Skye Mountains and Misty Memories

So, 43 years after my first magical visit to the Old School House in Heast, Skye, I saw it again, this time arriving from the sea.  As usual, my memories were vague and there are far more houses than I recalled, only some of them recently built.  However, new buildings were still being worked on.  Skye seems to be a popular island, partly due to the sweeping bridge to the mainland.

Heast Anchorage from the Village
We rowed ashore and walked up through the village to meet Neil Ruaridh, the senior man in these parts.  He had a powerful handshake for a man in his eighties, perhaps demonstrating the power of the porridge to we sassenachs.  He and his son, Lachlan, were both very interesting people to talk to but sadly they were off to a funeral (and expecting a heavy wake after), so our very enjoyable chat had to be cut short.

Old Fish Farm Platform, Loch Eishort
We pulled up the anchor and motored out of Loch Eishort against a very gentle breeze.  The high pressure continues and record temperatures are being talked about.  This didn't make for a sailing breeze however, so we had to motor for three hours to reach Loch Scavaig.

The inner anchorage, in Loch na Cuilce, behind the island of Eilean Glas, was a bit crowded and tourist boats were coming and going, so we anchored just outside.  This later proved to be very lucky, as the fearsome midges took advantage of the still evening to attack the crews of the boats further in!

Loch Scavaig: Rapport Dwarfed by the Mountains
In spite of a gentle breeze, it was positively hot (in Scotland!) and the water temperature was an impressive 18 degrees.  We went for a swim, keeping careful watch for jellyfish, which are to be seen in large numbers at the moment.  More of them in a later posting.....

It's Really Warm In Here - Honest!
What a beautiful place, sparkling clear water beside the Cuillins Hills (more like mountains to us).

Loch na Cuilce
Near the anchorage, a waterfall flows over glaciated rocks from Loch Courisk into Loch Scavaig.

The Waterfall
The anchorage is famous for it's beauty but also for the massive down-drafts of wind from the local mountains.  In the evening the breeze did get up, causing Rapport to shear around on her anchor and causing us some concern.  However, it moderated again and we had a peaceful night.

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