Much toing and froing on the crossing to West Loch Tarbert.

We set off across the Sound of Gigha towards the Kintyre mainland in glassy calm conditions but it is not always like this...

...as this photo, taken in the same place 6 yearrs previously (2007), shows all too clearly. Strong tides, shallow sea and wind against tide can soon rustle up some rough conditions.

 Although it was calm, our route lay along the course of the Islay ferries, the ...

 ...MV Flaggan passed on her way out and the...

 ...MV Hebridean Isles passed us on her way in to Kennacraig.  We kept well to the south of the ferries and...

...after a 10km crossing we entered the mouth of West Loch Tarbert.

We made landfall at the head of Dunskeig Bay. Dun Skeig hill towers above the bay and on its summit lie the remains of 3 successive hill forts or duns.

As we unpacked our breakfast things the MV Hebridean Isles made its way back out of the narrow entrance to West Loch Tarbert.

We were not alone on Gigha.

We awoke to a beautiful morning on Gigha but unfortunately we were not alone. We had been joined by billions of midges who enjoyed breakfast on us.

 So we missed our own breakfasts and hurriedly broke camp and loaded the boats.

 It was such a relief to be out on the cool midge free water.

In the early morning sunshine, we paddled to the north end of Gigha where we caught sight of our next destination. The mouth of West Loch Tarbert was highlighted by the silhouette of the morning ferry to Islay, the MV Finlaggan.

Anchor Rock, Gigha.

Having enjoyed a leisurely luncheon at The Boathouse, we set off from Ardminish pier in a clockwisedirection  round Gigha under sail.

 As soon as our bows turned to the south we had to drop the sails in the southerly headwind.

 We were compensated by crystal clear water which floated us...

 ...over sands and reefs.

Near Anchor Rock there is a large onshore fish farm which produces organic turbot.

 Behind Anchor Roch lies the delightful Port a' Chaolais.

Next we paddled under Gigha South Pier. This was the original destination of ferries to Gigha. The Islay ferry stopped off at this pier on her way to Port Ellen. The last ferry on this run was the MV Pioneer. The Gigha ferry now operates to the RORO (roll on rolll off) slipway to the north of Ardminish. The current ferry, MV Loch Ranza, still ties up at the old South Pier overnight.

For those running low, fresh water available at the pier.

The Boathouse, Gigha

 We left Cara for the last time as...

 ...raindrops were pattering into the sea but...

 gradually the clouds lifted until by the time...

... we arrived at Gigha the sun had come out.

 We made for The Boathouse where we enjoyed a hot shower before proceeding to our...

 ...pre-booked table where, among other delights,  we enjoyed scallops and sticky pork...

 ...langoustine tails in garlic butter...

...another couple of lobsters with all the trimmings...

 ...white chocolate dessert...

...and real hot chocolate,  all washed down with draught Peroni.Yum yum. The Boathouse is one of the best sea kayaking pubs/restaurants on the west coast.

The view from the open air terrace, where we ate, was simply stunning. I suggest you visit soon.

We had a swell time on Cara.

 We awoke to find an otter fishing in the bay where...

 ...we had camped for the night. After breakfast we broke camp and loaded the kayaks under a leaden sky. As we packed we were sorry to be leaving Cara after a most enjoyable two days.

There was not a breath of wind as we paddled south along the east coast of Cara and bid our farewell to The Brownie who was no doubt observing our departure from his attic window in Cara House..

 We were bound for the Mull of Cara.

 Previous passages round the Mull have been rather lively affairs but...

 ...it was slack water and all was...

 ...calm apart from...

 ...the swell which...

 ...we met...

 ...as we rounded Cara's southerly point.

Baked potatoes at sundown on Cara.

On our return journey to Cara the sun was dipping to the north west and...

 ...the light took on a lovely warm tinge. The wind dropped which meant the midges...

 ...came out in droves. Mike kindly offered Phil some of his Avon Skin so Soft.

 We waited for the fire to produce some nice embers then put potatoes in tinfoil into their heart.

Wile the potatoes were baking, Phil went along to the other end of the beach to take photos of the sunset but...

 ...he soon came running back when he heard the...

 ...baked potatoes were ready. A little butter and salt produced a marvellous snack.

As we enjoyed our evening meal the various pebbles in the sand at our feet took on a rosy hue in the light from the setting sun....

A postprandial snooze on Gigha.

 Leaving The Boathouse we paddled out into Ardminish Bay.

 Yachts were arriving by the minute as the fair weather had encouraged them round the Mull of Kintyre.

This lovely old trawler  is Shemaron (CN244). She was built in Cockenzie in 1942 and was decommissioned in 2007.

 We were heading south again but did not get far....

 ...we spotted the ideal bay...

 ...for a postprandial snooze.

 Afterwards we explored our new environs.

 Rhododendrons were in full flower...

 ...and there were lots of beautiful sea shells...

...not to mention plenty of driftwood for the fire back on Cara.