3 – 4 : Lismore

The trip started with some car juggling to get to our launch spot as a couple of huge trucks had temporarily taken up the lay-by.

Once on the water we headed SW and stopped off at Eilean nan Caorach. We decided to go down the SE coast of Lismore which gave us some shelter from the NW wind and swell.

We passed the ferry at the Lismore jetty then on past an interesting modern house just before the broch, almost invisible above us.

Progress was good despite the occasional strong gust and we stopped at Achnacroish for another lunch.

At the south end of the island winds got a little stronger and despite being there in the past we couldn’t initially see the landing point.  A little further on it emerged and we landed and set up camp and we were joined by another 3 paddlers with the same idea.

The next morning seemed fine to continue round the island by heading up the NW side but once on the water there were some bigger waves at the corner and further out numerous white horses. Not too inviting. It was decided to return the way we had come. This gave lovely views to the mountains in the north.

The wind was strongly against us and we progressed at only half the speed of the day before. We stopped to take shelter at Miller’s Port and at Achnacroish where we met another group of 6 paddlers heading SW. After another stop at Achuaran we decided to cross to Port Appin where those who wanted to drop out could.

We finally made Port Appin paddling, with some towing for one paddler, into a strong wind and with everyone tired no one was keen to continue. A taxi was called and we were taken to our cars.

It wasn’t over yet as one of our cars could not be started but with another bit of car juggling we managed to find an alternative battery to power up the electronics.

It was a long day.

Distance paddled on Saturday 22km and on Sunday17km

 

Paddlers : Joan, Sheila, Elizabeth, Karin, Elvire and Bill

28th : Loch Sunart

With remarkable foresight, the date selected turned out to be the only suitable day for paddling in the week.  Very lucky!  And the wind dropped too but with sufficient breeze to deter the migdes. 

Bill, Elvire, Elizabeth, Joan and Ruth met at Ardery on Loch Sunart with the intention of paddling west to Glencripesdale.  It was still quite windy, so we headed to the south side of Loch Sunart for some shelter.  We were barely on the water when we noticed a large bird – a sea eagle – being harried by a couple of smaller birds.  Another sea eagle appeared from the south shore and we spent some time watching them before reluctantly paddling in the opposite direction.  Once we rounded the point at Rubhan Aird Earnaich, we were paddling into the wind but there was the promise of wind assistance on the way back.  We stopped for lunch at Camas na Mullach and were treated to a low fly-over by another sea eagle (smaller and probably male).  On to the jetty (formed by a wrecked cargo boat) at Glencripesdale, we left our boats and went to explore the area by the old house and the river.  There is no obvious sign of the 20 bedroomed mansion blown up in 1963, but other signs of past times, including a dry dock.  All very interesting.  The views up and down Loch Sunart were lovely.

We had a wind and tide assisted paddle back to Ardery and our cars. 

Total distance paddled: 21km