Loch Eport , North Uist

Today started off cloudy with a bit of rain. I was first on visual when we left Loch Harport, Skye and we got drenched and very cold. Sailing the Minch can be quite treacherous, today it was just very uncomfortable. I ended up winning the battle with nausea, but one volunteer wasn't so lucky. Sonar was audible most of the day on the hydrophone and at one time we had 4 military ships around us, a low flying helicopter and a submarine traveling in our wake. Interesting to see, but we blame them on scaring away all the whales and dolphins. Skipper caught sight of a whale at a distance, but we were unable to get a 2nd look. I did spot at least 5 unidentified dolphins, but in the sun's glare and water's swell, we lost them quickly too. I spent my last break of the afternoon baking banana bread and making tea for everyone as we were finishing surveying for the day. As we sailed into Loch Eport for the evening we saw a red deer leap into the water and swim for a nearby island. As soon as we were at anchor a trip ashore was organized. 2 volunteers and the Skipper stayed back to prep supper, while the rest of us went for a hike in the hills, seeing deer, sheep, interesting wildflowers, and a great view from the top of a hill, looking at the rest of the island of North Uist and across the Minch beyond to Skye. Supper was fantastic, but the galley a total disaster, which I had fun cleaning up. Later, with coffee or tea at hand, along with a few pieces of milk chocolate, we looked at the map to see what we might do the next few days, but it all depends on the ever changing weather. We all had a long day a sea and a good hike this evening, so everyone including myself are in their bunks, ready for bed.

Goodnight!