Mallaig - Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger David

Kippers for Lunch

The end of week one for me is fast approaching and what has occurred. Well we have managed two good voyages and in the long term scheme of things we have made good progress. It was a delight to return to Oban for the second time in 40 years, oddly enough it has hardly changed. Following the specification we did some really good eating and not a bad bit of drinking.

The motor sail up to Tobermory in only light passing showers was a good start and what a venue Tobermory turned out to be, all colourful little houses, pubs and restaurants. The harbour facilities were excellent as well, even if the loos did close from 21.00 to 07.00!

On Thursday we let Tobermory all clad up in water proofs and duvets and set sail for Arisaig. Just to be perverse the sun shone all day long and we had the most spectacular sail up to Mallaig although it never got what you might describe as warm. Mallaig came well recommended by the guide but failed to live up to its promises. Toilet block, well you could use the facilities in the Fishermen's Mission but unfortunately it closed last year, a new facility will be build adjacent the marina one day. Cloths washing, well that was at the mission too. Diesel yes that's ok, as long as you want to buy it in bulk and no 30 litres doesn't count. And to top it all Peter twists his ankle! In fairness to Mallaig it does have electric hook ups which have made the last two  night extremely comfortable and the kipper was superb.

We did have an interesting day out in Fort William which by contrast to Oban has changed quite a bit in the last 40 years. The Train journey was particularly memorable and it may be worth returning to do it again on a sunny day.

Today Peter has been recovering and planning our route for the next couple weeks. If all goes well we will be hopping around the islands and enjoying some good sails, the scenery here is just stunning. There is very little electric out there though so lets hope the temperature rises a little, 10 degrees would be good.