Yesterday and today are proving very interesting and exciting. Wednesday I had the first sighting of the day, a lovely minke whale, which was followed by a 2nd one too. Sea Life Surveys was also in the area and Silurian was awarded with 2 Mars Bars for spotting the minkes. Earlier, not long after we left Tobermory, we were treated with a wonderful view of a golden eagle.
Later when the engines were shut off and we sailed down the east coast of the Isle of Coll, I put on the safety harness and as it was later described, I climbed up the mast to the crows nest, like a rat up a drain pipe. I was coaxed down later when something was seen on shore and we hopped aboard the RIB and went ashore, where we found a dead minke whale. It wasn't to stinky yet, but as we climbed over the rocks, some were slick and slippery with whale blubber, which proved very oily (and smelly) to clean off later. Pictures were taken and cause of death discussed, but we are not set up to take any biopsy or do a necropsy, so it was called in to those who may come out to see if they can learn anything more.
We headed back to Silurian and continued to our anchorage for the evening, where another basking shark (my first time EVER to see a basking shark!) was seen. Crossspol Bay, on the SE coast of Coll was our home for the evening. After a delicious supper of risotto, a trip ashore a must. Beautiful sand beach and dunes and great colorful rocks and shells, made for a great time for a evening walk. The rest of the evening was spent with tea, coffee, dark chocolate, giggles, a communal blog effort and late night. At midnight it was decided we might want to go asleep. 30 minutes later it was quiet, with snoring audible.
Later when the engines were shut off and we sailed down the east coast of the Isle of Coll, I put on the safety harness and as it was later described, I climbed up the mast to the crows nest, like a rat up a drain pipe. I was coaxed down later when something was seen on shore and we hopped aboard the RIB and went ashore, where we found a dead minke whale. It wasn't to stinky yet, but as we climbed over the rocks, some were slick and slippery with whale blubber, which proved very oily (and smelly) to clean off later. Pictures were taken and cause of death discussed, but we are not set up to take any biopsy or do a necropsy, so it was called in to those who may come out to see if they can learn anything more.
We headed back to Silurian and continued to our anchorage for the evening, where another basking shark (my first time EVER to see a basking shark!) was seen. Crossspol Bay, on the SE coast of Coll was our home for the evening. After a delicious supper of risotto, a trip ashore a must. Beautiful sand beach and dunes and great colorful rocks and shells, made for a great time for a evening walk. The rest of the evening was spent with tea, coffee, dark chocolate, giggles, a communal blog effort and late night. At midnight it was decided we might want to go asleep. 30 minutes later it was quiet, with snoring audible.
Today the weather fair and seas mild. We sailed away from Coll and and past Gunna and along the coast of Tiree. After a bit of waiting I sighted today's first basking shark, with several more to follow. I also saw the magnificent sight of a basking shark making a full breach out of the water. Amazing! We are currently changing course and putting up sails for a trip across open water. Wish us luck and many happy, amazing sightings!
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