Rathlin pontoonery

[Nick]

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Creak groan bounce bang rub chafe squeak rattle . . .

Only a F6, but gusty NW and probably rather unpleasant between here and Islay. Looks like we may be here until Monday, then homeward bound before whatever delights the weather gods have in store next arrive.

There are worse places to be stuck though - on a visitor mooring in Castlebay for one . . .

[Nick]

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We have now walked to the East Lighthouse, taken the Puffin Bus to the West Lighthouse and walked back and also walked to the old CG lookout on the N. coast.

The South lighthouse may have to wait until next visit, as at the moment the plan is to head across the (SE) flood tomorrow afternoon for Gigha. Normally we would take the ebb and get a wee push Northwards, but a bit of foul tide seems preferable to F6 wind over tide in the North Channel, which would slow us down more and probably cause a lot of shouting at the waves.

It's been a good cruise from the point of view of interesting places visited - Belfast (Titanic exhibition), Strangford Lough, Isle of Man and Rathlin - but not a lot of spectacularly good sailing - perhaps the trip home from here will remedy that. (Though I am not counting on it!)

[Arghiro]

Well, good luck, it seems the Jetstream is heading South again, so that may help you.

[Aja]

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Creak groan bounce bang rub chafe squeak rattle . . .

Only a F6, but gusty NW and probably rather unpleasant between here and Islay. Looks like we may be here until Monday, then homeward bound before whatever delights the weather gods have in store next arrive.

There are worse places to be stuck though - on a visitor mooring in Castlebay for one . . .

+1 Squeek....squeek, squeek. Ate in the renovated Manor House. Average for the price, I'm afraid.

Donald