A grey day on the Isle of Eigg

As forecast, Tuesday was much cloudier than previous days in the week. We set off just after 9A.M. for the 60 minute trip to Eigg. No whale sightings on the way over but the dramatic volcanic scenery of Eigg was spectacular as we approached. 

I haven't mentioned Steve yet. He is a local from Eigg who crews on the Mary Doune. He also has a minibus, which was very useful to get us from harbour up to the Northern side of the island, so we could go to the singing sands beach (The sands squeak when you drag your feet across them). The beach has some very weird formations of rocks and eroded cliffs so we spent sometime exploring and taking photos.

Once finished here we headed to the second beach of the day, at the Bay of Laig, a short walk down the Island. There were more dramatic formations on the beach, ideal for pottering about and taking pictures. 

Steve picked us up again at about 4 P.M. and took us back to the harbour for a cup of tea in the Eigg tea shop in Galmisdale Bay.

A bouncy trip back for most of the way as the wind and current between Eigg, Rum and Skye was getting up. Once nearer Doune the sea calmed down considerably and we had a smooth run back home.

Dinner
Artichoke and Celery Soup
Haddock with Pesto and Chilli sauce
Blackcurrant & Apple Pavlova

End of the first day.

Breakfast at 8 in the lounge car, much like a aircraft meal but with better scenery! The train arrived on time at Fort William which left just over two hours to spend in town before the 12:12 train to Mallaig. Wandered along the high street and bought a few bits in Mountain Warehouse. Two pairs of Merino socks on two for one offer and a head torch, bargain!  Then had a coffee and flapjack in Ossains, where I had lunch in 2010.
It was noticeable how many shops had gone out of business since my last visit.

Back to the station and retrieved luggage from the left luggage lockers. Once the train came in found Abby and Tina and in bright sunshine we made the trip to Mallaig; along the world's most scenic railway route.

Once in town had lunch (Haddock in Oats and Breadcrumb, with chips and peas) in the Steam Inn.

After lunch we bumped into our skipper and slowly the group congregated by the Mary Doune.

At about 5 PM we headed on the 15 minute trip from Maillaig to Doune.

Dinner
Beetroot & tomato soup
Poached salmon
Chocolate Orange pudding

ACC Q1 DPI

Ashford Camera Club Projected Images for 2013, Quarter One

I have submitted two images one general and one nature.

The general image was taken on a boat trip on the Thames in Summer 2012, it was a lovely day with great company. The food was good too!

The nature picture is of an Egyptian Goose taken at the WWT centre in Barnes, London.