Cruising the Sound of Mull

 

By 10:00 we had entered the sheltered waters which heralded the start of the Inner Seas of the West Highlands. As we passed the isle of Colonsay on our right I was entertained by a group of gannets diving for a meal. The surface of the water was almost boiling as something was driving these fish towards the surface and the gannets were striking it rich. Max shearwaters called and their offspring scurried after them as they dived for their smaller morsels which had also come towards the surface in the confusion.

By the time we had passed the Slate islands all signs of bird life stopped.

The weather didn't look good and the clouds hung heavy. In many ways it was nice to be 'stuck' onboard because I could move around and enjoy the sights without having to face the lowering temperatures. We had left the warmer temperatures of the south (a pleasant 22 degrees) to a not so warm 15 degrees and dropping.

After lunch the clouds lifted slightly and we were able to enjoy more of a view. We moved with incredible stillness and our wake was less than that of the local ferry which passed us. Having had my lunch outside by the pool, I now settled down on the top deck and watched the world float by.

As expected, we pulled out of the sound and as we watched the whole of that part of Scotland disappear, the clouds produced an amazing show of brilliance and form. If only this would follow us for the rest of the trip..........but I have my doubts.