From Lochmaddy to Monach Island
Bliss
Wed 25 May 2016 10:08
Just look at him, what a beauty!
And him!
Monach Island
Very light wind and 45 miles to go through the Sound of Harris and south to Monach Island this morning, almost glassy-still at times. The occasional seal popping his head up to check us out, and an inter-island ferry. The passage through isn't direct and needs careful navigation, you have to pass the buoys close to, so careful judgement of exactly where the ferry is going, to ensure we don't run out of sea room is essential. Of course with Captain Cook at the helm there is nothing to worry about, all is calm and lovely.
Out into the Atlantic Ocean and despite the light airs, there is a definite and significant swell, a roly-poly motion, a bit like being on an old-fashioned fairground carousel, with added lateral motion, if you watch the pulpit it seems to be practising it's joined-up writing, all over the place. I'm not susceptible to sea-sickness, but I keep my gaze fixed to the horizon, watching for lobster pot markers, wildlife and to stave off nausea, it seems to work. A very brief spell down in the galley is all I dare to prepare lunch.
We arrive at Monach Island, leaving the lighthouse which is on the west of the islands to port and double back to approach our anchorage from the south finding best shelter from the northerly (again!) wind. There's one other yacht already at anchor, and a fishing boat, and lots of seals, about a dozen watch us as we drop anchor; secure in sand and holding well, so far! The wind is still blowing about 20 knots, the windmill is busy providing us with electricity, Bliss isn't exactly still, but not swinging wildly, Chris has set an anchor alarm, to alert us if we have a change of position of >16metres, or if our depth changes by >3 metres. All set for a quiet night at anchor then!!
Captain's note - we threaded our way thorough reefs using good old Raymarine plotter, breaking water on either side. Don't think we'll make it ashore - too windy. Still, at least won't get Fulmar vomit on our heads !
Chilly today - I was back up to 4 pairs of trousers !