The Lost Priory on Oronsay

Yesterday, before setting sail, we decided to visit the ruins of the old priory, about a mile inland.  To make sure we could find it in the peaty moorland, we took the hand-bearing compass and I carefully showed Rosie how to navigate in rough ground.  We walked a long way but we never did find the ruins.

Doug Demonstrates the Handbearing Compass
This continuous sunshine is beginning to worry me.  I was told that it was supposed to be wet with clouds of biting insects in the Western Isles of Scotland.  Instead, we have yet another day of glorious sunshine and only very few bites so far (even Rosie, who normally attracts the little devils).  I’m not sure that we are enjoying the full authentic experience.  Still, there is plenty of time yet.

Oronsay looking SW to Jura
Then another short sail of about 20 miles, between islands, over clear sparkling waters with almost no waves.  This is beginning to feel a bit like Greece, although quite a lot cooler.  And just like Greece, we ended with a strong sea breeze, causing us to reef for the final beat.  As usual we experienced everything from force 0 (no wind) to force 7 (way too much wind), all in a couple of hours.

There were quite a few boats in the anchorages around Tinker’s Hole, on the SW tip of Mull.  It’s half-term holidays, so everyone is out enjoying the weather.  Luckily, our new friends in the Nicholson had given us some local tips and we found ourselves a private anchorage, surrounded by rocks and looking out towards the cathedral on Iona.
North Tinker's Hole, Looking Towards Iona

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