The Guppy certainly seemed to approve my decision to cross to the Crowlin Islands. The only motion she made during the 6 mile crossing from Raasay ..was to gently nod her head in agreement ..in time with a very gently swell.
Fifteen miles to the north ..on the glassy horizon ..I could just make out the far end of Raasay and the start of Rona.. an island too far today.
Im happy to say there was not a submarine in sight ..nor navy ship..or any other boat for that matter. I had the sea to myself. I had the VHF on channel 16 if anyone saw me and wanted to give a warning of MOD activity.
The only slight “error” I made this trip ..was rounding the northern end of the Crowlin’s. I crossed over the reef that extends well out into the sea. I wasn’t aware it was so far from shore ..until I saw rock suddenly appear around six feet below the Guppy. A quick yank of the kill cord removed any danger..and the reef disappeared again as she glided past the rock. Last thing I needed was a broken prop.. on the Crowlin’s. I have not fixed a bracket for an aux engine yet.
I decided to head through the shallow gap between the north and southern Crowlin islands. I was aware it was very shallow here and could see rock above the surface .. so lifted the outboard ..and let the now outgoing tide carry me through ...as I happily scoffed the last of my sandwiches.
Relaxed and refreshed..I re started the outboard and left the Crowlin Islands in my receding wake.
I was now heading for the island Longay ..which was on my way back to the campsite. I knew it had a dangerous reef off its northern tip....
So followed a flapping cormorant playing hop..skip..and jump .. well to the north of the reef ..
I then landed on the final island of the day ... Scalpay. I left the Guppy on a lovely red sand shore ..on the north west coast..
To look at the ruins of an old croft ....
When I explore these old ruins..I always wonder what the people were like who stayed here .. I could just picture them sitting in front of a warm peat fire ..on cold nights.
Chris.. after your comment above.. I wonder if this is the bothy you stayed at all those years ago. ? Its the only building I could see on that part of Scalpay..and I could see the light house on the south of Raasay from it. Let me know if it is and if you would like to see photos of other parts ..example the iron fire range you may have had breakfast cooked on etc.
Sharing memories is why I post my stories.. as well as give others some info.. if they wish to follow footsteps.
After exploring the ruin.. I left Scalpay and headed for my campsite.. a nice wave..wind and tide..all helping me along.
I covered 64 miles ..and refilled the fuel tank for the next day..it took 8 litres of fuel to top up tank.. worth every penny. The small F-Rib proved itself to be a very seaworthy boat.. and a 6hp engine is ample for her..one up..and in exposed sea conditions.
I went round Rona the following day..and did a lot more too..but thats for another day..Im off adventuring again..so will leave you all in peace..for another wee while.
Thanks again to all who read and comment..its appreciated.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
and brings back memories of an outward bound course I went on in 1997, spent a month based just outside the village of Applecross and sailed across to Broadford on Skye via the Crowlin Islands, we stayed in a bothy on the north west corner of Scalpay, we could see the light house at Eyre Point on Raasay, then sailed around Raasay and Rona calling into Portree, then back across to Applecross, 3 days sailing and fishing, brilliant trip 
epic story in your f-rib 
spy-sea-one
