Ardfern, Loch Craignish

We're in Ardfern at the top of Loch Craignish after a very good day's sailing. That's all for now as the mobile signal is not great.


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Location:Ardfern,United Kingdom

Islay

We left Glenarm on Tuesday, slightly reluctantly because it seemed a very pleasant place which we had barely had time to see, however the weather was not looking good and we wanted to cross the North Channel to Scotland so we could be sure of getting to Loch Melfort for the next Gaffer event.
It was pretty misty. We had a little difficulty with the bowsprit, but eventually it was sorted. The wind was coming dead astern and Toucando rolled a lot in the beamy waves. Crockery rattled, and any loose objects flew around the cabin. We motor sailed with the staysail and went fast, with the help of some very strong tides. However it was not a pleasant motion and became quite tiresome. Visibility was poor, so we couldn't see the Mull of Kintyre, Rathlin Island, or indeed anything but a mile of sea all round.
After briefly considering a reroute to Campbeltown, which we rejected because of adverse tides, we continued towards Port Ellen, trusting to our electronic navigator. At last we spied land through the fog and picked our way in past the lighthouse and skerries, to the pier and small marina. It was exactly as the chart plotter told us. We moored up and Simon cooked a bolognese. After our arrival the fog became even thicker before parting to give us a clear view out of the harbour. It had been a tiring and frustrating day, without the compensation of the views we might have expected.
Today (Wednesday) we decided to stay on at Port Ellen, sort out the boat, do some laundry, shop for groceries then go sightseeing. The principal sights to see on Islay are distilleries. Anne and I set off to Lagavulin. The walk took us along a stunning rocky coast, past peat bogs and stands of trees. There was a profusion of wild flowers, and occasional fields of sheep. We reached Lagavulin and booked our tour. In the event it was just the two of us and we were taken round by an enthusiastic young guide. All the processes were explained and we finished by sampling some of the produce. We then walked back to Toucando and had a (Scottish) beef curry. It had been a very pleasant day of rest and recuperation.
On arrival at Port Ellen:





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Sailing at last!

We're in Glenarm, County Antrim, after a proper day of sailing, mostly with the wind behind us. New crew Anne and Simon mastered the bowsprit, the running backstays and the gaff rig. We are now in a small, pleasant harbour cooking steaks for dinner.









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Location:New Road,Glenarm,United Kingdom

Brilliant Belfast

It was only a short hop from Bangor to Belfast. We unfurled the headsails, mainly for show, and motorsailed into the city. We are based in the Abercorn Basin, near the new Titanic Belfast visitor attraction. It was a beautiful afternoon when we arrived. We enjoyed a trip to see the Harbour Commissioners' Offices. We had flambéd chicken back aboard Toucando. New crew member Anne arrived. This morning David left, having come all the way from Milford Haven. Today the crew have been exploring Belfast. It is a wonderfully warm and sunny day. Tomorrow we take a trip up the Lagan for lunch.

Approaching Belfast

The Titanic captain's table (it was never delivered)

A grand room in the Harbour Commissioners' Office

I was pleased to spot this toucan

Flambéd chicken with salad...

... not to forget the fresh fruit with chocolate sauce.

Belfast by night

City Hall

St George's Market

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Location:Corry Road,Belfast,United Kingdom

Bangor

We had a pleasant trip from Peel, where we enjoyed kippers for breakfast. Mostly very light winds. We got the topsail up and even did a bit of sailing. Now we're in the pub in Bangor. Tomorrow Belfast.














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Location:Queen's Parade,Bangor,United Kingdom

Master chef Toucando

Toucando makes a point of fine dining.


We started with an excellent party at Shamrock Quay featuring contributions from various guests... Notably some African cuisine courtesy of Matu.


We enjoyed many a meal in Lymouth waiting for the gales to blow themselves out.


And the amazing bakery in the Royal William Victualling Yard produced amazing bread and scones.


Colin rustled up some kofte meatballs (from scratch), Indian spicy potatoes and sauce.


... Chicken Kiev, washed down with ginger beer...


Sometimes we enjoy a simple lunch on deck.


In Howth we were given home produced sausages by David (one of Toucando's former owners)...


Crew member David made an Irish style stew...


Colin produced some fine vegetable curry...


And we had some excellent Irish steaks, with sautéed potatoes and tomato salad...


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Location:Kerroo Coar,Peel,United Kingdom

Carlingford

On Monday we left Dublin. After a promising start when we sailed across Dublin Bay towards Howth, the wind dropped and we motored the rest of the way to Carlingford Lough, passing the island of Lambay and the Skerries Lighthouse. The entrance to Carlingford is written up to make it sound difficult: however arriving near the top of the tide, there was little current and plenty of water. We found Hellyhunter cardinal mark and followed the channel in. The approach to the marina involves a back transit. The wall is made of some extremely random concrete blocks, however once in it is a very pleasant place.
We enjoyed some wine and nuts aboard High Barbaree. David and Colin also went into the marina bar carousing.
The environment is very attractive, with the mountains of Mourne rolling down to the sea on the opposite side of the lough. The town of Carlingford is attractive with a ruined castle or two. I found supplies at Savage's Victuallers.
It would have been good to stay longer, however we wanted to see Peel and visit the Isle of Man, so we are pressing on.



Passing Howth



The Skerries Lighhouse



Approaching Carlingford Lough



Moored in Carlingford




Savage the Victualler.

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