The Ailsa Run - Troon to Bangor 15 June 2024

 

Ailsa Craig has been our constant companion for this whole trip.  A destination to start with,
and then a receding landmark as we neared Bangor.
It is also known as Paddy’s Milestone because it is about half way between Glasgow and Belfast, and was a haven for Catholics during the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century.  It is, of course, also famously known as the source of the granite used for making curling stones.

We left Troon just before 09.00 in calm but showery weather.  No sooner had we left but the town was engulfed in a dark shower, but we missed it.

Arran Island was under and swimming in its own weather system.

As we motored south nearing Ailsa Craig the weather improved - it was actually warm and sunny, as well as calm.  Just what we ordered!

We passed the orange blob’s place at Turnberry looking splendid in the sun.

As we passed close to Ailsa Craig it was looking very green.  From this eastern side there is no evidence of the huge Gannet colony on the island. I seem to remember part of the island being white with guano, but not today. I wonder if they have been badly affected by bird flu?

Meanwhile the Blue Brothers put the world to rights.

As we passed Ailsa Craig the Gannet colony became visible 
but I’m sure it is much smaller than it used to be.

We passed close by John as he headed north towards Troon.  He is then moving on to Kip Marina where he will leave his boat to be sold.  It will be like the passing of an era (though another yacht will appear).
Loch Ryan is in the background.

Ten minutes after passing John we had another close encounter. We passed within 2 metres of an enormous Basking Shark.  I spotted the fin just as we came along side and was able to look over the side to see the whole shark, at least half the length of the boat (the boat is 43 feet long), with it’s mouth wide open, cruising in the opposite direction to us. Fantastic!  We could see the fin behind us as we and the shark kept cruising in our different directions.

Got into Bangor safely at 15.45 after a wonderful trip - the whole trip as well as the wee boys trip at the end. Thanks Clive for your help.

The boat bird list was just 22 species, with the highlight definitely being the Swifts over Troon.  Loads of them - a bit of a rare sight these days.

Our route:




































































































































































































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