We started gathering in Tayviallich on Friday afternoon unsure whether we would be camping in Tayvallich both nights or heading south and camping on the Isle of Danna. We arrived to bright skies (and morning frost) so the trip was on! Our group was led by Fiona, with Rob and Gerry also on hand to help the less experienced paddlers myself, June, James and John.
After an evening meal at the local pub (great fish and chips!), we headed to our tents, camper vans and wigwams for an early start.
The waters were calm and the sun was shining as we headed down Loch Sween at 9.30am. We paddled at a steady pace enjoying the fresh morning air, and we soon stopped at an abandoned mill where, in the 1800s, the area employed 2500 people. Hard to imagine now. We continued south. The waters were clear and the loch floor was covered with star fish. Great to see such a healthy marine environment.
We stopped near an old piggery and went to check it out before returning to the boats for lunch. More sun and calm waters and we arrived at the Isle of Danna at about 4pm. We found a good camping spot, carried the boats to the site and set about pitching tents. Tents up, meals cooked and eaten, we gathered around a fabulous fire (courtesy of John and his fire bricks which we had all carried on top of our boats) for a cuppa, glass and a laugh. Good fun!
The next morning was not quite so sunny as we took down tents and prepared for our trip up the Sound of Jura.
We started up the sound with a strong tide and the wind at our backs. Some welcome singing took my mind off the bumpy sea and we travelled at about 8km an hour along the coast. We had more shelter around Eilean nan Coinean and Eilean Dubh and we reached Carsiag Bay by 1pm. A kilometre walk over to Tayvallich to get the cars and we were unpacked and loaded up within the hour.
What a great experience in good company. Personally I learnt so much about paddling, the camping gear I need, the sea shanties I need to learn (and the sea-sickness tablets I need to buy).
Thank you to Fiona for organising and leading, to Gerry and Rob for singing and for help in a seasickness emergency and to June, James and John for paddling and campfire fun.