Sadly, it was now time to say farewell to the fabulous islands of Islay, Oronsay, Colonsay and Jura. We stayed out on the observation deck of the MV Hebridean Isles. We were lost in our thoughts of rocky mountains, dazzling sands, raised beaches and caves, ancient buildings and traces of our ancestors which went back 9,000 years!
As the ferry made her way down the Sound of Islay, we caught sight of the distant rocky ridges of Arran, on the far side of the Kintyre peninsula. This brought back other memories of fine paddles earlier in the year. After a while we went down to the dining room for a Calmac chicken curry!
By the time we reemerged on deck, we had crossed the Sound of Jura and were making our way up the Kintyre West Loch Tarbert. Gigha floated dreamily on the SW horizon, recalling yet more great paddling adventures. By now it really was the end of our adventure but living as we do in sea kayaking paradise, we knew it would not be too long until we off on yet another adventure.
Allowing for 2 half day ferry crossings, we enjoyed 3 full days' paddling over the 4 days of our trip. We covered 109km, which averages just 36km per day.
I hope you have enjoyed this virtual paddle in the Inner Hebrides and if you have never visited Scotland before, I hope that one day it might tempt you to visit.
Douglas, it was great following your adventures again! Now I have to visit some of the beaches you've been by water by land on my own feet...
ReplyDeleteLovely trip description thank you, Douglas. Full of all sorts of interesting threads as ever. The close up of the pebbles at Camas nam Meann gets my vote as best pic.
ReplyDeleteAndrea.
Thank you Armin. The beaches were wonderful. By foot might take just a little longer, especially on North Islay and Jura but so worth it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrea, If only the camera could have caught the delicious crunching as we walked over them!
:o)
The CalMac Curry is a rare feast indeed, only betterd by a couple of Calmac bacon rolls and a mug of Tea.
ReplyDeleteToo true Graeme, sometimes on the 7am Arran ferry I have been known to indulge inthe full truckers breakfast!
ReplyDelete:o)