We rounded Rubh an t-Sailean (Ruantallain) into the shelter of Loch Tarbert, just as the sun hit the western horizon. The low red light warmed the stones of a huge raised beach. It rises about 36 metres from the current high water mark. At its summit the stones are as clean as if the tide last went out a few hours ago. However, it is 10,000 years since salt water last lapped these stones.
We were keen to get the tents up before nightfall. You can just see the gable of a bothy on the horizon, but it has slipped into disrepair and tents are now a more comfortable option.
It was good to stretch our legs after the long crossing.
David innocently asked, "Do you think there will be any midges?"
Hi Douglas, Great series on Colonsay. I met my wife there 26 years ago and we paddled off the west coast. I have to ask, is Jennifer listening to an Ipod on the paddle back to Jura or is that a Wilcox special kayak to kayak communication system(!)? - Vince
ReplyDeleteGreetings Vince, what a very special place Colonsay must be for you both!
ReplyDeleteThat's just Jennifer's Ipod, she doesn't listen to me much anyway!
:o)
Wonderful chapters on Colonsay, really appealing...those beaches, wow!
ReplyDeleteOne thing always interests me about your voyages - you all seem to use Quests. Is there any chance of you giving us, somewhere, a brief (2 or 3 paras?) on the virtues of the Quest and why you choose them? They are a fine looking boat, but I'm sure they have more practical qualities as well as aesthetics!
Thank you darklord. The Quest is a great sea kayak, especially for camping trips. You can find a test of the Quest LV here.
ReplyDelete:o)
Nice review, Douglas, thanks. You seem to have subsequently outfitted your whole crew with them! Says a lot.
ReplyDeleteThank you Darklord, we have 5 Quest/Quest LVs between us but there is a Cetus HV in there as well!
ReplyDelete:o)