Cruise around Mull...

Saturday, 16th April - Catch up)

 Well, there we all were in the Caledonian Hotel, wondering who our fellow passengers would be, and after the crew showed up, they gave us the rundown, which included the fact our luggage would be taken our to the boat first, and then us. Vicki, (the bosun), showed us life jackets whose number we should always remember, as that would be our our jacket for the rest of the cruise. Then, once suitably fitted with these jackets, we were marched across the road to the tender. (Mum, look at all the funny people with red things on them!!)

We would go out to the boat in groups of no more than about 8 people (including 2 crew?), and so some of us set off. Then we clambered aboard, to other waiting crew, who sensibly had champagne (with a strawberry in the glass) waiting for us. How civilised!

Once we were all assembled, we had the required briefing about boat-board safety, and fire exits, and toilet "etiquette". (The boat has a macerator, which deals with more solid waste, and is VERY noisy). We were shown to our cabins and settled in, and changed for dinner.

The crew were Bob (the captain), Vicki (the bosun), Paul (the Engineer), and Dougie (the Chef), and it was Dougi's job to feed us, and he did that!!!

We were to cruise out of Oban harbour for a while and then anchor in a loch, where all would be calm for our first night aboard, and dinner.

Duart Castle, the first day.

First impression was that the cabin was a bit snug, but given that the boat had been a fishing boat in another life, and refitted, they did a pretty good job. (Mental note - Do not try and turn around quickly in the bathroom, in any direction!!!)

By this stage my cough had worsened, and I was trying everything to lessen the stress, plus I was having trouble with the asthma, but we went up to dinner, and faced the assembled throng.

John and Mary, from Eastbourne (Sussex), John and Maggie, (Hackney, London), Linda (from Surrey?), Ann (Liverpool), and Barry and Judy (from near Godalming, Sussex), PLUS us Aussies!! (from Caberra, Australia)

"What a fine party we made", (sorry Ms Austen), and I later discovered that none of us knew each other, (even tho I initially thought the Johns and their 'partners' did.)

So there we were, all being a little nervous (?), and about to enjoy Dougie's food.

Langoustines (large elegant prawns), which for me were a total disappointment, and having looked forward to them for so long, they were lots of shell for little reward! Very tasty, but too much effort for so little result.

Then, a wonderful Salmon en Croute, (fresh salmon done in puff pastry), and excellent! To follow, a raspberry cheesecake, which was so good, but the beginnings of too much food.

Lee declined most desserts, but was in her element when the cheese platters emerged.

Fully sated, we retired to a quite comfortable bed, and the first night "at sea", and with no feeling whatsoever that we were floating. No rocking, no movement, no nothing!

Breakfast is to be from 7.30am, and we have that before we set off for other adventures.