Knoydart – Day 8. Homeward bound

The clouds that rolled in yesterday afternoon have remained in place and a heavy grey blanket covers the sky. Time to go home. Up at 6:45 to finish packing and get ready for the journey home. Breakfast at 8 but we need to have all the luggage ready for Kermit to take it out to Mary Doune.

We tried to be helpful and load up for Andy but it transpired this was not a good idea as the method of getting Kermit onto the beach and into the water involves two opposing forces. Gravity takes it down the slope and Andy’s heels, digging into the beach, slow it down! If the luggage was on board the wheels may have come off and if not Andy would be on his way to Skye!

After our breakfast we settled the bar bills and headed to the pier. Liz, Andy’s wife and wizard in the kitchen, was there to see us off and we made the short (15 minute) trip back to Mallaig.
We arrived 40 minutes before the train was due to leave (10:10) but the platform was quite busy. The train left on time and we settled in for the five hour trip back to Glasgow. As we pulled away it started to rain as if Mallaig was shedding tears for our departure (if that doesn’t make you gag nothing will!)
The West Highland line scenery was a lot more broody than on the sunny trip last week but still fantastic scenery. We stopped at Glenfinnan and the Jacobite steam special was waiting for the line to clear before heading into Mallaig. The viaduct looked good despite the rain.
The rest of the journey was uneventful, apart from the stunning scenery which gradually softened as we approached Glasgow. Once at Queen Street station we said our farewells and I took the 7 minute bus to Glasgow Central. Arrived at 16:00 and after downing the bottle of Stella Artois I had with me (before it got too warm) I bought a cup of tea for the train and got on board. Getting on early meant I could stow my bags close to me and take my reserved seat (with power point) for the journey home. We have 10 stops on the journey and due to arrive at London Euston at 21:38; so just 4 hours 38 minutes to go!
The journey through Scotland and NW England quite grey and misty.
eee it’s grim oop  North. Arriving in Lancaster at 18:40 and the drizzle is falling making for a very grey evening.
Conditions improved on the way south and at Milton Keynes it looked as though there might be a good sunset; but no luck. A hot air balloon appeared to thread its way between some trees and land safely. Unlike the conditions earlier it looks like a good evening to be up and away.
What a contrast, arrived early at Euston and lugged the bags onto the underground. I couldn’t help thinking what a contrast between the fresh air on the Sound of Sleat this morning to the hot stuffy air on the Northern line!
Final train of the day as I am  on the Windsor and Eton Riverside train to Staines. 21:58. A final bus home and back indoors just before 11 P.M.

Knoydart – Day 7. Eigg & Muck

Another sunny day with clear skies and a breeze. Breakfast at 8 then 9:15 boat to the Isle of Eigg. About an a hour passage then we moored up at the pier on Eigg. The main spot was a ubiquitous shot of the red roofed building with the volcanic scenery behind. A small group then walked a circuitous route back to the pier for a cup of tea from the gift shop at the pier.
Then a short transfer onto Isle of Muck for a leisurely walk across the island spotting Gannets, sheep, chickens and horses on the beach. A very peaceful island in the warm sunshine a great way to finish the holiday trips. The journey back to the lodge was in full sunshine but a cloud bank was chasing us from behind.
Evening meal was

• French onion soup with cheese crouton
• Langoustine & salad
• Fruit pudding.

No sunset on view as the cloud bank was now all over us.
Time to pack, finish the beer and prepare for the journey home tomorrow. Breakfast at 8 with luggage in Kermit.

Knoydart – Day 6. O’er the sea to Skye.

What a difference a day makes! Awoke to clear blue skies. A breeze blowing but looks promising for a great day. Breakfast is at 8 then on the Mary Doune to southern Skye.
Away just after nine for a 60 minute boat trip to Skye. Called into small village of Elgol for some pictures of the Cuillin mountains. I took a walk up the hill to get a higher view point. Then down to the beach to get some rocks in the foreground of the shots. We then moved, by boat, onto Loch  Scavaig. A very scenic spot with lots of Common seals basking on the rocks. Had lunch on convenient rocks then took a walk in land taking photos along the way. The weather remained warm and sunny, it was an idyllic spot. We assembled back at the Mary Doune at 4 P.M. for the trip back to Doune.
After the evening meal:

• Tagliatelle
• Chicken in Cider sauce
• Blackcurrant sorbet
• Cheese (local) and biscuits

we tried to capture the sunset. Whilst setting up the tripod the local Red Deer stag went past but I only had the wide angle lens so could not zoom in much.
Last day tomorrow and weather looks good again so we are planning on a trip to Eigg.

Knoydart – Day 5. Rain, rain go away

A poor forecast today and true to its word after breakfast the rain started. Headed north to the Sandaig Islands, about half an hour in the boat. A dinghy landing and explore d the area through thick bracken. Wandered around for just over an hour but as weather showed no sign of improving we headed back to the boat (shoes and socks off to get into dinghy) then cup of tea and dry out. Had packed  lunch and tea then back to Doune.
Robert gave a demo of Lightroom which was useful to actually see the import and develop functions in action.
Half past four and it is still raining.

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Knoydart – Day 4, You Canna be serious

Weather forecast was good so the plan is for an 8 A.M. breakfast and head for Canna. Set off just after 9 on a calm sea. The journey time is about 90 minutes. The islands of Eigg and Rum past on the port side and as we approached Canna Andy, the skipper,  spotted a Basking Shark. Great views in flat calm sea but apparently this was only a small one. Nearer to Canna we spotted a full grown adult. Also, during the trip we spotted all sorts of Auks, Fulmars,  Gannets and Manx Shearwaters.

The north shore of Canna is made of sheer cliffs and ideal habitat for auks, Shags and Kittiwakes.

Also, spotted an eagle high on the cliffs, where else, but this was sent packing by the Ravens.

Headed to Canna pier to moor up and take a walk along the shore and just made it to Sanday Island via the bridge.

On the way back we spotted two more Basking Sharks and brief glimpses of a Minke Whale.

After the evening meal of:

• Cauliflower Soup
• Herb Crusted white fish
• Fruit meringue

the first good sunset of the week appeared and at about 9:50 it developed into a fabulous sight. It did not appear too promising at first but developed nicely.

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Knoydart – Day 3. A day of two halves

Awoke to bright sun to up before 7 to get out while it lasted.  Quick walk to headland but no sign of wildlife (deer and otters seen here). Weather closing in already so good views of Cullins on Skye now gone and rain starting.
Breakfast at 8:30 and rain pouring down so we’ve decided to stay at base until about 11 as the rain band may have moved through. The plan is to head for Loch Nevis (Loch of Heaven) and go ashore at Inverie, where there is some options for shelter!
Sea calm but very misty. Arrived at Inverie and rain falling headed into woods for some shelter. Very mossy and green. Used compact camera mainly, mossies started to bite so applied deet and managed to get some in my eye, ouch!
Had packed lunch in the woods and rain stopped and sky brightened. Headed back to sea level and sun shining strongly. Wet kit dried out and enjoyed the sunshine.
After a leisurely time in the sun took the Mary Doune to a rarely visited headland (Rubha Ranouil)  to get views of the bay and close ups of plants and seashore.
On the way back saw some seals on a small island and back to Doune.

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Knoydart – Day 2

A rainy day that ended up sunny. As the forecast was poor we stayed fairly close to home and took the Mary Doune to Loch Hourn (Loch of hell). A mixture of sunshine and showers. About 45 minute journey then dinghy ashore to walk along to a waterfall where we had our packed lunches. Fortunately the sun was now out so a pleasant spot to stop. Headed back along the shore and past the landing spot to walk further up the loch shore.

Finally, back to the boat for a cuppa then headed back to Doune for about 6 P.M.

Dinner of

Smoked Salmon with Herring

Venison

Trifle

Knoydart – Day 1

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Saturday, 17th July 2010
Awake early as we past past Haymarket Depot (Glasgow?) then back to sleep until about 6:30  to watch scenery going past. Lots of waterfalls, mountains and moors.

Breakfast arrived at 8:45 which was welcome. Arrived at Ft William exactly on time, 9:45. The weather was grey and occasionaly drizzly. Wandered around Fort William and decided it would be better to spend the day here than at Mallaig in terms of shelter and places to see. Wander up above the main town to get views of the loch then around most of the shops before lunch at Ossain resturant for fish & chips.

Met up with Sarah, Richard, Arthur, Anna, Tony on the train at Fort William at 16:09 then headed on to Mallaig. Weather turned sunny so views of lochs, Glenfinnan and beaches were spectacular.
At Mallaig met up with Jamie, Robert and Vicky to drop kit onto boat then bought some beer before heading to Doune. Sea slightly choppy for the 15 minute trip. Landed via dinghy as tide quite low. A quick tour of the lodge then dinner at 8

• Beetroot & Tomato soup
• Salmon with scallop sauce
• Red Currant sponge
• Coffee

Sunset not especially colourful. Weather due to be wet and breezy tomorrow morning so keeping close to the mainland/Skye.

Day 0 continued….

Train departing from platform 15 so headed to platform just after half past eight.
Coach G is right at the front of  a very long train; should have used a trolley but eventually got there and checked in with the attendant. Ordered a bacon Panini breakfast for 8:45. My original reservation was for cabin 5 but this has been changed to 23, a bonuis as this is at the nearer end so a shorter distance to walk!
Train set off on time (21:45) so once we were moving I headed down to the lounge car to get a bite to eat. A Wexford cheese ploughman’s sandwich and a coffee. The lounge was very warm and busy so went back to air conditioned, quieter compartment. http://www.scotrail.co.uk/caledoniansleeper/about-the-sleeper.html

A short stop at Watford Junction and now we are off again. 
As for the compartment, it comprises a single bed (with another that folds down for dual occupancy, a wash basin, towel, various hangers for clothes, shelf space. However my bags are a bit bulky and won’t go under the bed. There is a complimentary wash kit and bottle of Strathmore spring water.
The weather forecast for Scotland is looking very wet with some bright spells so waterproofs are likely to be in demand. Still it may mean some dramatic clouds to photograph!

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Knoydart - Day 0

The journey begins.
All packed up so left home at about 18:30 to get the bus to Staines station, the train via Hounslow (less crowded) and onto Vauxhall and finally Euston where I am now in the First Class passenger lounge drinking complimentary coffee and about to eat some cake.  Very good connections so arrived at 19:45 so hour & vhalf until the next main leg of the journey begins

My luggage consists of my mountain gear bag (with tripod inside) Lowepro rucksack and small breifcase st;le bag for the bits that wouldn't go in the other bags! All in al quite heavy so glad to have a safe refuge until the train departs at 21:15.

Lily the Pink

A deep pink flower is blooming on my dwarf pond lily.

Internet not working.

Since Tuesday I have not  been able to connect to the Internet from home using my desktop PC. My Netgear router does not seem to be able to hold onto the Internet as the DSL light flashes for a few seconds, then the Internet LED goes red and then the process starts again.

Called BT Broadband helpline on Thursday but they could not diagnose the problem so they are sending a new modem!  I have tried the old BT Voyager 105 modem and this seems to connect very briefly then drops with cannot connect message or one saying that the remote computer is unresponsive.

To get back on line I have bought an O2 Broadband Dongle for my laptop and using the daily pay as you go payment option (£2)

I am planning to take the router to Mike on Saturday so we can try it on his line to see what happens.

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Painting

The black paint work around the patio doors needs re doing so today I have sanded down the peeling paint and put on a coat of primer. As the weather is so warm I should get the first undercoat on later today too.

I am using Dulux  - trade primer, undercoat and weathershield gloss (black).

Managed to get undercoat on OK and the next day (Friday) put on the first coat of top coat gloss. Also painted the letterbox.

The weather is so warm that the paint is drying very quickly but still OK to get it on. I’ll leave the gloss over night before adding a second coat.

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Pond plants

Plants

• Oxygenator - Bristle Club Rush (Scirpus Isolepsis)  @ £3.49
• Marginal - Bushy Horsetail (Equisetum Scirpoides) @ £3.49
• Marginal - Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia Nummularia) @ £3.49
• Marginal – Iris (Laevigata) @ £3.99
• Water Lily – Pygmaea Rubra @ £9.99

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Pond now complete

Finally got the pond watertight and plants in place.

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Treasure Hunt

Joined the OSG team for the annual treasure hunt. Started at Earl's court tube station and finished in the Archangel bar in High Street Kensington. We left before the results were announced but in the second half of the route we missed several pictures and some questions so unlikely to be highly placed.

Pond no longer waterproof!

Noticed small amount of water beneath the pond pot so decided to repair again by completely reseating the failing bung and sealing with Gold Label pond repair patches.