The 2008 field season has now ended, and there will be no further blog updates until next year. See you in spring 2009!

Date: Wednesday 24th September, 2008
Anchorage: Tobermory
Position: 56° 38’.100N 006° 03’.700W
Distance Travelled: 37 NM

Away from Moidart, and transecting towards Tobermory and the end of the last trip of the 2008 season. It’s a trip that’s been pretty blessed really – good weather, plenty of animals, and a great team of volunteers and crew. Seas and skies were calm again today, and we had a lovely close minke whale encounter on our way home, in amongst our usual friends of seals and harbour porpoises. A good clean of the boat was followed by an epic dinner, and sad farewells. Thank to you this group of volunteers, and to all those who’ve given their all on Silurian this season. It’s been a busy, successful season, and we quite literally could not have done it without you.

Susie, Science Officer


Date: Tuesday 23rd September, 2008
Anchorage: Loch Moidart
Position: 56° 47’.200N 005° 50’.200W
Distance Travelled: 54 NM

Well, the end is near as today was our last full day at sea. Tomorrow we will make our way back to Tobermory Harbour. Our time together has just flown by, filled with many happy memories.

The day started at the small isle of Canna, with slightly overcast skies, but the sea looked calm. As we left the harbour, some of the seals made a haunting keening sound, as if they were sad to see us leave. We began surveying for the day at 9am and saw a few seals and harbour porpoises, occasionally. The cliffs of Rum were spectacular and the light shining upon the valley at Eigg stunning. At one point between Rum and Eigg we came across a plastic drum that must have escaped from a mussel farm. We tried to haul it aboard, but it was filled with water and too heavy to lift. So we abandoned it and at the same time a Customs boat was soon racing our way to investigate what we were up to. Completely innocent, of course, but gave us some excitement for the day. The rest of the day raced by and we were soon arriving at Loch Moidart for the evening. As soon as we were anchored, a party went ashore to explore a ruined castle on a bluff . The evening was gorgeous and we were treated with a beautiful sunset.

Our final supper on board Silurian was haggis, neaps, tatties and a wonderful whisky sauce with onions. It was enjoyed by all (as far as I know).

It was a full, rich day .

Danielle


Date: Monday 22nd September, 2008
Anchorage: Isle of Canna
Position: 57° 03’.200N 006° 29’.800W
Distance Travelled: 50 NM

Hours of watching the sea with hope finally paid off and rather spectacularly! Our efforts were rewarded with the sighting of a northern bottlenose whale early in the day to whet our appetites, followed shortly by a minke. But the piece de resistance came in a party of not one, not ten, not thirty, but at least fifty jumping, diving, beautiful, rubbery, shiny, playful common dolphins, attracted to the boat and eager to, what can be described by nothing else other than play! Wonderful, wonderful day, imprinted firmly on our memories.

Ellie

Date: Sunday 21st September, 2008
Anchorage: Loch Aline
Position: 56° 33’.000N 005° 45’.400W
Distance Travelled: 58 NM

Early up to race the tide, breakfast at 7am, anchor antics aplenty, so off by 7.45am. What a glorious morning, white tailed sea eagles soared overhead as we left our haven and returned to the high seas.
It has been one of those “if you don’t like the weather wait a minute” days. Sunshine, overcast, windy, sea mist, swells, calm, whitecaps, tide race, rainbow, china tea-set, cuddly toy. Saw some fantastic birdlife, really varied and beautiful, also some shags (Natures “minger” of the bird world).
Good porpoise sightings despite lots of boat activity and the swell making it difficult to spot. Fantastic anchorage tonight, a quiet Loch with marvellous views all round. Got off for a wander and some photographic splendour, everyone blown away by the beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Up market version of bangers and mash [beef sausage with dauphinoise potatoes and sautéed vegetables] for dinner, magnifique! To end the evening a star filled sky, reflected in the mirror still water. Definitely a place to re-visit.

Dennis & Elizabeth.


Date: Saturday 20th September, 2008
Anchorage: Bagh Gleann nam Muc, Isle of Jura
Position: 56° 08’.400N 005° 43’.000W
Distance Travelled: 50 NM

After rising slightly later than normal (a decadent 8am) we set out from Craighouse, heading out to start surveying up the sound of Jura at 10am. The tidal waters get squeezed between Jura and the mainland and other small islands, the currents creating fantastic swirls and patterns on the water’s surface. It also makes for great feeding for sea birds and more importantly for us cetaceans. So, lots of porpoise sightings today. When the tides allowed we headed into the Gulf of Corryvreckan, the site of a famous whirlpool created by the tidal races. The standing wave on the edge of the whirlpool was a dramatic sight, especially with the many circling birds. Going into our mooring site we were treated to a visit from a bottlenose dolphin and calf. Amazing views of mother and child as they investigated our boat, our first dolphin sighting, and a special moment for all onboard. What a way to finish the day.

Andy.


Date: Friday 19th September, 2008
Anchorage: Craighouse, Isle of Jura
Position: 55° 50’.000N 005° 57’.000W
Distance Travelled: 45 NM

We didn’t get round to writing a blog today because we went to the pub. Surveying from Loch Tarbert to Craighouse on Jura, where we had an excellent meal ashore and much jollity. Hurrah!

Date: Thursday 18th September, 2008
Anchorage: Loch Tarbert, Isle of Jura
Position: 55° 57’.600N 005° 55’.900W
Distance Travelled: 48 NM

We’re all really tired. There’s been a lot of Big Epic Hebridean weather and scenery today. Here’s what we’ve liked best…

Elizabeth: Riding the waves between Iona and the Ross of Mull
Kumiko: Learning to drive the boat
Andy: Stopping feeling seasick
Ellie: Shell collection from Loch Tarbert
Danielle: Walking on the raised beach at Loch Tarbert, having wanted to go there for years
Dennis: At least six bounces with one skimming stone on the fresh water loch
Glen: Andy’s stew
Lewis: Sitting in the rain looking out over Loch Tarbert
Susie: Lewis just nicked my one

Date: Wednesday 17th September, 2008
Anchorage: Bunessan
Position: 56° 19’.600N 006° 15’.200W
Distance Travelled: 45 NM

Day two, the adventure continues….. Weather couldn’t be better – the water at times took on an ethereal glass like appearance, with the sun dancing on it, very inviting! Therefore a trip up to the crow’s nest was called for, and it was worth the climb – even had the captain make and bring up soup while I drank in the view. Breathtaking! Lots of seals popped up and some porpoises gave us a nod as well. Great nosh was had with a mid afternoon cream tea complete with raised pinkies, before dropping anchor in Mull for a quick pint and the gathering of mushrooms and blackberries. Everyone returned back to Silurian fresh eyed and rosy cheeked to enjoy Elizabeth’s chilli and tatties. Spirits are high, bellies are full.

Ellie

Date: Tuesday 16th September
Anchorage: Cragaig, Isle of Ulva
Position: 56° 28’.200N 006° 13’.000W
Distance Travelled: 33 NM

Today was our first day at sea on our expedition. Our volunteers are six in number and are Ellie, Elizabeth, Dennis, Andy, Danielle, Kumiko. The crew is Captain Glen, First Mate Lewis, and Suzie, our Scientific Officer. We left Tobermory around 2 pm and sailed up the Sound of Mull around the top of Mull. The water was quite rough [just a light breeze really – Ed] and we did not have much luck with any sightings, but the sun did shine and the water settled down a bit and the day was very much enjoyed. Our anchorage for the night is off the west coast of Mull, by the island of Ulva, ‘Wolf’s Island’ in Norse, which was once the centre of Scotland’s kelp gathering industry. Someone spotted a seal as the anchor was being lowered and hopefully we will see them again when the sun rises. Lewis made an excellent supper of veggie curry, rice, naan (YUM!!!) and cleaning up after was quite easy as there was nothing left! We are currently sitting around the table having a jolly time and I believe we will all sleep well tonight. Good night!

Danielle

Silurian travelled to Arisaig early in the morning to arrive in time for three workshops with students from the Primary School. P3 students boarded first, followed by P4 to P6 who wrote these comments:
Today we went to the dolphin trust and see lobsters, crabs and sea mouse. Archie
I liked holding the lobster best. Matthew
I enjoyed the lobsters. Michael
I liked the sea mouse the most. Jenny
Today what I liked was looking and feeling the sea creatures. Roslin
Looking and feeling the starfish. Edward
After lunch P7 students added:
Today i learned more about whales and dolphins.
I thought the best bit was looking around the boat and seeing how big it was and looking at the fish.
I was interested in the sea mouse. It was funny and colourful.
I enjoyed looking at the sea mouse.
I enjoyed seeing the star fish and the treasure hunt was very, very, very fun. Amy
Today I saw lots of interesting things. I learnt about the way some of the animals live. I also learnt about different things you find in the boat. Something I saw that I’ve never seen before is the sea mouse. The best bit was the treasure hunt.
My favourite part on Silurian was when we got to hold all the different types of lobsters and crabs.
As Silurian headed home the crew were delighted to encounter two killer whales – one male and one female. The perfect way to end a fantastic week.

Mallaig High School students boarded the boat this morning to learn about Silurian, HWDT’s research and local marine life. S2 students wrote some comments at the end of the workshop:
On board Silurian I learnt that dolphins make noises. It made me laugh when Angus got attacked by the lobster. Angus had a fight with the lobster. Dazzen
Today I learned about how you can communicate with dolphins and whales. Kimberley
I enjoyed listening to the different sounds the dolphins, whales and porpoises made. Morven
I enjoyed learning about all the different animals and listening to them on the hydrophone. Jessica
I learnt new things about different sea creatures and i enjoyed the time I spent on the boat doing the treasure hunt. Thanks you from Freya.
I enjoyed listening to the sounds through the hydrophone, and learning about the starfish and sea mouse.
I enjoyed it lots and I’m definitely going to volunteer when I’m 18! Abigail
Today I learnt that sea life are beautiful and need to be protected more.
Today I learnt about a sea mouse looks like a lump of mould but it’s really soft.
I enjoyed picking up the animals.
Today I learnt that lobsters are feisty. Angus

Lady Lovat Primary School students experienced a marine life workshop in the afternoon:
Today I learnt about fish.
I thought the best part was seeing the animals. Jonathan
I enjoyed the lobster. Michael
Today I learnt about sea mouse.
I enjoyed the sea mouse. Me and Alexander named it Spike. Matthew
I enjoyed the sea mouse.
Today I learnt how to find sea life. David
I enjoyed seeing the seal. Kirstie-Ann
Today I learnt about the Silurian boat. Alasdair
The best part of today was listening to the strange noises. Liam

Another busy day for the education team, crew, dogfish and the thornback ray! Despite a wet and windy start enthusiastic students from Mallaig Primary School searched the boat on a treasure hunt, and pretended to be volunteers carrying out research. Additionally they had a close encounter with a grey seal, lobster and very large hermit crab. These P5 to 7 students certainly learnt a lot:

I enjoyed my day on the boat. I touched a ray, lobster, prawn and dogfish. Tony.

I really liked seeing and touching all the sea animals on the boat. I learnt a lot about the equipment that helps find whales and dolphins. Allan.

Today I had a great time. I felt a dogfish, a hermit crab and lots more. It felt great! Mark.

I will always remember this trip. I really enjoyed seeing all the animals and I touched a dogfish.
It was great inside and the recorded noises were amazing. Fiona.

I liked the octopus the most, but all the animals are cool. Ida.

I held the dogfish. Ryan.

Today I felt the dogfish. Courtney.

I have touched a dogfish, a prawn and a ray. We did a treasure hunt.

We have held crabs, looked around the boat and did a treasure hunt. Thomas.

I enjoyed and will always remember that I have touched a dogfish and have seen a ray. Chloe.

I enjoyed touching the dogfish and ray. I picked up a lobster. It was amazing. I would love to come back. Tyler.

Inverie Primary School students joined us alongside for two workshops between 9:00 and 12:30. The youngest students (aged 4) were delighted to have the chance to come onboard astern from the RIB. Again they were too busy learning about the dogfish, crabs, lobster and flat fish to write ideas for the blog.

We then headed to Mallaig at lunchtime to meet the S3 High School students in the afternoon. Here are some of their comments:
I enjoyed hearing sounds through the hydrophone and hearing about research methods.
Silurian sail trips seem like a great way to find out about, see and protect the marine life of the Hebrides. I’m definitely looking for a job. Kathryn

One thing I found interesting was how the hydrophone can pick up noises of the animals and other boats.

Today was fun and interesting. I learned that you could listen to things underwater using a special piece of equipment. I never knew this before.

I will remember the hydrophone and the knives and forks.
It was a great experience. I learnt a lot today and the people make it more enjoyable. Learning about dolphins and the boat was good fun.

I enjoyed it because we learned a lot and it was interesting and we did not have to stand in the rain for very long. Amy

At 8:30 am students from Muck Primary School boarded Silurian for marine life workshops, packed with activities to learn about the marine environment and cetacean research. The students came aboard in two groups, each for an hour and a half to explore the boat, learn about HWDT’s research and investigate local marine life. They were so busy they had no time to write comments!
We then took Silurian to Eigg for the primary students to experience two similar workshops in the afternoon. We were blessed with continuing fine weather and kindly given more by-catch from a local fisherman to show the children. After two great workshops we travelled to Knoydart to prepare for the following mornings school visits.

Date: Friday 5th September, 2008
Anchorage: Tobermory
Position: 56° 38’.100N 006° 03’.700W
Distance Travelled: 33 NM

The Skipper’s Report:

The sun rose over the hills of Mull in a glorious burst of orange light illuminating the clouds which softly clothed the velvet slopes of the hills. As usual, only Geoff and I were up, conscious and able to fully enjoy the exquisite pleasure of waking up on a yacht anchored in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The rest of the crew remained in slumber waiting for the inevitable arrival of the wake up call.

Friday had arrived, the last day of a wonderful trip around the islands but a new experience for me being involved in a weeks surveying and monitoring the wildlife of the area. The company had been great, the weather superb (we had enjoyed sunshine while England was battered by winds and heavy rain) and we had seen several whales, lots of porpoise, basking sharks and birds. A report of orcas in the area had raised spirits but despite our best efforts they remained elusive.

However as skipper in charge of overall discipline I had found things hard at times, many of the volunteers proving a trial which even Captain Bligh would have found a challenge. Water had been regarded as a commodity to be wasted, electricity used in a frivolous manner and food consumed in huge quantities by all aboard (apart from myself of course due to being on a strict diet). The other crew were supportive, when it suited them. The food cooked by Julie – excellent but no regard given to the massive quantity of washing up which were left after every meal. Rick, the 1st mate (with an varied and stylish assortment of undergarments which were on various occasions on display) was the epitome of the stylish adventurer, with an apparently strange relationship with coffee of all things. He specialised in exploding coffee cans, wreaking havoc in the galley on one occasion, but his real forte was in the recovery of dinghies which had been left in stupid places. Why he felt the need to strip to minimum clothing must remain a secret between him and his mother but did seem to indicate a singular lack pf potty training. And of course I have to be grateful for the help, assistance, advice and general back seat driving from the scientific officer on board – Susannah. Occasionally one has the pleasure of meeting someone who has the natural ability to lead people beyond their normal limitations, who has an unnatural ability to think ahead and plan unerringly, who has the depth of biological knowledge which has only been superseded by Darwin. One day I hope to meet such a person.

But all in all I have to report that a wonderful time was had by all, Skipper, 1st Mate, scientific officer, cook and all the volunteers – a marvellous time which I will remember with great pleasure and gratitude.

D.

Date: Thursday 4th September, 2008
Anchorage: Craigaig Bay, Ulva
Position: 56° 28’.200N 006° 13’.000W
Distance Travelled: 40 NM

After a blissfully peaceful night we awoke to a clear blue morning and calm seas. This aided in our sighting two minke whales in the first 40 minutes. 30 minutes was taken to admire the creatures, with us presuming that it was an adult and a youngling. With such calm waters we made good use of the Crows nest, with everyone having a go! However, the sightings calmed down somewhat after the initial treat of the minke whales, but we still sighted a basking shark, several porpoises and a couple of grey seals. Tonight we have moored in Craigaig and decided to take a trip to a wee small Isle. This was a wondrous place with a small cove beach with maerl sand (that’s algae, which is a delicate and sensitive habitat). Nearly all of the party took a cool swim in the crystal clear water, with all agreeing it was a wonderful experience, with me saying that it was the ‘best beach I’ve ever swum at’. The day and night has been topped off with Haggis and neaps and recurring tales of how the 1st mate once again had to strip down to his pants to retrieve the dinghy. High hopes of another good day tomorrow, but the weather is looking a bit dubious.
Cheers all, GUY.

PS. Recipe for Dahl (Pam’s secret recipe):
¼ pan of dahl
2 to 4 bay leaves depending upon pan size
3 to 4 whole cloves of garlic
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cover dahl with boiling water (just enough to cover)
Keep over low heat and keep topping up as it evaporates
When near to serving, ensure that liquid is reduced and texture becomes thick
At this point add 1/3 to ½ pack of unsalted butter and stir through
Serve and enjoy!

Date: Wednesday 3rd September, 2008
Anchorage: Gometra
Position: 56° 29’.100N 006° 16’.000W
Distance Travelled: 56 NM

So, I’m writing the blog tonight, as we’ve worked our marvellous volunteers so hard that they’ve all crashed out to their beds already – and it’s only ten o’clock. Another long day at sea, but a brilliant one, with little but sunny blue skies and bonny Atlantic swells rolling in from afar. We started out from our anchorage heading for seas west of Tiree, encountering our basking shark friends from yesterday on our way. Onwards from there to Skerryvore lighthouse, where the big turquoise waves were breaking spectacularly over the reef, and catching the sun. From Skerryvore toward the west coast of Mull, and our anchorage, as the evening sunshine turned to golden then red as it set over the Treshnish Isles. On top of the sharks, we’ve seen seals and sunfish, and detected a good many porpoises on the hydrophone. We have also managed to eat like lords – yet again. Highlight undoubtedly the afternoon scones, where valuable lessons were learnt in the wisdom of eating in moderation…or not…where were those Rennie, skipper…?

Susie

Date: Tuesday 2nd September, 2008
Anchorage: Loch Breachacha, Isle of Coll
Position: 56° 35’.100N 006° 37’.400W
Distance Travelled: 34NM

- WELL HELLO BIG BOY !
As the enormous basking shark was approaching the boat slowly we could start to see the shape of its impressive body under the water.
- Come on, open your mouth! They must surely have been a good dozen of them lurking around the boat at the same time this afternoon. Having missed the “stunning full breach, surely the highlight of the trip and blah, blah, blah…”, I desperately kept on asking them for one forgetting that the sharks probably didn’t even realise the boat’s presence…
A few hours later we got a “very lovely sight” at Rick’s pants as he was trying to get into the tender brought out of reach by the incoming tide. Even a seal joined us to have a look at his backside. Vic regretted not being able to show you his hilarious adventures by putting photos up on the blog but Susie put on a big grin at Rick and said “It’s actually probably better we can’t”. Poor Rick we’re surely going to laugh about this for a long time…

Nadj