Janet Jones Diary                          

Page 2 : Knoydart - Camusdarach - Point of Sleat                                                   <  Prev  1 2 3  Next >

                                                                   Leaving Knoydart in a flat calm.

Mon 30th 10.30am: Hardly any wind this morning so paddling this stretch of coast. More houses than I thought. So quiet we heard the quad bike again. Hope he has a hangover.

                                                                  Ferry coming out of Maillaig

                                     

3.30 pm: Having lunch in a cafe and writing postcards. Thank goodness that nice breeze sprang up taking us comfortably past Mallaig into that rocky bay or we would still be paddling. Had forgotten its Bank Holiday and bound to be busy here. By the time we got back to the boats after lunch wind  increased making getting out of  bay quite tricky. Had to paddle out, anchor, then put up rig. Didn’t do that very well, let out too much warp, drifted onto rocks and got shouted at! Must practice that.

4.30 pm: Wow, that was terrific! Very exciting beat south to Camusdarach. Got a bit bouncy though so I’m glad I heard the yell “It’s the third beach along”.  Wonderful white sand, rocky offshore islands and kite flying in progress. Just like postcard. 

On nearing beach was warned by Steve, “ I’m getting ready to land” which unaccountably seemed to involve stripping down to his swimming trunks. Still v. cold so declined to join in. Preparation took usual form of looking out for bottom, raising leeboard and letting the sheets go, before running gently onto soft sand. Realised later Steve was preparing to jump into waist deep surf to fend off boats. V. noble but totally unnecessary.

Know this place from fieldwork. Had to burry bags of oily sand just behind the dunes there, then come back seven times to dig them up one at a time. Things I’ve done in the name of science!

6.00 pm:  Carried boats up above tide line and laid out anchors again. Transpires Steve had trolley – why we didn’t use it? Some macho thing no doubt. Back ache now.            

10.30 pm:  No wild camping tonight, v. luxurious campsite – shower like bathroom at home, herbs in flowerbeds round building and a midge eater. Wonder if it works. Some talk of doing a 6 mile crossing to Point of Sleat on Skye tomorrow. Hope wind is with us.

                                                                 Steve using trolley next morning!

Tues 31st 2.30 pm: Wind wasn’t with us. Have had to beat in v light SW breeze all way across. Is beautiful though, talked of heading to Rhum, didn't look far but would take too long in light wind and nowhere to land at north end.  

Boats well spread out despite caution of having same sail area (66 sq ft Bermudan ketch rigs). Lying in the bottom of boat (or stretched out on top) enjoying v lazy day, chuffed not to be at the back though.

       Nearing Skye

Now having lunch at Camus Darach, (bay of the oak) on Skye, same name, different spelling.  Still the same white sand, rocks and sunshine, beautiful! Could stay here all day. No chance though, have been reminded we’re on trip so must get on.

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