Coll to Mallaig Minke and Magic 07 August 2023

 

Seats on Coll.
Someone has creative vision 

Our night moored in Loch Eatharna on Coll was a lumpy affair.  The wind was as forecast - very light from the southwest, which meant we were in extremely sheltered water, but it also meant we were broadside to the entrance of the Loch.  The sea was calm, but there were small waves - not really bigger than big ripples - that came into the Loch all night. We, and all the other boats moored there, rocked and rolled all night.  Anything that was loose rolled and rattled and knocked all night.  

We had planned on going to Tiree to spend the night, but its anchorage is even more exposed, and we didn’t fancy another rocking and rolling night.  So, a change of plan - we headed north to Mallaig.  A lovely 4 hour run, with what little wind there was, behind us.  Although we could see showers on some of the islands behind and to the west, none of them caught up with us.

Ardnamurchan was looking rather atmospheric was we passed:

Ardnamurchan peninsula - the lighthouse can just be seen 30% in from the right.

We had a clear, though brief, view of a not too distant Minke Whale just northeast of Eigg.  Quite a treat.

Eigg looking really rather attractive 

Arrived at Mallaig about 14.00 - with a warm welcome from the marina staff - apparently we can stay a second night if we want, if we behave ourselves this evening.

A short walk round town taking in all the sights - took 20 minutes.  We did get 4 new Racor filters as spares in the chandlers, and an ice cream in one of the many gift shops. Mallaig may be known in the past for its fishing fleet, but these days it is known for being at the end of the Harry Potter railway line - including the steam train and the Glenfinnan viaduct.  It’s big business now - like magic.

Mallaig harbour and marina.  The toilets and showers are wonderful!

Our boat bird list had a distinctly Hebridean feel today - short, 20 species, but with lots of seabirds, including Arctic Skua, Red-throated Diver and Storm Petrel.

Our route:



























































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