The Monach Islands

The Monach Islands are little more than low dunes that are swept over by Atlantic storms. In the distance are the mountains of South Uist.


The whole area is fringed with reefs but Siolaigh is the most western of the more substantial isles. It is dominated by a large brick built lighthouse that has been disused since the 1940s.


Cuma anchored in the lagoon on the south side of Shibhinis and Ceann Ear.


We made our way along the south side of the islands.


We crossed Caolas Siolaigh still sheltered by offshore reefs but on rounding Siolaigh we were exposed to the full strength of the Atlantic swells.


Siolaigh was covered with a carpet of thrift. On the horizon we could just see the peaks of the St Kilda archipelago.

01/06/2008

These are the voyages of the MV Cuma, day 2, sausage logistics.

On day two of the St Kilda trip there were force 6 to 7 E winds forecast. This would make it impossible to anchor securely in Village Bay, Hirta, which is exposed to the E. That morning a decision was taken to motor 68km to the Monach Isles (off North Uist) where a sheltered anchorage could be found and from where it was only 65 km to the NW and St Kilda!


However, the sharp eyed will have noticed a detour which was made to the west coast of Harris. The crew of the Cuma are used to supplying needy passengers with sausages. However, Murdani and his crew were completely unprepared for the gannet like breakfast demands of hungry sea kayakers. I have to confess, even I was rather surprised at the extent of the breakfast order that went in the evening before. Murdani was however, completely nonplussed. Early in the morning he phoned his son in law who proceeded to make a 262 km round trip from Uig to Stornoway then through the fastnesses between Lewis to the coast of Harris and back. The purpose of this incredible journey was to resupply the sausage needs of Cuma's hungry sea kayakers.

As Clark and Fiona F enjoyed the early morning sunshine, Murdani nudged the Cuma close inshore and launched the RIB to make a sausage rendezvous.


The sausage supply situation was resolved before we, the guests, even knew what was happening. Here, Nancy, Fiona B, Lena, Andy and Murty sit digesting their multiple breakfast sausages, somewhat unaware of the complexities of the logistics of Stornoway sausage resupply. So hospitable were our hosts, it would be unseemly of them to mention the true purpose of the visit to Harris. They just hoped we had enjoyed our view of Harris's wonderful beaches.

I think it would be fair to say that day two had started with a banger (or several)!

01/06/2008

Afloat on Hebridean seas

On our first morning we awoke to find that Cuma was anchored in 6 fathoms of water. The seas round Taransay are so clear that we could see right to the bottom. There had been little wind overnight and the Cuma's chain lay criss-crossed over itself on the sea bed following the path which she had drifted overnight.


Looking over the side, the water was full of slowly pulsating moon jellyfish.

1/06/2008

Sunset surfing on the Corran Ra spit, Taransay.

Clark and Douglas at the Corran Ra wave. Photo Jennifer Wilcox.

Like many of the smaller Western Hebridean Isles such as Pabbay, the Atlantic swell wraps round both sides of the island of Taransay. Where the swells meet a sand bar is created. You can surf in on a wave then meet another wave coming in the opposite direction. Where they meet... Kapowwww! There was considerable testing of rolls, rescues and dry suits! Andy broke his paddle on a vigourous stern rudder. He made several vigourous attempts at bracing with half a paddle but ultimately enjoyed a taste of salt water. Fortunately he carried splits.


Tony on Corran Ra, Taransay


We surfed till long after sunset....


..... and returned to MV Cuma at 11pm.


Our first day's paddle had covered only 11km at Taransay. However, Tony, Jennifer and I had already covered 11km that morning in Loch Roag.

31/05/2008

A Taransay Saturday sashay.

After an excellent dinner,we embarked from the Cuma at 8 pm using her RIB as a launching platform. Photo Jennifer Wilcox.


Nancy, Clark, Fiona B, John, Murty, Alan and Andy enjoying the long summer evening light on the south coast of Taransay.


This beach on Taransay is one of my favourite viewpoints.


The mixture of white shell sand, dark grey rocks and turquoise waters backed by distant mountains of Harris makes a fine view regardless of the weather conditions.


The shifting sand dunes of Taransay reveal all sorts of ancient buildings.

31/05/2008

Loch Roag to Taransay by MV Cuma

The MV Cuma left her berth at Miavaig on Loch Roag at 2pm on Saturday 31st May. She then motored south along the west coast of Lewis and Harris and arrived at Taransay at 6pm.


While the others are still sorting gear, Tony admires the shell sand beach of Riof in Loch Roag.


Leaving Loch Roag we rounded Gallan Head with its outlier Gallan Beag.


Further south we passed Eilean Molach which lies off the wild Mangurstadh coast which is backed by Mealaisbhal (574m).


Approaching the entrance to Loch Resort and the Kyles of Scarp, Murty begins to wonder how he will manage to get this lot of hopefuls round St Kilda!


Arriving at Taransay, Murdani drops anchor while being watched by a fascinated group of onlookers including Andy, Jennifer, Tony and Fiona F.

31/05/2008

The start of the St Kilda cruise on MV Cuma.

We camped overnight on the islands. The following morning we took a circuitous route involving more arches and caves along the coastline of Loch Roag.


We returned to Bhaltos where we loaded the kayaks on the car for the short drive to Miavaig.


At Miavaig we joined our fellow paddlers and boarded the MV Cuma.

31/05/2008