Saturday 7 - Sunday 8 July (Oban) Awoke with a very sore head to another typical W Highland weather day, so decided Nick could "do" Oban. We discovered the Oban Inn, just off the North Pier, an old pub full of character and characters, and a ceiling completely decorated with boat ensigns. Booked a meal for that evening at Ee-Usk (again) and enjoyed another excellent seafood meal. For Sunday we had planned a sail round Kerrera while awaiting the rest o...

Friday 6 July (Oban) A day boat-tidying and a stiff walk up "Cardiac Hill" to McCaig's Folly for the magnificent view, and back down "Jacob's Ladder". Met Nickfrom the Glasgow train and introduced him to the Waypoint Grill at the marina, which we found taken over by the Oban Lorn Women's Rugby Football Club, in club colours and fine voice! Retired after a generous libation of Jura malt with the unquenchable Mr Cavell!

Wednesday 4 July (Oban)A day spent packing (far too many clothes) and stowing (the usual mistake of buying too many bulky gifts to take home, especially with limited space soon to be occupied by four large men). Made liberal use of the free ferry for shopping etc in Oban, ending up with a meal at EE-USK. This was thanks to Willie and Laurie's advice, and has won awards as Scotland's best seafood restaurant. Langoustine, lobster and sea bream were excellen...

Tuesday July 3 (back to Kerrera)Woke to a peaceful morning with the sound of wading birds calling from the banks of our anchorage. Several boats left during the morning, while we awaited the tide to take us north, back to Oban/Kerrera. We had discovered that the rail strike planned in Scotland for Friday was still highly probable, so sadly it was best to book Cath's passage home to Deal for Thursday. Accordingly we weighed anchor and set off after lunch back up t...

Monday 2 July (Puilladhobhran, Seil Island) The day started taking three attempts to get alongside the fuel jetty, thanks to an inconsiderately moored German boat and a brisk wind from exactly the wrong quarter. Once away, we had our best sail of the trip so far, making long tacks close-hauled outside Kerrera Island in a lovely F4 from the SW. We were now sailing really well as a team, and Cath's confidence and abilities as a sailor have really taken off during ...