Thrushes Egg

May is nesting time and as we fly about the Island the birds just get on with it all. The usual suspects are here, the geese, the Oyster catchers and the Sandpipers plus many more. The hawks, Black Backs and crows/Ravens give them a hard time but many escape and come back next year. This Thrush left the nest in such a rush she nearly took the egg with her, it was sitting precariously on the edge.

Little Rain

The weather continued with many dry sunny days in May but we did have odd showers, welcome with the risk of fire ever there.

Stardust

Stardust was still filling in between ferry operators, MV Aspire sold but Seaflower waiting in the wings.

Another Bumpy Ride

The sea has been very kind this year with many calm days, a welcome change.

The Bothy View

But work goes on with the bothy in full occupancy due to the house build.

Sorting Fat Lambs

In between shifts at the new house the lambs had to be dressed and sorted, always a lively task.

Seaflower Sea Trials

On my many trips to Portree it is good to see the comings and goings. Here is Seaflower after arriving in Portree a few days earlier getting out for some trials.

Portree Trip

No trial here though going to Portree for the bathroom fittings this time.

Early Morning Trouble

And although I get there early there is always something happening in a harbour. This time Marie Bhan caught a mooring rope. Not a good start.

Leaving Portree

Same day a few hours later and it was Skye Yachts’ turn, with a prop missing on one of its charter yachts it was alongside the slip waiting for the tide to put on a new one.

Yet Another Portree Trip

A pleasure not to be bouncing back to Rona.

Kestrel At Rona

Back to Rona to find Kestrel alongside MV Seaflower who was out with a charter.

Air Test

The job up at the house carries on with the air test due we had Ben Wear out to test it. A good result with a 1.18 (whatever that means) but it was good!

Ben Wear

Still trying to get my head round a ventilation system and open windows?

Rona Cottage Guests

The cottage’s are busy this year but this last few weeks have been quiet (June/July). Possibly with the world cup, who knows.

Dish of The Day

In among it all it is good to see some seafood, cooked coming our way with a Yogi speciality hand delivered, delicious.

Oh Oh, a Leaker

Although we had a good air test the first real rain proved our worst fears and one of our very expensive Nor Dan windows leaks. Not good and once we proved it to their technicians there is nothing for it but to replace. A job we don’t need.

Portree Invasion

More fun in Portree as another cruiser arrives, in fact two. Chaos as usual ensues down the pier and the best thing is to get in and out quick as upwards of five tour busses try to turn around down the pier.

Not For Me

Adding up the figures these boats must generate a huge amount of income, 280 went ashore from this one but the remainder stayed on board. I did hear that prices for this tour were in the thousands, amazing but not for me.

Two Ferries Ago

MV Aspire was tied up on this visit but the new owner was aboard and heading very shortly to the TT on the Isle of Man, it gets about.

Clear Days

Clear days and reflections are easy to find in the water, don’t know if this seagull was chasing itself or looking for something to eat?

Feeding Frenzy

Our hens are laying well but out in the forest presenting a challenge every day trying to track them down in the undergrowth.

Yet Another Load

Another load for the new house, doors, fireproof plasterboard and who knows whatelse?

Edinburgh Here We Come

Another sunny day and we head off to pick up Dorte and Arne in Edinburgh, a pleasant trip with our guests on MV Seaflower, the cruise ship is the old Cal Mac ferry converted for luxurious tours, now they are expensive.

Rona Return

A quick trip to Edinburgh, a stay at the highly recommended Ballathie House on the way home and then back to Rona for a sun blessed week.

Good Food Time

When our Danish guests come the food gets better and better, especially with a feast of seafood.

Cooking The Catch

Crabs, lobsters and langoustine, it does not get much better.

Sunny Days From the New House

The weather continued to everyone’s amazement and the yachts started to appear in numbers.

A Beauty

A good finish to the month, good food, good weather.

Dinners Up

And good progress with the house.

Return To Rona With Kayakers

It is taking a while to catch up but we are getting there. June next maybe not so long this time.