Following a hearty breakfast, the Skipper suggested a trip ashore, and idea enthusiastically greeted by the intrepid crew. Derek was duly called into action and the Skipper struck strongly for shore, anxious to get in ahead of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Oban! 

Once ashore in Scarinish, the crew had their first encounter with the Machair, a Hebridean grassland close to the shore, populated by sheep and a habitat for many wild birds and flora. After a short walk to the local hotel, the Skipper kindly treated his threadbare and overworked crew to a round of wild boar and chorizo burgers, washed down with some creamy Scottish ale, which was very well received.....thanks Skipper! The walk back involved a poignant stop at the War Memorial....over a third of Tiree's population didn't survive in either the military or Merchant Navy during WWII.

Unfortunately, rowing back to Aquila with a Hebridean wind on the nose was too much for poor Derek's starboard rowlock, which sheared with a crack a dingy-length from Aquila. Inspection revealed the plastic pin was the culprit.....never fear no engineering challenge is too much for this intrepid crew. 

The Skipper and the Cabin Boy soon set to work fashioning a repair from a segment of copper piping lined with a sawn-off stainless steel drill bit, and the job was soon completed all ready for the measured Admiralty Mile tomorrow!

Pippa celebrated her last night onboard by making the most delicious chicken rogan josh, which was wolfed heartily by the crew. This was followed by an obligatory viewing of Detachment Fever and a quick game of Scrabble (all I have is *&$%£*^ vowels, stupid game!). Anxious to avoid Detachment Fever herself, Pippa leaves tomorrow from Tiree's little airport, a wonderful cook, shipmate and willing crew, even with two hats!