so it was motor-sailing all the way north to the Shiant islands, luckily no waves or swell, so we could go very close inshore.
to see more amazing rock formations. Staffa is not the only one with them and there were far fewer people/boats to get in the way! No dolphins though.
Zillions of birds, Puffins, guillimots, razorbills, gannets, gulls, ravens and some unidentified.
Grassy slopes punctured with puffin burrows, and a hole through one of the islands.
One of the sailing boats there had just come from an anchorage they could warmly recommend, so we went west Lewis, to Loch Claidh, and the anchorage behind a small island on the northeast shore. Multiple seals, including young nursing, very lazy in the warm sunshine. Later, another boat, Canadian, in the sunset.
Awakened early next morning by another sailing boat, which came in earlier puffing clouds of blue smoke from its old engine and anchored a bit close I thought, swinging round in the changing breeze and nudging Josin. Bit annoying as he didn’t make any sign of doing anything, like moving, so we did. Quick breakfast, then leave. Light north east wind, gradually increasing, which was good, but a very confused, rolypoly and nodding seas which required lots of engine help to make progress, which was not so good. Final sail into the outer harbour at Stornoway, cowering to avoid a gull-swarmed fishing boat and the ferry from Ullapool in the narrower bit. Pontoon berth. Lots of flags. Ah, a festival, of which more another time.
We’ll be here a few days, contrary winds, of uncomfortable strength for crossing the Minch.
Alls well
Josin's 2025 cruise 