After arrival at Brodick, we trollied the kayaks off the ferry and turned hard left at the top of the ramp. This took us to a little beach of reddish Arran sand.
We were on the water quickly, almost as soon as the MV Caledonian Isles took to turn around.
We launched into light winds and flat water which was in total contrast yo the conditions on the far side of the Clyde. We had not only made the right navigational decision, we had enjoyed a nutritious breakfast on board the ferry!
Beyond the MV Caledonian Isles we spotted the MV Hebridean Princess at anchor on the other side of Brodick Bay.
The MV Hebridean Princess is a former CalMac ferry that has been converted into a small luxury cruise liner. Don't expect to get much change from £2,500 per week in the cheap cabins. However, I understand the cuisine is in a different league to the fare we enjoy on the Arran ferry! Note the freshly painted navy blue hull which was previously black. Hebridean Princess has just undergone a major refit and this was her first outing in her smart new livery.
She was built in 1964 and, as MV Columba, she served on many routes out of Oban. Latterly she was a relief vessel for more modern RoRo ferries. When she was sold to Hebridean Island Cruises in 1988, she was the last hoist loading ferry in CalMac's Western Isles fleet. Originally she took 50 cars and 870 passengers. In her current role she carries only 49 passengers.
Cruising on the Clyde can be enjoyed by rich and poor, it's a very egalitarian activity.
We were looking forward to our yummy SPAM sandwiches, here is what those cruising on Hebridean Princess could look forward to:
Fresh Hand Dived Scallops
With a Thai green curry sauce
Isle of Mull Cheddar Cheese and Red Onion Tart
Carrot and Orange Soup
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Fresh Fillet of Sea Bream, Savoury Pancake
With red pepper dressing and sautéed greens
Guinea Fowl with a Herb Mash and Ribbons of Courgette
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Chocolate Nemesis with Crème Chantilly
And mint syrup
Strawberry Pavlova with a Duo of Coulis
Selection of Cheeses
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Coffee and Petits-fours
Will be served in the Tiree Lounge, the Conservatory and the Look Out Lounge
YUM YUM YUM!
You'd be hard pressed to beat a Cal-Mac Bacon roll.
ReplyDeleteHow's you knee, will you get on the water soon
cheers
Graeme
Hello Graeme, the bacon rolls were superb, we enjoyed them on the ferry when otherwise we would have had our heads down battering into a F5 SWesterly!
ReplyDeleteMy knee is healing but it's a slow process. My rehab/physio will hopefully start in June after I see the consultant at the end of May.
:o)