A Rib Trip to Eigg

On an unusually still evening, I took the rib for a spin straight out to Eigg and then followed the Eastern shore south and back again.

Averaged 24 knts and approx 35 mins crossing time.

Easter Sunday 2012

As High Tide was at 0730, it was an early rise to see to the dogs and to see if there was any possibility of some sea time as the shipping forecast for the rest of the week is looking phish.

The good old lovable unpredictable nature of the Scottish weather saw a very grey start to Easter Sunday 2012

In the far distance you can just make out the Southern tip of Skye. The wee hill to the right of the bay is known locally as Monkey Island.

The origins of why Monkey Island is called that is lost, but I suspect it's because that is the favourite haunt of the teenagers at night!!

With Scot's Mist aplenty on the hills, the sea scape was looking reasonable especially as the wave hight had dropped

So warmed with a cup of coffee and 4 layers under my dry suit, C Drive and I headed up the coast towards Mallaig. Not sure that the nautical equivalent of the saying "The bear went round the mountain to see what he could see" is but basically that's what I did. Took to sea to see what I could see!!

Just up the coast and a very pleasant run before the wind and waves is Morar. 

The approach from the sea takes you up the River Morar and round into the very sheltered bay that gives the imposing Morar Hotel stunning views westward.

It's not easy to shoot a photograph while helming in a wee swell!

The return journey eventful was the weather took a distinct turn for the worse as per the forecast. It was a scuttle back to home mooring and a most welcome coffee for despite 4 layers, a dry suit and a hat I was chilled to the bone.

It's 11.30 am and I've had some great ribbing, taken (in my view) some nice photos, updated the blog and my good lady wife is cooking a full Scottish breakfast followed by Choc Eggs!!

Happy Days!!

Even in the rain and mist,the crag is a thing of beauty. The rain brings out the green to stand against all the other drabness.

Cathy, who is very arty & crafty dropped in with an Easter present for Liz. Alas Cathy is camera shy so the only image I was allowed was of her hand made bag:

The Easter present was an exquisite hand made and decorated card box containing grapefruit soap.

The detail is fantastic with the raised relief

So with the weather being miserable, I decided to take the dogs to the Silver Sands of Morra for the afternoon

Traigh Golf Course is a challenging course at the best of times but in this weather only the very brave venture out

The weather was so bad when I passed that the golfers had abandoned their game and rushed for the shelter of the club house or a local was buying a round!

Because the beach at Morar is so sheltered, even in all the rain, a young lad finds a use for a snow shovel

To try and give you an idea of the sheer scale of the Morar sands, the Morar hotel is the white building topish right and the wee dots along the water line to the left are people and yes those are rain drops on the lens!

Looking west out to sea

The only real colour apart from the stunning sliver sands, was the splash of yellow from the gorse.

A couple of large sail kites being flown in the gathering dusk, taking advantage of the marching winds blowing in from the sea.