Northward ho

We've come to the pretty marina of Craobh on the Scottish mainland, south of Oban after a long motor/sail trip yesterday. For once, they have a decent wireless connection, hence the update. 

Let's rewind a little to Port Ellen on Islay. Staying there was lovely, and it was a triumph to have made it to Scotland after such bad weather. We had one day there to plan the next leg with charts and pilotbooks, but took out a couple of hours to walk over to the nearest distillery, Laphroaig where we learned about how peat affects the taste. In fact neither of us could drink any more than a thimbleful, Nic for medical reasons and Lesley because she can't take strong drink. 

It was tempting to stay longer but we have lost so much time through poor weather that we plugged on, leaving Port Ellen yesterday lunchtime to race up the Sound of Jura with almost no wind and smooth seas. This meant when we got level with the infamous Corryvreckan whirlpool, there was nothing to be seen. All was placid. What a let-down. Saw a fantastic rainbow after a shower of rain from one of many dark fronts of cloud. We arrived here at 2030 and had a rather expensive dinner in the plush pub which is attached to the marina. 

Today we've been wrestling with the route to Iona, planned for tomorrow, which includes some navigational challenges. Hope the weather holds, though often we seem to end up motoring because the winds don't suit.