A Taste of Jura

The Gurnard · 10 July 2018, 15:33

Many RIB guys say that the Oban area is one of the best cruising areas in the West of Scotland.

I can only add ... its also a great cruising area for SIBs too. It does need good weather for small inflatables though as there are fierce tide races throughout the area. The most notable being the Corryvrechan ..the third largest whirlpool in the world.

I took a leisurely five days touring 200 miles around the area ..in fantastic conditions.

It was a heatwave and generally the sea calm although I did sit one day out on land when I considered things a bit too bouncy for my liking. The main problem I had was my food went rancid in the heatwave.

Bacon and sassages etc were only suitable for feeding the seals ..and although I had a fishing rod.. I caught no mackerel.

Shops are virtually non existent where I went so resupplying was difficult.

Anyhoo..enough words..hopefully the videos will tell the story better.

Here is part one of “A Taste of Jura”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckPfb3ug0WI

PS It was a real pleasure meeting Last Tango at Dunstaffnage Marina ..and also having a passing wave from Breezeblock. Hope you guys all had a great time at Coll and Tiree too.

Highland Haggis · 10 July 2018, 15:53

I thought someone of intelligence would no not to carry meat on hot days [emoji87]

willk · 10 July 2018, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gurnard

I took a leisurely five days touring 200 miles around the area ..in fantastic conditions.

You must have been pottering around when we passed through....

...I'm sorry we missed you!

Your supplies issue has given me food for thought

Last Tango · 10 July 2018, 16:55

As always a cracking video and pleasure to meet the man in person, looking forward to part two.

We went out to the Garvellachs the Wednesday and the views are stunning but the cleg bites have just healed.
I'll post some inferior quality footage once we get home.

Bern Hanreck · 10 July 2018, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highland Haggis

I thought someone of intelligence would no not to carry meat on hot days [emoji87]

Bloody hell HH ! That's a bit harsh. When was the last time you set on a four day expedition north of the border and KNEW you were going to have a heatwave throughout ? Hindsight / wisdom and all that..........

Fenlander · 10 July 2018, 18:05

No worries for the future though as it sounds as if Willk may be planning to offer an emergency ration delivery service in the Ballyhillin - Mull Of Galloway - Portree triangle!

Cracking video Mr G... last time I saw Scotland with that weather for so many days in a row was over 30yrs ago!

Stevem · 10 July 2018, 18:47

Great video, thanks for sharing.
Im up there on Thursday for a few days and praying the weather holds up.

Looking forward to part 2!

breezeblock · 10 July 2018, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Gurnard

Many RIB guys say that the Oban area is one of the best cruising areas in the West of Scotland.

I can only add ... its also a great cruising area for SIBs too. It does need good weather for small inflatables though as there are fierce tide races throughout the area. The most notable being the Corryvrechan ..the third largest whirlpool in the world.

I took a leisurely five days touring 200 miles around the area ..in fantastic conditions.

It was a heatwave and generally the sea calm although I did sit one day out on land when I considered things a bit too bouncy for my liking. The main problem I had was my food went rancid in the heatwave.

Bacon and sassages etc were only suitable for feeding the seals ..and although I had a fishing rod.. I caught no mackerel.

Shops are virtually non existent where I went so resupplying was difficult.

Anyhoo..enough words..hopefully the videos will tell the story better.

Here is part one of “A Taste of Jura”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckPfb3ug0WI

PS It was a real pleasure meeting Last Tango at Dunstaffnage Marina ..and also having a passing wave from Breezeblock. Hope you guys all had a great time at Coll and Tiree too.

we would have met with you but I couldn't get kids out of bed I knew it was a good omen for flat seas when I spotted you Coll and tiree was an epic trip

Highland Haggis · 10 July 2018, 20:43

It's ok the old yin knows iam only pulling his leg
Hurry up with part two [emoji41]

Bigplumbs · 11 July 2018, 06:48

I enjoyed watching that. I have a huge hankering to bring my 4.5 m rib to Scotland but living in East Anglia it is quite a tow. I will do it one day for sure

Looking forward to part 2

The Gurnard · 11 July 2018, 07:25

Many thanks for the comments guys and Im very happy you enjoy the video.

Part two of "A Taste of Jura" is now uploaded and sees me through the Gulf of Corryvrechan and heading down the exposed west coast of Jura in perfect conditions.

It really is a spectacular and very remote area .. untouched by humans shaping the landscape. There are no roads or telegraph poles. Its still exactly as the last ice age left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9omaWEB2xY

Part Three will follow soon..so do look back.

Hi HH ..I guess Im still learning ..but as I hate veggies ..will need to find some way to install a fridge in a SIB.

Hi Willk..yup we are still passing ships in the night..but one of these days we will meet again as we tend to hang out in similar places.

Hi Last Tango.. wow..the clegs got me big time too. However it was too hot and dry for midges..I hardly saw any of them despite the lack of wind in the evenings. Look forward to seeing the video of your trip too.

Hi Bern.. I guess HH’s mistake was ..he assumed I had some intelligence ... I do have plenty meat around my belly so I can last a long time in the wilds. Delighted you are following the videos.

Hi Fenlander ..the weather is unbelievable ..its still continuing too.. unfortunately Im grounded until next Tuesday as I have three hospital visits this week. They are still keeping a close check on my liver and making sure Im not drinking too much.

Hi Stevem..the weather is here..but for how long...is anyones guess. Its been great for frazzling the wee midge so I get peace at camp nights.

Hi Breezeblock..Im sure we will meet at some point..we cruise in similar areas. The Gunna Sound is something else.. I need to get out there soon.

Hi Bigplums .. its a long drive but worth it.. problem is..once you do it once ..you miss it real bad...so beware ..it may spoil your own boating area.

Best Regards
The Gurnard

The Gurnard · 12 July 2018, 07:22

Part Three of "A Taste of Jura" and I find paradise in the shape of the wee sheltered bay near Ruantallain which is at the mouth of Loch Tarbert on Jura. I wild camped here for three nights during some of the hottest days Scotland has known for many a year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu3eU-KAz44

Part Four will follow soon

Best Regards
The Gurnard

Stevie Bill · 12 July 2018, 11:45

Fabulous videos Donny. Simply breathtaking. The weather has been better for longer than I can recall ever. And you are lucky enough to have been in a position to capitalise. I'm getting well jell as my kids would say.

The Gurnard · 12 July 2018, 19:34

Thanks for your kind comment Stevie. I hope you have recovered from the lurgie you had. I got a terrible chest cold not long after the SIB outing ..so can sympathise with you

Part Four is now uploaded and covers my trip over to Colonsay.

I didn't go right round the island as I was concerned I would not have enough fuel to finish my adventure and get back to Oban. I guess I could have got some somewhere but was glad I was not relying on Port Askaig on Islay.. they didn't even have sassages or milk..however they had plenty of the most important stuff .. alchohol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlorJPpywUs

Part Five will follow soon and it covers a trip deep into Loch Tarbert ..a truly stunning place !!

Best Regards
The Gurnard

Vinny31 · 12 July 2018, 22:42

Fantastic trip, really enjoy your videos [emoji106]

Maximus · 12 July 2018, 22:59

Absolutely Top Notch as usual my friend!...looking forward to see you soon

M.Thornton · 13 July 2018, 09:01

You ticked all the boxes on for me on this trip Donny.We had a lovely run to Collonsay on this years ERR .The west coast of Jura is magnificent and not always comfortable due to prevailing winds.Loch Tarbet is simply out of this world with its raised beaches ,we got within 20mts of a Golden eagle on one visit.can be a bit of a challenge to navigate and a few props have been "dinged" in there .Craighouse is my favourite port of call you could almost be in the Caribbean,we have always had sun when we've called in,uncanny.and finally Jura malt takes you to a very mellow place! Thanks for sharing with this old Sassenach.

ashtonmarine · 13 July 2018, 13:16

Great video but do we want to share them with the english lol the more we show them off the more will come up and the last thing we want is it looking like the hamble with so many boats!!

jeffstevens763@g · 13 July 2018, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashtonmarine

Great video but do we want to share them with the english lol the more we show them off the more will come up and the last thing we want is it looking like the hamble with so many boats!!

too late i've been coming up 50 years

Fenlander · 13 July 2018, 14:24

And I suppose as I was up near Largs in my pram when the old chap was working on Hunterston A then I can claim 61yrs!

Anyway this year is freak... it normally rains most weeks in the summer!!