isleofronalog

Bonkers Weather.

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Bill Cowie

I got a call this morning early, ‘How’s The Weather’? Bonkers! That was my reply, since 5 am the roof of Rona Lodge was getting its annual appraisal by the wind. Up until about 10.30am it was just full force with the radio telling us that it was 50 to 60 mph, I can believe it.

Bonkers Weather

The depressing thing is that this is what we have for pre Christmas week and with it continuing until after Christmas day, in fact the night of the 25th is pretty severe but we will wait and see. Working back from to-day it has been the usual busy Island, or at least we are busy, everything else just gets along nicely. After the wind subsided I decided to go and do a wee bit at the new roofed shed down in the field.

Cladding In The Gale

Quite a sheltered job until you had to go out past the sheets of ply, then the wind took to throwing me against the wall, what fun trying to nail boards on. Around 12.30 I gave up with the first spit of rain, now two hours later it is very heavy rain. Ah well it had been a good spell leading up to to-day.

This Morning.

In fact this morning I was sitting having my breakfast and the sun started breaking very red, grabbing the camera I shot outside and the first thing I saw was an otter in the garden. By the time Lorraine got to the window to look at it, it was gone.

Top of The Hill

I took a toodle up to the top of the hill after that but the sunrise was almost over, the sea though was pretty high. The wind right out of the SE at that time and it was pretty cold.

Fuel Delivery

Yesterday was a good day, no wind and calm enough for MV Aspire to make a fuel drop. It was our last mail until after Christmas going by the forecast.

Presents Galore

It was good to get the Tesco’s order delivered on Sunday night and dropped off on Monday morning so that was the food sorted but no turkey, they were sold out!!!!! Plenty mail and there were a few presents that did not arrive but that will be a nice surprise after Christmas.

Plugged

On Sunday night I woke up at 4 in the morning, thinking that I had given Kevin the IBC (Industrial Bulk Container, somebody asked!!!!!) with the rubber plug in it. This IBC had come from Mallaig last landing craft delivery, it sprung a leak on the landing craft and Jamie the skipper had plugged it quick. I would not use it again for fuel . In the rush on Friday to catch the boat I just grabbed the first IBC and was sure I’d given Kevin the wrong one. Thankfully no panic it was still up top.

Trophy Box

Last week we had Dave over from Ireland, he was helping out with hind stalking. Luckily we had a good week of weather apart from one morning and that was the day we made the box for sending the antler trophies shot in October to Europe, problem is we can’t get anyone to take them. We need to try plan B, posting. Seems that a lot of the distribution folk will not transport ‘animal products’. We’ll find a solution for sure.

Hinds On The Hill on The Way To Dry Harbour.

It was a pretty full on week with Dave last week apart from the morning on the box. The hinds are getting to levels on our 2000 acre Island that we need to cull a number, which is always ten times more difficult to do compared with the stags, this group are quite safe though, they hang about the roadside up at Meal and are in tip top condition. It is difficult to find poor condition hinds here which tells you that there is plenty forage and shelter on Rona but at the risk of the Island getting cropped bare the Deer Management Plan has to happen.

Full Moon

During Dave’s week the moon was full and as far as I could see was not too different from the ‘Super Moon’ we had the month before, I went up the hill to try to get a photo of it but got held up. When I arrived I had forgotten my filters and there was a band of clouds spoiling the view. It was so cold I did not mess about, so I took a few shots then retreated, quickly.

Julie and Family

With the full moon and clear skies we had quite a few cold and frosty mornings, Julie is never far away when the sheep get fed.

In Between Times

In between stalking times the light was pretty good and it was good to be home at the time and able to grab the camera, in fact we did have quite a few nice sunsets.

Sunset 1

Same Night 2

Cold clear Night 3

We had guests in the cottage the week before Dave came which was good to have at this time of year, they had booked a week a couple of years ago, cancelled, but took up their booking again this year, Michael and Amanda came here 6 years ago from Australia and loved it, here they were back again. Their week turned out pretty good weather wise which is always a bonus.

Kilted Michael!!!!!!

We did not see much of our guests only when Michael came over to use the internet (with his kilt on, for Scotland!!).

Clear Days

Days like this in the winter have been a premium this past few years but this winter has been exceptional, taking it bad to-day it is awful outside just now.

Early Morning Walk

Before Dave arrived I thought I would do a recce of the North end and deliver a box of venison to one of the girls who work up at the Base. It was a stunning walk, I think it was Sunday morning, very cold and crisp. Nice to be at the lighthouse before the sun got up. Plenty deer about and nice to see the guys up at the Qinetic Base.

Back to Work

Back to Big Harbour by lunchtime and the frost had still not melted. So nothing for it but to get up on the frosty roof and fit the new vent pipe and flashing delivered on that weeks ferry. The pipe had been too short before but now it is a longer one with extraction fan, it works very well.

Winterising

I finished that pretty quick so got the outboards closed down for the winter, batteries off, rust proofing into the engine a wee run up and then that was them till March I guess.

Trying To Get Ahead

The only other job I can remember from two weeks ago was firewood, the boxes are quick to run out so it was a necessity to get out into the forest to stock up. I was over in the forest with Dave and spotted a few big hardwood trees down. I have a plan which involves the Torfor winch and Kevin’s MV Aspire, that could be the Christmas project, we will see.

Posted in Books, Daily Doings, The Views and of course the weather, Wildlife | Leave a comment

December’s Here, Where Did November go!!

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Bill Cowie

We had been away for a fortnight, first two weeks of November, but since we have returned the weather has been unbelievably kind and the days have just run away from us. There has been little rain although the ground is very wet, but the rain we have had has been through the night drying nicely during the day. I lie in bed thinking I’ll get my paperwork up to date to-day as the rain hammers off the Velux window, then by ten o’clock it stops, the sun comes out and I feel guilty sitting here by the lap top. So, I must go and I’ll finish this tonight when it is dark.

Late Visitor

Tomorrow +1: One hour before we left for our fortnights holiday this yacht sailed into the bay, we had prepared for our relief cover but the last thing we expected was a yacht, especially with the forecast.

And We Are Off

As it happened the yacht left, the weather stayed calm, Ali and Clive made a huge effort and got here on the Friday instead of the planned Saturday, which then meant a late drive to Perth but no worries we were on holiday.

Looking Good

You can skip the 13 photos, yes 13 but it was one of our best holidays. On a canal boat, in Wiltshire on the Kennet and Avon canal. After Prunella Scales, Timothy Wests programme it sounded a good plan.

Beautiful Morning

After a couple of days driving we arrived midday Sunday so no point in taking off into the dark. We hung about until 10 am Monday then headed into the unknown. Cold, frosty, sunshine best of all calm!!

Novel Machine

The most interesting people you meet on a canal. Maintenance mostly funded by members and charitable trusts, canals have opened up again and provide excellent visitor attractions. But the work goes on. This looks fun.

What Can I Say

Of course we woke to the news…………………………….

Move On

We visited Devizes and parked up only to be chased by several grey headed people shouting from their balconies, seemed the place we chose was in front of their retirement homes looked like a good mooring place. Not allowed, which made me realise just how the ‘Yachties’ feel or Kayakers when I tell them to ‘move on’!!!!! Must remember that next year!!

Eye On The Cake

All in all a great week with lots of cake.

Defintely No Parking

Got up in the morning to find the local jobsworth putting up parking signs, we thought we had done something wrong but it was for the car park not us, for once.

Fi and Rossi

The night before (after the run in with the retirees) we were invited to raft up to Fi and Rossi’s lovely barge, very friendly couple on their way to Evesham. They were very welcoming and a breath of fresh air. They are live aboards and are home schooling their kids on their travels, good luck to them. We enjoyed meeting them very much. Rossi is threatening to take his barge to Rona………………

Cool Mornings

If it were a photography holiday then there would be no end of opportunity.

Cheeky Swans

Wildlife galore but all to soon it was back up the road and we arrived in Edinburgh. First thing was a visit to the Scottish Malt Whisky Society, I always wanted to visit and am now a member. Although the amount of whisky I have drunk in my life they should have given me free membership.

Protester

On the bus to Leith we had a long conversation with a young student, I think she was Romanian/definitely East European, on her way to protest outside the American Embassy. Things are happening all over the world like the ‘North Dakota Pipeline’ and we don’t know about it over here unless we are tuned to World News or?. This is a very serious issue but click on the link for more.

Joined Up

Now this is whisky heaven

Lovely Old Building

What I love about Edinburgh is the architecture, just wandering about looking up is a favourite pastime but not good bumping into people!!!!

Early Morning Departure

Saturday morning we woke up and were down the pier sharp, the Lighthouse Board had an engineer on board who was going up to switch back on the Light which had gone out. We were back sharp and had a couple of hours with Clive and Ali until MV Aspire returned from the North.

Snow on the Storr

The trip home to Rona on the ferry was very nice with snow on all the hills, however when we got back to the Lodge the ceiling had been soaked yet again by the cistern upstairs which leaked for the second time this year, a pest of a thing as some previous plumber had blocked the overflow. Of course my fault for not fixing it in the spring.

Not Again

Once Clive and Ali got away and we unpacked, we sorted out two weeks washing and all the holiday stuff you need to deal with , there was nothing for it but to head up to the cabin for ‘Strictly’ great!!

Then It Was Strictly

My job was to attend the fire outside it was such a calm night and very nice to sit out with a glass and reflect on the last two weeks.

With a Wee Bit of Hygge

Next day over to Dry Harbour, work to do but the views and the weather quite superb, what a day to return to Rona.

Great Days

And so it continued, here’s the view of the Clisham on Harris with snow falling.

Looking To Harris

Next day we woke, checked out the window to see funny looking fog/smoke on the water. Seems the fishfarm was having a bonfire.

Smoke on The Water

We put the ewes to the Tup before we left but were keen to get him off, the grass is not so plentiful so we are feeding, just a little. Of course who turns up the minute sheep feed is on offer but Julie, with a very fine calf too.

Julie Is Back

She is very quick to chase the ewes so it makes for a longer feed standing sentry until the sheep have most of it.

Outage

The Applenet broadband has been a bit poor before we left but I thought it was ok. However on our return it was out, so on the Sunday I had a toodle up to the mast where I found the Nano was pointing to Gairloch but that was not the main problem.

Worth it for the View

I went back up after shifting the Nano and finding it still not working. This time I re-booted the whole system and that seemed to work. Always good to go up there and take in the view.

Another Outage

On the Friday before we came back the power had an outage too. Clive got it going on the end of the phone as we enjoyed a drink in the ‘Plough Hotel’ Alnwick. But there was an issue, it took until Monday to see a wire had come off the solenoid right in at the back of it, dark, oily and not very apparent. Now fixed and a job for a wet winter day, replace the wires.

Just Off The Head

The weather continued, much to our amazement. It has been quite a few years since we have seen this at this time regularly.

Lonbain MV Iona

The light is so good, if i did not have such a long list of work then I would spend my time just taking photos, so much to see.

Old Man Of Storr From The Mast

So much to take in.

Sun setting on Torridon

And you never get tired of it.

And Finally

At all!!

How Not To Park

Back to reality, I took the new ATV/bike out for a run and went to the top gate, turned it round, pointed it for home and stepped off leaving it running. I heard a noise a few seconds later and here was the bike running down the road. The handbrake had come off and with the cold the engine the fuel injection had run harder, sending it headlong into the ditch.

Roadside Rescue

Luckily we got away with it, no damage.

Cleaning Out The Compost

Next job was one to look forward to, I had to empty the compost loo recently installed into the bunkhouse. I left it by the sea to wash it out, why waste my time when the sea can do it.

Hen

The sunny weather has got the hens, sheep and deer out and about. So much wildlife on the go, even that dry that the hens can get a dust bath.

Julie and Calf

Julie is quick to come down to the feed but her calf does not know the score yet. Julie is at least 16 years old and still able to produce very fine looking calves, maybe it is because of the sheep feed she steals.

More Drainage

We had to finish the drainage at the back of the house quickly due to Autumn rain but it was so dry the wet patches were showing so I took advantage of the weather to remedy that problem.

Furniture Removal

Lots to do on our return, even shifting furniture. We inherited two new settees but they were taking up room in the garage so we shifted one of them over to Escape where the two seater ‘brown’ leather settee was wrecked.

Julie Looking For Spilt Cobs

The work goes on but there is always a picture, Julie comes down at night to check the troughs, just in case there is a cob lurking under it.

Rescuing The Road

Part of the drainage problems was the ditch we dug with Hugh’s digger for the water and power to the new house, it has now sunk and the footprint is ideal for a water retention/mud. So it may not be pretty but I ran down some quarry material to try and dry it up. We will get it level next year when Hugh returns with his tracked digger.

Tup Heading Off

Last Saturday, MV Aspire was away so Dan stood too. Mr Tup was past his sell by date so he had to go. He was showing an unhealthy interest in his daughters. First thing , we caught him then took him down to the pontoon on receiving MV Stardust’s ETA.

Ferry To Himself

We got him on no problem and I heard he went up the pontoon in Portree just like a dog on a lead. He was probably glad to be home after his Rona years!!

Re-fitting The Loo

Later in the day it was back to the loo down at the bothy, but, it was taking shape.

Getting There

If I had, had more time before we left on holiday I would have done it properly but losing time I had to cut corners knowing I was going to get trouble. So, nothing lost just get on with it and hopefully it will work now. The biggest problem is that it is below tide level.

More Emergency Drainage

As the weather remains dry, wet patches still appear and as this last week progressed we got a chance to get away from the desk and get these damp bits done. To-day there was lots of paperwork then a bit of wood work.

Stags Head Boxes

I am putting together timber to make a packing case to send Stags antlers, shot on Rona this year to Denmark.

Off to DH

After lunch it was over to Dry Harbour to sort out the Escape cottage for our guests tomorrow, plus sort the Chinese hat cover. Not my best job. The sheep must have been hungry, they ran after us right up to the gate, so I gave in and gave them a wee feed.

Vertigo

I really hate this nowadays, must get some scaffold!!

Tonight, Friday it is very cold, damp and the ground is a bit messy. Fingers crossed for a few good dry days. To-day it was a lot more paperwork, then a bit of woodwork.

Posted in Daily Doings, The Views and of course the weather, Wildlife, Yachties | 1 Comment

Holiday Time.

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Bill Cowie

At last we are getting a wee break from Rona, much needed and looking forward to it very much. Off on a magical mystery tour round the country, nothing too exotic but hopefully very relaxed. The past few days have been manic and it will be with a big sigh that we will board MV Aspire tomorrow (last Friday). In the meantime a quick update of the past few weeks activities. The rut I posted about a week ago, so plenty there under the Red Deer page. But normal work does carry on regardless of all the extra bits and pieces.

Regular Visitor

It is a great time to be out on the hills, great views and light, no winter storms yet so plenty boats about.

Fladda Autumn

Looking down to Fladda and sorry that John and Arlet are away home now for the winter, our closest neighbours, as the crow flies. Hopefully I’ll get down there next year for a visit.

Water Woes

It has been all about the water this last week or so, the 6 monthly clean out of the system was too late to stop the filters clogging up nd the filtration was very slow, we did not run out of water but we had to turn on the emergency tank. That then galvanised me into trying to get a much faster solution, especially with a new house on the horizon needing more supply.

Detailed Drawing

Hugh “Scoraig Wind” was very helpful with his suggestions and looking to the future with rainwater harvesting, I sent him a Bill Cowie!!! detailed drawing. By the time we left the back up tank was finally filling up, all good though and we are now looking forward to implementing some of the changes.

The Work Goes On

One thing we don’t lack is the rain to fill the reservoir and tanks, the damp atmosphere is pretty hard on the timber and requires constant maintenance.

Winter Coming

With the low light just now even the rain showers are pretty spectacular.

Last Lift Of Creels

Lots of jobs to get out of the way and it is always a sad day to be taking up the last fleet of creels, although this fleet have had their day and need replaced. But it is a long winter without some fresh crab or a lobster for tea. Maybe I’ll ambush Yogi.

Storr Standing Out

Back and fore to Dry Harbour quite a lot just now as the jobs mount up but the views are always good to look at.

No Wonder We Run Out Of Water

After all the guests the washings were backing up, we like to use the wash machine when it is windy cutting down on genny use but sometimes we just have to go for it.One week in October Lorraine had 22 washes to deal with and then we wonder why our water is running out!!

Another Late Visitor

We think we have seen the last of the yachties but there is no surprise on sunny days when a late visitor comes into the bay, in fact half an hour before we left on Friday we had another.

Good Friends

The animals are doing well, no lambs sold this year, we had too many ewe lambs which is good for us. This ‘wild’ Greylag goose has fairly taken to the garden, it has no fear. Left by its family or maybe it chose to stay, it hangs about getting the best grass, chasing the lambs and the hens if they get too close.

On Their Way

Early Morning Start

A fortnight ago to-day I took off to Portree for the last time, it was a beautiful morning very calm and yet another stunning sunrise.

Portree Monday Morning

A Fine Morning

Flat Calm, Fast Run Down

It was a chance to get all the rubbish off Rona (empty bottles, Lots!!!!), shopping and other necessary jobs, bank, post office. Then after fish and chips with a pint from Donald’s Pier Hotel it was a quick trip back in glorious sunshine.

Equally Fast Trip Home

End Of A Lovely Day

In fact the day ended as it started with clear skies and no wind, like a summers day.

Nature By The Window

By the window where we keep the phones the wildlife is very entertaining, there is a wren who feeds all the time on the flies that this spider catches in its web, I’ll catch a photo of the wren one of these days but the spider is usually pretty quick, however the wren is quicker sometimes.

Pressures On

Back to the day job and the new compost toilet took shape despite the builders phone springing a leak and covering everything with the gunge, best just to leave it alone until it hardens.

Still Rutting

I got up in the morning mid week to find stag ‘Torn Ear’ still riutting with hinds, no roaring now and a he looked a very tired stag.

Oops!

Off down to the shed to carry on with the compost loo to find the foam had hardened, a few cuts with the knife and we were in business, not such a disaster after all.

Bewicks Passing

The geese had been passing all of October, I think the first ones in September,I saw the Barnacles one day going South from the boat and here were the Bewick swans, heading to Bedford I guess.

Steve’s Week.

Our last guests of Summer season left on Saturday Steve and his family were back for a visit and we had some good fun with them.

Scratching My Head

With time running out there was lots to do before the holidays, sometimes things just click but I was having a problem with the compost vent and I’m none to comfortable on ladders at the moment.

Almost Finished

But I got it all done and that was another job ticked off

Missing Buoy

Out on the boat for the last time, the mooring buoy pick up rope had severed and the mooring lost, the rope does float but it is heavy with weed so I spent some time searching for it, then spotted it lurking below the water. The Bewick Swan was obviously a straggler, and reluctantly left when I got too close.

Straggler

With the tides going back I just managed to get a high enough tide to pull the boat out and a morning later the MV Rona was up on the hard stand for the winter

Winter Quarters

One more job down.

Struggling

It rained a lot that night and I was disappointed to see a leak in the roof, the only thing I could find was a porous coping, on Iain our joiners advice I put a temporary lead cover on it and hopefully this will sit there for a while or until I get back.

Temporary Fix

With time running out the last job was to sort out the sheep and put the ewes to the very frustrated Tup who was on the other side of the fence. That done, the list of jobs for Ali and Clive was growing longer as we prepared to go for our annual holiday.

Sheep Work, Separation

We are now in Crew heading South in one hour, it is Monday the 7th, we have been in Perth for the night, Lake Windermere the next night and now with our pals Brian and Gill in their new house in Crewe. Much excitement as we head to Hungerford to pick up our Canal Barge which will be home for the next week. No internet and peaceful cruising, can’t wait. I’m getting grief for doing the blog just now so I’m not checking it for typo’s I’ll just let it take its chance……….

Posted in The Views and of course the weather | 2 Comments

Now Where Were We…….

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Bill Cowie

I started the last blog with a sunrise, here are a few other photos of another one a few days later, The wind is in the East, the weather is fantastic and has been since the monsoon last time I blogged but for how long…….

Torridon Sunrise 3rd Oct (1)

Torridon Sunrise 3rd Oct (2)

Torridon Sunrise 3rd Oct (3)

There have been a few of these lovely mornings lately, well worth getting out of bed for.

Monsoon Again

But just before the sunrises more rain but this was three weeks ago, it was grim. Just after the Equinox, anyone coming to Scotland during that week must have wondered………..

Overflowing

The deer are about for sure in good numbers, perhaps we have reached our peak population, we are on the numbers? Who needs a mower.

Cheeky

Our first Danish hunters arrived 24th September but the rain did not dampen their enthusiasm. It was a return trip for Per, Knud and Peter, they had for sure much better weather last time 4 years ago.

Pouring down

In between the mini winter we had there were some lovely moments during their week though and good breaks in the weather giving us stunning views.

Deer Far Away

Fishing was good although the big old stags were elusive.

Always Hunting

Their week was curtailed due to the storm forecast, it did not materialise but it was better with flights to catch to head off 1 day early. We hope they were not too disappointed.

Loading Up For Off

The next Friday the weather showed a steady improvement as the jetstream shifted.

Rain Maybe

In between guests there was a chance to do a bit of drainage, the rains had shown weak areas, this was my chance. The newly roofed shed has quite a bit of water coming in so it was good to relieve some of it.

Drainage

This road was in danger of washing away and washing the road away with the force of the previous weeks rains coming over the drain (which I think did not exist?), good to get this done.

Drainage 2

Flowing

All was going very well looking to finish early when the aerial of the jeep broke, with the motor running constantly the electrics had decided to keep it going. I could not find a fuse or was able to stop it so on Friday night I was in the guts of the jeep and what a job to find the connection. Find it I did 2 hours later, very frustrating when an early finish was on the cards.

Motor Running

Saturday Mark arrived with our new sofas on MV Aspire.

New Sofas

We got them off and duly delivered. the weather had improved and the forecast was very promising.

Delivered

We had a booking for that night which had been previously cancelled for 4 guys on their RIB so we were keen to get the Cabin 32 up to speed and as they had asked for a dinner we had a full on day getting the Crew Pot together for them.

Crew Pot

RIB Visitors

After a calm night and full stomachs the guys were away mid morning and it was back to cleaning and prep’ for the next Danish invasion.

Early Morning Mist

There is always time to take a prowl in the morning in between guests and I was pleased to see this stag back for this years rut, he was Master Stag the year before but he looked sore and I suspect he had been fighting.

Early Morning Mist 2

It was a good but cold run out in the morning.

Sighting In

Monday first thing our party of 12 Danes arrived for a three day break, it promised to be a full on three days and the week did not disappoint. Again first stop for visiting hunters is to make sure they can use the rifle and are acquaint with it.

It is all About The Food

It was mostly about the food too with some good fishing and raids on the freezer for venison giving us many memorable meals.

The Kitchen In Full Flow

Everyone mucked in, Mark was out stalking with some guests, I was fishing with others, Lorraine and Arne were holding the fort.

Danish Invasion

The weather was brilliant and astonishing as it just got hotter and hotter.

Cleaning the Boots

The stalking was going well with quite a few cull stags about, the guests had good stalking packed into three days.

The Drag

Mark came across this calf which had obviously caught its hoof in a fence or rock? It was repairing but it was pretty weak so the decision was made to cull it, I doubt if it would survive the winter.

Three Hooves

The last day of this weeks visit I took Hans now retired down to the South to meet up with the stalking party, there were stags all around, a very lively scene.

Skylined

We stopped off on one of the viewpoints and spent a very nice relaxing hour having a wee whisky and having a chat, a fascinating guy Hans who used to own a butchers shop in Copenhagen. Most of the talk was about sheep and cows as you can imagine.

Taking it Easy With Hans

The weather was so good that it was no surprise to see a yacht coming in late in the week. By the weekend we had 4 yachts in on Friday night plus passing kayakers.

Not Finished Yet

We had passed this yacht coming in on our way out to drop Mark off with the stalking guests. The wind was such that it was easiest to do that rather than try to go around the wind.

Dropped Off

It was interesting to watch the stalkers heading out the hill totally oblivious to the deer to their left!!!!!!

Opening The Fizz

But they had success so on the last night the champagne was flowing and Caljohan showed us how to open the bottles using his not so sharp knife, quite scary.

Last Supper

The last dinner was very long and the wine/rum/whisky was flowing. it was a bit of a shock to the system at 7am the next morning with the aspire on the horizon.

Carcasses Off

We were ready for them though and had the deer carcasses on the pontoon by the time they got here.

New Guests Dropped Off Up North

That was the Thursday so it was head down and getting ready for Frank and Heiko from Germany. Frank was here on his kayak last year and when he found out we had deer on the Island and had stalking weeks he booked up for a return visit. After a trial of the rifles we were off to the North end as the wind was out of the South, I dropped them off and they worked their way back.

The Old Man of Storr From the Base

I headed home to have a late breakfast on that day, Yacht Sula was moored in the harbour a late charter which turned out to be a journalist ‘doing’ an article on the area.

Back For Breakfast

They spent quite a bit of time at the mouth of the harbour getting their pictures and dodging the rocks, certainly a good week for them.

Sula Photoshoot

Again another stunning day with the air so clean that you can see the boulders on the faces of the Torridon hills from Rona with the binoculars.

Clear As Crystal Days

Day two of the visitors outings and this old stag was culled, always sad to see the end of such a fine deer but he was at that stage and with our deer management plan in place sometimes there is no room for sentimentality.

Exceptional Old Stag,

To-day (Wednesday 12th Oct) the sun is going away as the cloud moves in, hopefully temporary but who knows. This old stag who is very tired after days of holding hinds, stiff too with all his roaring and fighting, was sleeping it off just below Meal this afternoon. He is quite safe, a pretty impressive head, we call him the TV Screen! On the skyline it is one of the many ways we describe the shape of the head when spying.

The TV Screen

The stalking and busy time with visitors is nearly over. There are a few boats about, a yacht passed to-day heading North, lucky they can catch a few late Autumn days.

More at the end of the rut on the stalking page, hopefully when I get time……..

Posted in Daily Doings, Kayaks, The Views and of course the weather, Wildlife, Yachties | Leave a comment

My Time of Year

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Bill Cowie

Torridon Sunrise

I just love this time of year, the summer is over (if there ever was one!!) and it has gone quiet although we had a very nice Australian couple in over the weekend, Yacht Red Roo!!! but it is now dead quiet on the yacht front. This is the time of year where early mornings are not so early so it is good to lie in bed and see the reddening of the clouds, jump out of bed, even at my age then shoot up the hill (dressed of course) and see the sunrise.

Much Better Than Sunsets

Of course there is a hidden agenda, with deer stalking just around the corner this is the time to see what the stags are up to and I am not disappointed this year.

Family group at Doire na Guaile

It was a very fine morning to-day and bitterly cold, not frosty but a cold East wind.

Cool Wind

Back to past couple of weeks, well it has been as usual mad busy but with little disturbance the jobs are getting ticked off.

What Am I Doing Here

Seems an age ago but this was a week last Saturday, our guests were heading off and this hind appeared to say cheerio.

Heading Home Happy

The guests got off no problem on the Aspire but it was a bit breezy, the forecast was for increasing winds and that was what we got a real gale of wind.

Storm Clouds Coming

In the middle of it this old yacht came bouncing into the harbour, into the pool below the house, threw out the anchor and went below for two days. It was up to 50 knots so their anchor must have been well in.

Riding Out The Storm

The weather being so bad meant that I got caught up with the new shower, I had a bit of fun putting together the shower head, I tried this temporary one out but now it is fitted properly working fine.

Good Weather For Inside Work

Corrugated iron is much cheaper than wet wall!!

Even the birds were grounded

I was checking out the boat and the rest of Big Harbour to see if there was any damage and our (wild) pets were hanging about, this seagull and its young one are hanging about the house, the goose in the water beside the boat too. The seagulls have discovered the hens get fed scraps every morning and they are not going to far, incredibly tame too.

No TV

As usual but a wee bit earlier than normal, the sat’ dish was torn off the wall. An annual event despite all my efforts to fix it solid. Must think of something else.

Monsoon

During the stormy days we had some really incredible downpours, the drains coped but it was pretty much three days of rain. Not good in September and the mould has started too early in Rona Lodge this year. We moved a settee and a picture off the wall, both were green with mould, oh, oh! Work to be done, now any sunny windy day and every door and window is open. This is not good at this time. The sooner we build the new house the better.

Mouldy Old Settee Cover

Despite the rain and wind Mark who was up for a weeks holiday and helps us out with the stalking was keen to get out, so after a damp calm morning we reached the hidden loch and started to see quite a few deer from there, about half an hour after this photo the sun came out and it was a lovely day, breezy too which kept the dreaded midge away.

Stalking Days

It turned out a wonderful day and we went back out at night, giving us a lovely view of the Trotternish Ridge.

Later on that Day

After a busy season of yachts on the mooring it was on my mind to check it out, this last while there has been quite a strain on the tackle. But I was still surprised to see the wear and even more worrying the safety chain was broken with a missing link. How that happened on a chain that lies slack is a bit of a mystery. Now fixed it looks like we will be fitting a new mooring chain this spring.

Near Disaster

What happens at this time of year is that the list of work has grown ten fold, the jobs are mounting up and I do not know where to start. So there is a lot of running about, ticking things off, missing things out and just keeping one eye on the weather.

Running Around

The odd, very odd yacht is about so it was good to get the mooring sorted. The weather leading up to the Equinox can be pretty rough and the mooring is (usually) the safest place in the gales.

Late Sailor

This yacht which was originally a fishing boat but never fished, has been here a few days this year and are dodging about grabbing the last few good days, the yacht which was on the mooring before was almost identical, a Fisher, Yacht Lunga.

Emergency Ferry

Thursday came and Mark’s wife took ill, so nothing for it but a ferry was called and off to A&E, we cannot mess about with illness here and it was a pity that they had to cut their holiday short.

The JSMTC Group Arrive

That evening the 5 kayakers from the Outdoor Centre in Ballachulish (JSMTC Services) arrived, they were going to stay for three nights and we were happy for them to try out the Cabin 32 facilities but the forecast yet again defeated them and they had to leave very early next day.

Survival

But not after a bit of training, one of the guys was busy filleting fish they had caught and making a pretty good job of it. A bit of survival training.

The List Gets Smaller

The weather did not turn out too bad but there was quite a chop on the water, it was sunny though. It was a good chance to finish the roof and cement up the skew. It went better than I expected and for once I did not fall off the roof. One more tick on the list.

The roof below needs a bit more work though.

Autumn Is Here

Over to Dry Harbour with Lorraine to clean cottages, our new guests are having a ball, lots of wildlife. So good to hear people getting excited about seeing a Curlew, normally everyone wants to see the big stuff but for me it is equally exciting to see the small stuff to. They have had lots of deer about the house, seen the Sea Eagle many times and seals in the bay and it was only Monday.

More on the deer on the Rona Red Deer Page soon.

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Fallen Off a Cliff!!

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Bill Cowie

After the rush of summer the season, all of a sudden the days with visitors has quite literally ‘fallen of a Cliff’. 8th Sept’ dark by 7.45pm, no yachts in, a gale blowing, looks like winter. But at last, time to take a deep breath. It happens every year, one week lots of visitors, yachts, change of the weather then bang, some gales then everything changes.

Lots to look back on these past couple of weeks but talking about falling off cliffs:

Stuck

Spot the two lambs on the cliff, stuck there for a few days.

Properly Stuck

Saw them on the Thursday but thought they were just feeding, Friday they were still there but had no chance to rescue them, which was a bit silly because we had two cottages full of climbers!!!!

Vertigo

Saturday I grabbed Robert who had just arrived on Rona to witness (or help) any issues on the cliffs. As it happened the two escapee sheep jumped off landing 20feet below on the heather, when I got to where I could see them I could not get down to them anyway. They are still dodging us (saw them to-day along the shore) and they look not the worse from their jump or thump as they landed.

Colin

Talking about getting a hand one of our late visitors this season was Colin on Yacht Fulmar, Colin is a retired sawmill owner who, like quite a few of our yachting friends likes to help out. In Colin’s case I was glad to get a hand with the decking at the bunkhouse. Good to see him again.

Cook What You Catch

In between decking, we had a ‘Cook what you catch’ with Andrew, Claire and the kids who were in Escape cottage, we had a few bits and pieces, quite a few prawns and lobster but they were put back as most of them were too small or were carrying eggs.

Marine Biology

Kenny was over from Shieldaig with a group on MV Seaflower, so I pressed him into service with his marine biology qualifications to tell our guests what was what with the brown crab.

Cooking What They Caught

Back to base and the kids mucked in cleaning crabs, making mayo’ and eating the proceeds, that is the best bit!!!

The Annual Ragwort Pull

Work continues though and I was aware that despite an annual ragwort removal, the plant thrives. This year as much as ever, it is a pest, good for bees but it would quickly invade the whole of Dry Harbour where it is most prevalent.

Cleared

I’m sure it will be back next year.

Always Worth A Picture

This was the 24th August, looking out the window tonight (Friday 9th Sept) it feels like a long time ago.

Heading to Raasay

Even the trip out with some of the climbers seems so long ago, beautiful days that last week in August it was all going well.

Exploring

Mark and his colleagues were keen to see some of the cliffs along the shore at the West side of Raasay, for me it was very interesting as I had not been along that shore before.

Interesting Rock Formation

More of the Same

That was a good day for sure, followed by more sunny weather.

Chilled

MV Aspire made a mid week visit, good to have a sunny trip and the yachts were plentiful too, we were wondering what this guy was doing, heading for the shore but he did pull out at the last moment.

Where Are You Going

After the deer with the bucket stuck on its head we are looking out for the rubbish on the shore, this was washed up all together in the days tide, not unusual I have to say.

Marine Pollution

Working away at the bunkhouse I saw this RIB coming in, they were looking for a campsite and were not too sure where they were? We sorted them out giving them directions to the Shiants which they visited in flat calm weather the next day. At this time of the year we often get a late rush, with all sorts turning up.

Late Visitors

Friday night 26th Aug over at Dry Harbour the sun was going down, looked like a good day coming for Saturday but overnight it rained pretty heavy.

Late Night Sun

Saturday was grey, a changeover followed by the sheep on the cliff. It was good to see the sun going down on that busy Saturday for sure.

Big Harbour Sunset

Sunday was a bunkhouse day, quite windy when Calum arrived midday then we had a go at installing the new shower, which defeated us but it does help if you read the instructions correctly.

Back to the day Job

Monday off to Inverness, first time for Lorraine since April, second time for me, I did have a day there in May. Been busy as I say!!

Could You Be bothered

Anyway why would you bother, we don’t have traffic issues on Rona, it seems that all the windturbine columns were being shifted last week, very frustrating.

Very soon we were heading back to Rona, accompanied by a few dolphins, there has not been a lot of movement in the Sound this year, no Basking Sharks a few Minkes, not too many seabirds so it was a pleasure to have Dolphins play with us.

Dolphin Day

Dolphin Day 2

Dolphin Day 3

Dolphin Day 4

Leading the Boat

Friday a week ago it was flat out at the bunkhouse, getting ready for Saturday and looking forward to quieter days.

Day Trippers

Saturday came, weather calm and a few extra guests were over for a quick visit, no yachts to be seen but the forecast was poor so no surprise.

Andrew Fly Past

We had another quick visitor when the SAR helicopter had a look around on Sunday, we did in fact have a yacht come in, Lunga from Ullapool hoping to get some shelter from the gale forecast.

Novice Sailors

They had a surprise when the SAR helo had a circle round their yacht. They are new to this boat so were keen not to try it out too soon and a good choice as the weather for the next couple of days was very bad with strong gale force wind. That day Sunday we had a fishing trip with our cottage guests Robert and Mary, not much to report, it was very quiet out in the Sound, the only positive thing is that the Terns are back in good numbers. There must be food for them but there is a distinct lack of other seabirds, it is very noticeable.

Clambering Up The Rocks

We headed round to Dry Harbour for a quick drop off but no fish or seabirds round there either.

Back to the bunkhouse which is now called Cabin 32!! The reason will become obvious soon.

Through The porthole

There are a lot of loose ends to tie up, sealing Lorraine’s window is one to try me, it is the door from the late Miele wash machine!!!!! Makes a good port hole.

Very Distinct Moth?

Up to the larder to get something and I spotted this moth in the sink, we have plenty of them but always good to see them, amazing colour and design.

Getting There With The New Shower

It is all about the cabin now as we try to get it ready in time for the stalking, there was no hot water or shower there so that is the new project, we are kind of making it up as we go along but it is all coming together.

Emergency Roofing

In between times the roof on the hen shed needed a new cover, after a night of rain they were looking a bit damp!!! Some of the day to day jobs are getting neglected I’m afraid.

And Finally, Nearly There.

As this last week has progressed despite the poor weather I have got the replacement lean to at the bunkhouse/Cabin 32 nearly there, I think this time next week it will be 99% complete.

Posted in Daily Doings, The Views and of course the weather, Wildlife, Yachties | Leave a comment

At Last A Bit Quieter

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Bill Cowie

After a manic July, August started just the same. After the last post on the 7th we thought it would be a bit easier but life just notched up a gear, this morning was typical (sadly) of the surprises Rona throws at you every day.

Trapped

Got a call this morning from the holiday cottage visitors, they had seen this young stag with a ‘bucket’ on its head! I was quickly on the scene but sadly there was no answer but to put the deer down, on closer inspection it had a whelk trap tub stuck firmly on its head, I had to cut the box to release it. Clearly emaciated the carcasse was left out for the Eagles which is all the poor animal was fit for (unlike the JMT who left out 86 Good Carcasses on the hill last July?). The white bucket blown up on the shore acting like a mini green house had some sweet grass growing in it I suspect. Every reason for people to be more careful with their rubbish. Very sad start to the day.

Not Looking Good

The poor animal was pretty weak, taking the odd stumble.

Well and Truly Caught

I had to cut the drum off its head, there was no way we could have freed it, a sad start to the day.

Moving on: Back to the rest of this months events, I’ll keep it brief in an attempt to catch up, where was I!!

Going Bananas

The storm on the seventh of August fairly gave the trees a fright, they now have a distinct brown tinge.

The Boat got a Fair Battering

Quite a gale for August bursting some of the ropes but thankfully the main rope held.

Bust Like string

This is winter stuff, very unusual in August.

Emergency Lift

Ian our joiner had to have a quick departure as a family issue arose, no chance of a ferry due to the gale so a call to Qinetic and the ok was given for a space for him on the helo’, it was very kind of them to accommodate us in an emergency.

Escapees

I got back to Big Harbour to find some sheep had escaped and were outside the gate, thankfully I got them in but had to walk the fence to see if there was a hole but no, I suspect a gate was left open? That was a long day.

A Dry Stalk

Oliver who was visiting expressed an interest to stalk deer, we went out and walked, and walked finally spotting a young stag. We stalked it but came onto this Royal stag who stood up out of the middle of a bush just below where our stag was, Stags 1 Us 0. It has been a good summer for stalking the deer, the Black Back gulls have not nested and they are not giving out their alarm calls, so it makes it much easier to find and see the deer.

repaired and Ready (not)

Later in the day I went to Dry Harbour to see the visitors and look at a repair job, the Isuzu had just been put back together by ace mechanic Steve, who loves a Rona project and really enjoyed putting the bits and pieces back after I stripped a heater plug, but nothing is that simple here. At Dry Harbour after looking at the job I went back to the jeep to find I had a puncture. No problem but the jack was at Big Harbour, it was a long walk in the rain to go and get it. When I got back I found that the wheel would not come off so I ran it loose, that worked and a few hours later I got home, soaked and knackered.

And it Rained

It kept raining and then it rained more, so much that the new drains were well tested, that got me to shorten this pipe as the water was running round it. Three days of wind and rain followed, not the best summer week.

Wind Damage

Back to Dry Harbour to the job I was looking at (oilskins on) and Oliver held the ladder whilst I re-fitted the chimney hat that the ‘gale’ had blown off (again usually winter work).

Flooded

On my return to Rona Lodge I had to get a bit of timber from the sheep shed and found it had flooded, the inside drain had backed up, yet more shovel work.

It was a wet week

Bad as it was for us, it was a difficult week for the visitors but they were quite stoic, another of our cottage visitors Euan, had a wee fishing trip out in the Bay, his dog was not impressed. The landing craft was coming so we squeezed in an hour and a half at sea, we caught a few bits a pieces and the one and only mackerel so far this year.

Unloading

The Spanish John arrived and it was all go, Hugh had business elsewhere and had organised Jamie Milligan, the Skipper to deal with the plant, he took charge of the digger, it went well apart from the concrete blocks.

Hand Ball

Nothing for it but to hand ball, great, just what I needed at the end of another long day. Next day was much the same grey, damp, summer!!! The sort out continued on Friday, much the same as the previous day, I was still full on putting the landing craft delivery to its various homes.

Souvenir

That night Friday the 12th we were enjoying our dinner when this yachtie walked past the door with one of the fishing buoys that are lying about, when asked what she was doing with it she told me that she had found it and was taking it away, when asked where she found it and what she wanted it for, the reply was that she was removing this rubbish that I did not need.

Useful

Turns out she was Dutch, remind me to help myself to whatever is lying about next time I’m in Holland!!! What on Earth she wanted a fishing buoy for is beyond me and what on earth she thought that she could just help herself? I don’t get it, can anyone explain that one.

9 Silversides

The weekend improved, weather got better but I had to do a stock check on the venison and found we had 9 silversides, 4 haunches and four shanks. The steaks were going well, nice and easy for the visitors but the joints are slow, anyone for some roasts?

At Last a Clean Back Door

At last it dried up and we got the stones laid at the back door, clean feet at last.

Looking Good

It has been a nightmare for years dragging the mud into the house in the wet weather from the back door,which is often, I’m afraid.

Must Remember The Hand Brake

Lots to do and more haste less speed. The cottages were needing firewood and that was priority, I loaded a tub of logs onto the tractor with the JCB then watched it slowly roll into the ditch!! Doh

Saw This Guy Out The window Enjoying The Sun

Nothing for it but to get the tractor back onto the road and head home for cup of tea, on the wall by the back door this dragon fly was taking in the sun, loads about this year, the weather must be suiting them.

Calm Sunset Night

As it happened it was a beautiful sunset that night of the 15th, tomorrow was an early start and the forecast was for a calm start, so it was nice to get the chance to have a seat behind the Lodge and take in the view..

Early morning dash

It was a lovely run early to Portree. Our joiner was shouting for material so a quick dash to Rembrandt, Jewsons and MacGregors was necessary.

The Old Man

Passing the Old Man of Storr, it is one of the best places to see it from is the sea, no traffic jams out there.

Off the Head

The Head soon came into view I’m always amazed to see the sheep up high below the cliffs.

David on Green Isle Heading out

As usual I passed several fishing boats heading out, The Green Isle heading up to Rona for sure. Portree was ok for an hour or two then the mad tourist traffic started so it was time to escape, I had to pick up two visitors from Arinish and as it was a lovely day I was looking forward to meeting The Galloways who were all the way from New Zealand making a trip back to where their forefathers came from.

Spot The Arinish Bear

On the way out of Arinish I spotted this rock which looked all the world like a bears head? Back to Rona in good time Calum and Ian were working away. All was going well, I just settled down when we had a call Calum had had a fall, he needed to go to Portree, quick!!

Life Boat

Turned out to be a torn hamstring, very painful but could have been worse.

Jabbly Last Trip of Three

Back to Rona for the second time then off to Arinish with the Galloways, Phew, What a day. At least it was sunny. But the wind had risen and at the end of a lovely calm day I had quite a bouncy trip down to Raasay where I had a struggle to drop my passengers off, then much the same on the way back.

Followed by Fog

Next morning after a few days of sun as expected we had Fog and it stayed with us all day. I was over at Dry Harbour and called in to see the visitors, they had been very busy. The weather had been great and they were having a very inventive time.

Satvik’s Kids Art Installation.

After the previous weeks rain it had been a good dry week and the promise of more to come. Saturday last the morning started very bright with the views crystal clear on all sides.

Perfect Morning

The changeover is always the better of a sunny calm day, just a few midgies to contend with.

Changeover Day

It was a great day last Saturday, again full on. I had not been out fishing much so at 6pm I decided to get an hour with the rod and see if there was a fish in the Sound of Raasay.

Making For Rona

I picked up one of my Yachting friends Colin off Yacht Fulmar as crew and headed out to the mouth of the harbour, we foul hooked a Pollock and caught quite a few cuddies but no Makerel. The 8 creels at the mouth were quite productive with some good crabs and a lobster so we were quite happy and just about to finish when this yacht appeared approaching the Harbour.

Motoring Past

Their sail dropped, the engine started and the motored into Big Harbour. As they passed there was quite a smell of diesel coming down wind onto our boat. I was a bit concerned that the yacht owner had a problem, perhaps a leak? So I went alongside to tell them.

As it happened they were not happy at me ‘accusing’ them of leaking diesel!! So much for trying to help. Oh well upwards and onwards.That was the last few weeks, they have just gone by so quick. This week to come and I started to write this blog last weekend and here I am on Friday trying to finish it before heading up to the larder to do a bit of butchering.

Roll on the winter, I say!!

Posted in Daily Doings, The Views and of course the weather, Wildlife, Yachties | 2 Comments

Storm Force Sunday

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Bill Cowie

Here’s the story to-day, stormy night followed by a very windy day, the seagulls around the bay are grounded, it feels like a winters day and it is the first week in August. Highly unusual gales, that was the way that the Met Office forecast described the weather in the North West/Northern Scotland to-day!!

Sunday Storm

Been another hectic week, maybe I should pay a wee bit attention to the advert on the screen?

Early Morning Cuillins

It was a calmer day on the 1st when I headed over to Portree to get a brand new mixer, why did I not get one the previous week? I guess the traffic and busy Portree got to me on the last visit and I took off a bit too soon, keen to get back to peaceful Rona. The weather was grey in the morning but it was promising a quieter, calmer and maybe clearer day.

MV Aspire Re-paint

Kevin and Mikey were busy painting up Aspire in the harbour, it had calmed down and was dry, so a good chance to get a final coat on. I was careful not to create too much wash which makes for a scary minute or two on the raft!

Unloading the Mixer and Material.

I had taken the opportunity to get some more material for the bothy when I was over, the bulky light stuff like insulation doesn’t slow the boat down, in fact it took me just over 35 minutes on the return leg. No wildlife to report, just the observation of how quiet the waters are around these parts this year. At least the Terns have made a bit of a comeback. There seems to be a lot of them about after being posted missing for several years.

Getting on with the Job

I arrived back around 12, had lunch then started batching, what a difference with the new mixer but it still took us until 8pm to finish.

Contemplation

The original toilet was inside the bothy but never really worked, the septic tank I made and connected to it was not really a success for various reasons and the lean too outside was not suitable, it was too small, so we have made it bigger and more substantial which is a better bet especially to-day with 50 mph winds giving it a test.

Good To Get it finished

Hugh arrived next day with yet more material. It was a good calm start with sun at last. Hugh had a tidy up to do then we had planned the landing craft for the end of the week, unfortunately a few hiccups put a spanner in that plan.

Aspire On Route

The tide was dropping so we loaded up our boat so that we could get the load ashore easier when the tide turned.

Waiting for the Tide

We had a booking for the mooring from a Dutch yacht, so we put the sign out, ‘Mooring Booked”. The yacht sailed into the harbour, round the yachts on the West side of the bay, looked at the ‘Reef’ marker buoy and then sailed out, no sign of picking up the mooring, no call to say why, ah well it did say ‘Round The World or Across the Atlantic Sail’ on the side of the yacht, so maybe they were in a hurry?

Pontoon Repairs

Hugh’s first job was to give me a hand with the pontoon repairs, nothing lasts forever out here and especially by the sea. Some of the grids on the pontoon were getting pretty dangerous, so a few replacements were found and fitted.

Stripping the Quarry

After the pontoon repair Hugh went up top to the quarry to win some material for when it eventually dries up a bit, then we can get some smaller stone on the ‘muddy’ road.

Sign of What is to Come

At the end of the day it is down to the shed for a beer and a chat about tomorrows plan, maybe a tidy up?!!!!

Looking For The Rise

Thursday started good, sunny and breezy, not like the day before when it was midgie hell for a lot of the day. Most of the sheep were in so we decided to get the shearing out of the way. As Hugh is the expert he was ‘trying’ to give me some lessons, but of all the jobs on Rona this is the one to try my back, bending over for any length of time and I’ll seize up so it is good to get a hand with this job, I think I did one and a half sheep, Hugh did the rest. I’ll get the stragglers in the next few weeks, one by one. Which will be easier.

All done and dusted

Ready For The Landing Craft

Thinking about it, Thursday was a very fine day but it absolutely blew from the North West, several boats that were in for a few days had decided to go North but when they looked round the corner we were not surprised to see them heading South through the Gap. It was a high sea with a massive swell, we thought about heading to Portree with Hugh that night but the wind continued until late. So an early start was planned.

Ten to Six, Friday Last

I think I woke about three then could not get back to sleep, Hugh was the same, so around 6ish we left the harbour but it had calmed right down and was a beautiful morning for a sail. It had clouded up from the South but looking back the views were good.

Looking over to Torridon, Over Raasay.

We were in Portree before it had got going and were surprised to see parking spaces on the pier, there were a few tourists out taking photo’s, but quiet enough to get everything done I wanted too.

Late Sun at Dry Harbour

Another load of building material and a few stores later I was back on Rona and helping Ian with the bothy. At night we headed over to Dry Harbour to let our visitors know that MV Aspire had had a breakdown and that Dan’s MV Stardust was stepping in to do the run. The only problem was that they would have to get up early as Andy, Dan’s skipper had to be back by ten to fulfill their bookings. Our guests did not let us down, ready to go and the cottages left spick and span.

Taxi!!!!!

Our guests did very well and thankfully everything went to plan, even packing the odd guest into the jeep with the luggage, no complaints there then?

And They Were Off

The forecast was all doom and gloom so it was a relief to get our changeover done quickly and Andy made it back to Portree, just in time for his bookings. The weather that was promised did not really materialise until late afternoon but when it came it was very heavy rain followed by gales and that is where we are to-day.

Tell Tale

Late afternoon yesterday I spotted water coming up on the middle of the road, big time. Oh! Oh! problems. So I started digging. It was possible that we had a burst water pipe or when we were putting in the cables for the new house we had upset an old field drain. But once I started to hit stone I got the digger. Being aware of the new cables and water pipe, Lorraine acted as banksman and we were happy to see the warning tape we had put in come up with the JCB bucket. I got digging again with the pick and shovel and found a four inch soil pipe that we had obviously missed when putting in the cables. No harm just a big mess which will take a dry day to get tidied. I put in a new pipe, more warning tape and back filled quickly as the hole had turned to porridge, ah well just another Rona issue.

Great Way To Spend the Afternoon.

Looks like fun, after that I cut up foam/Kingspan for Ian another pleasant job. So to-day I’m taking it easy.

Remember the footprints in the concrete?

Mink?

Last week, I was on the decking, I think it was Tuesday. Ian shouted that there was something below my feet running about. I could not see it then Ian pointed to a mink looking up at us, what it was doing in the middle of the day around the work I do not know but possible hunger? Anyway I had not checked the trap in front of the bothy that I had set up and wondered if it had a mate trapped inside it but no. The mink took off and surprisingly ran into the trap, turned around and looked out at us them turned back in, whereupon the two spring traps went off, killing the unfortunate animal quickly. Seems it had eaten the bait, been in and out without setting off the traps then unfortunately for it, it went back in and was not so lucky this time. But a surprise all the same to see these bold creatures in the middle of the day.

I think at the end of the season we will need to have a major effort on mink trapping around the Island, the seabirds are certainly in decline this year.

Posted in Daily Doings, The Views and of course the weather, Wildlife, Yachties | 1 Comment

Long, long, Days

Posted on July 31, 2016 by Bill Cowie

I came home from Dry Harbour a week last Tuesday to find our garden had been invaded, but no problem, it wasn’t the window peepers it was George and Dive Earle off their motor launch, M V Comet. I have known them since I have been here and now in their 80’s they continue to motor round the Western Isles enjoying their days.

M V Comet

They had stopped off to get all the ‘Estates’ gossip and of course to buy some venison.

Sweeping the road

The drain work was still a bit of a mess and after I had said cheerio to my garden guests I had an hour or so sweeping the road with my makeshift brush, very effective it was too.

Sausage Time

First thing in the morning we had made a batch of sausages, thankfully I remembered them as I was sweeping up. I had put them in the freezer to stiffen them up prior to bagging and caught them just in time. As when they are solid stuck together it is impossible to separate them. I got that out of the way and it was off to the bothy to cut out the walk way grids as some on the pontoon ones were getting dangerously rusty.

Retrieving the grids

Next day yet more repairs, the new thermo coupler had arrived and it was time to put the cooker back together. I sorted that out and got it back into the cottage working fine.

Thermo Coupler Replaced

It had been a busy mixed week and we were very happy to accept an invitation to Yacht Escapade for dinner, Nick the skipper and chef produced the yachts signature dish which was cooked to perfection. Head chef Anne was absent on family duties but the spread was very impressive and welcome after the week we had just had.

Cod Escapade

Saturday, MV Aspire was early and the next visitors were ready for their week on Rona, Kevin had been re-painting ‘Aspire’ but rain had been holding him up although having half the hull painted looked interesting.

The New Colour Scheme

We had run out off drain pipe and had to get another 450mm which was a bit of a handful, just as well Aspire is as big as it is.

Quite a Load

The weather had been trying ever since we started the drains, we were hoping for a better week, the clouds were certainly interesting.

Mammatus

Not as impressive as other Mammatus clouds and the picture doesn’t do them justice but all the same, seeing this type of cloud is always a surprise.

Jim and Helen, Here for a Week!!

Jim and Helen had come on the Saturday boat, it had been ten years since they had been to Rona on honeymoon, now with a family of two they had a little bit extra luggage. I’ve seen all sorts of things coming over for a weeks holiday, one time I spotted an electric drill, I’m still trying to work out what that was for ?

Tidy Up

Back to the Lodge and the road had hardened up so I got the dumper going and did a bit of tidying.

Bothy Extension

Ian the joiner was coming the following Saturday so there was a bit of work to do before he came, we are putting a lean to onto the bothy so that the workers coming to the house will have a bit better facilities, no time like a Sunday afternoon to do it. I had a bit of time as Dan’s Stardust was taking the Sunday guests out on one of his trips, but he had no takers as there had been a bit of engine trouble, so only our guests this time.

Was this Jeremy Corbyn on holiday?

We got out guests, then headed over to the cottages. Our honeymoon couple Jo and Alice were looking forward to a quiet , remote Island experience. We were disappointed when we arrived at the cottages to find three kayakers having their dinner and getting ready to camp in the field right in front of their cottage. As usual we went though the motions of asking them to leave, find a less obtrusive place etc etc. Right to roam was quoted, a few other excuses but for us there is no excuse. If you are going out looking for an adventure in the remoter parts. WHY on earth would you want to camp in front of three holiday cottages, not to mention the toilets that don’t exist but have to be used.

Guilty

When it was pointed out to them by our first holiday cottage visitors that there were signs up saying not to camp there, they were told by the kayakers that they were tired and that they were going to camp anyway. I’m not going to quote the land access legislation again, but, maybe there is a bit missing under the heading ‘Common Sense, respect and Courtesy’. Hey Ho, maybe one day.

Drainage Finished

Last week I have been catching up, getting the drains ready for Hugh’s next visit and ready for Ian coming to work on the Bothy.

Compost Toilet!

Thursday I headed over to Portree early, The views of the Old Man were pretty good, I will one morning go over there to take some pictures with the ‘big’ camera, the light in the early morning shining on Skye can be pretty spectacular.

The Old Man of Storr Through the Clouds

I had a good sail until just outside Portree when the Starboard engine started to cough but thankfully despite losing revs’ I made it and got back to Rona with a pile of building material safe and sound.

Cook What You Catch

Friday I fancied an easier day (and that was a very wise move!!!). I offered Alice, Jo and Jim a boat trip then a ‘Cook what you Catch’ lunch. We were getting ready to head out when I got the call the power was off at Dry Harbour. I gave it a quick fix and we were off. We had a good couple of hours catching a variety of shellfish which we took back and then spent the mid-day cooking it all up for lunch.

Cleaning Crabs

Alice and Jo got right into it and were willing helpers.

The Spread

After a very full lunch, it was back to the grind. Jo had shot a stag during the week and they were keen to see how we butcher the carcase. We were just heading up to the larder when Paul phoned from Raasay, he was having trouble with mink killing his hens so could I lend him some traps. 6 new hens arrived and we put them into the old hen run. Better here than food for the mink although…….

The New Arrivals

Lorraine was worried that Paul’s dog Molly would have a go at our hens so Molly was put into the herb garden for her own safety, much to her disgust.

Not Happy

We had a cup of coffee with Paul and Ross, got all the news from ‘Life at the End of The Road’ and they were off.

And They Are Off/Traps on board.

Up to the larder and a venison saddle plus one haunch later the job was done, Jo and Alice were ‘again’ attentive students and willing helpers. Just as we were finishing John and Jane MacInnes, ex Yacht Strolla not Shivinish? arrived. Good to see them, John always likes a wee job on Rona and I have plenty. So a wee dram was taken in the larder and we were invited out to tea, excellent.

A Wee Dram

We ran the honeymoon couple over to Dry Harbour then back to the Lodge for a quick change. We were looking forward to our dinner and to catching up on all the news from Ardfern.

Packed in the Back

Saturday (yesterday) started off grey and damp, not good. There was so much stuff that MV Aspire got held up, although there were other reasons!!!!!!!

Over Loaded

The new guys arrived, three runs to the cottages, then it started to get wet, very wet but there was a promise of better weather ahead. John and Katherine were back, just like Jim and Helen after about ten years with one daughter in tow.

Grim

In the middle of it all the rain came and for a couple of hours it was really miserable. But by 1pm it was clearing and we could get going with the new lean to onto the bothy.

Unloading to-day’s Delivery

Late afternoon and the tide enabled us to unload the boat which had been the point of delivery for MV Aspires load. 4×2, doors and windows were unloaded and serious cementing started. We usually have two cement mixers and it was only when I started to mix that I thought, what if this one breaks. Well, after about 15 mixes in the belt started to get noisy, it was breaking up. I trimmed it but what I did not see was that the pulley on the motor had come loose and of course the belt then came loose too and snapped. Disaster!!

Back To Basics

With 3 to 5 batches left to do (and it was 6pm on Saturday night) Ian never hesitated, we got going and hand batched the last 5, the last one was the worst but we got it done and I don’t think a tin of lager ever tasted so good.

I Did my Bit

It had been all go, thankfully it was pretty quiet with only three yachts in and John had been roped in on his holidays for a full Rona shift, his help was much appreciated and we had minimum disturbance.

Mink?

This morning, Ian pointed out the tracks in the concrete, seems we had a visitor last night, I am sure it is a mink and as I did not give Paul all my traps I set one and we will see. With 11 hens now we really don’t need a mink attack.

Looks like a busy week ahead.

Posted in Daily Doings, Kayaks, The Views and of course the weather, Wildlife, Yachties | 1 Comment

It Is That Time Of Year Again…….

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Bill Cowie

Never mind the grumpy digger driver, it is my turn at the moment!!!

The Right To Roam

These guys, three of them were wandering around the house, cabin and house site in the late evening, last week. When asked why they were wandering about around our house when the signs clearly say we are closed at 7pm, they replied just having a look. Well, after 13 years of just having a look I get a bit fed up of people prowling round the house looking in the windows, so I ask them to respect our privacy and place and just go-away!!!! To which they replied, ” We have the right to roam, we can go where we want”. They were none too happy to be asked to leave and have the “Outdoor Access Code”, quoted to them. It just so happened that we had read up on it the day before after a similar incident. Maybe I’m missing something here but if I went into red jacket guys garden in Derby where he said he lives at 8.30pm of an evening ‘just having a look’ I don’t think he would be too happy……………when asked what he would do in a similar situation, he did say he would call the police …….

Okay, that’s my summer moan out of the way.

Moving on……….I’m a bit confused about this blog because I think I may have done this already but I cannot find the post so maybe not? Where was I? Last time I posted it was the 7th of the 7th, so here we are with another ‘quick’ update.

Stunning Night

Seems like weeks ago myself and French visitor Thierry were out on MV Rona fishing for the next days dinner. I have not been out much this season what with weather and being tooooooo busy.

Looking to Staffin and Harris

Thierry was off his Yacht up at the house to buy some venison and when I asked would he like to crew MV Rona he jumped at the chance. He is I think he said and Astro Physicist, he was very good at fishing though, turns out his brother is a fisherman.

Same Time

We had gone out because Dave and Helen our holiday cottage visitors were hoping to go out on the boat then back to the house to cook what we could catch the next day. The forecast was grim so I went out the night before just as a back up. The bay was full of yachts, good to see one with a sense of humour!

Happy Boat

It was a calm night with great views and the catch was pretty good too, for a change.

Back To Base

Out on the boat we had some good sightings of deer on Rona with a few good stags at the South end.

Kyle Rona Stags

In the morning despite the grim forecast the day was clear and crisp. I got up early and headed South to get a few pictures of the Bay.

Early Morning Prowl

I think there was 10 in that night not the most as we have had twelve one night this month.

Checking the pot

Coming back from the photos I spotted the fox gloves that had come on big time since Hugh dug up and shaped the path a few years ago. Just goes to show what can happen with a bit of ground disturbance.

Fox Gloves

We went out around 9.30am, the sun quickly disappeared and a chop arrived on the sea, but my new crew were happy to get a sail and catch some seafood.

The Catch

When we came back in a couple of kayakers rocked up and had a bit of shelter to have a brew. We have not seen many this year, I think the weather has been a bit difficult for them and the calm weather a bit early when it was quiter. But the season is still young, so maybe we will see a lot more.

Not Many This Year

Back to the kitchen and the guys were quickly pressed into service making mayonnaise. Cracking open the prawns and mixing up a sauce for the squatties.

Lemon Squeeze

Making The Mayo’

A couple of hours (and bottles of wine later) we were finished and it was time for home.

Squatties Ready to Go

After commenting on not seeing many kayakers I was surprised to see another two making their way North later that day. Spotted paddling along the shore.

Spot The Kayakers (Little)

The week has shot past, I went to Portree to pick up a new freezer and Hugh. One of the many Liners visiting Skye this year was anchored in the mouth of Portree harbour, I could see that it was pretty busy at the pier.

…….and Large

I picked up some parts to repair the ever increasing list of things to be sorted. Never have I seen a time for breakdowns on Rona. Hugh was quickly pressed into service to fit the rear spring on the jeep.

Man Down

With the new jeep out of action it was imperative to get the old one going what with more rain forecast for changeover Saturday. As it happened again it was a sunny night and it felt like it would be good on Saturday.

Calm Night

Looking Back

Saturday came and MV Aspire arrived in the dry which was good with a new paint job on the wheelhouse underway.

Paint Job Underway

The rain had come on so rather than make a mess digging up phase two of our project we decided to work on the jeep, which needed a tow up the hill.

Long Tow

Next day, yet another breakdown, this time in the Escape House. The thermo coupler on the oven had broken and the oven would not stay on, what next?

More Breakdowns

Our new arrivals, Jo, Jen, Nick and Derek are keen tennis followers attend Wimbledon regularly, living in Essex its not a problem for a visit to the tennis. So, since they were 600 miles North on finals weekend, we suggested they may like to watch Andy Murray on the big screen. We couldn’t, too busy, but we were happy that they enjoyed their wet and windy day snug in the cabin watching the tennis.

Andy Murray…………..

There had been a request for Nick to go stalking, Derek had already been out a few years ago and enjoyed the day. It was the calmest, wettest morning of the month I think. The only thing missing was the midgies, we saw quite a few deer but they saw us first.

Nick and Derek Spying

Back to the day job and the building material needed shifting, Hugh carried on with the road.

Shifting Pipes

Lorraine’s brother and sister in law were over for a week from Canada and very keen for a days fishing, it was a bit of a jabble that day but the fishing was pretty good.

Dave’s Here

Lots of Yachts last week and from all corners, this Dutch couple, Jan and Renee were very keen to try the Rona whisky, they were good fun and came up with a bottle of their local liqueur to give us a taste of their local brew, we had good crack and enjoyed their company, fine friendly yacht visitors.

Our Dutch Cousins

Mid week last week we had another good day and as we were running out of firewood we spent an hour or two filling up the boxes, this summer has had such a wide range of temperatures, the fire has been on quite a bit which is quite unusual. The boxes were almost empty so it was good to get ahead a bit.

Reducing the Pile

Meanwhile back at the shore Hugh had been shaping up a new slip, we had so much hassle unloading last time from the landing craft ‘Spanish John’, Hugh felt that a straightforward slip on the shore which can be used in most tides would help a lot.

The New Slip

Mid Week we decided to lay the cables and drain the back of the Lodge, we closed the road and got ready to go as soon as Calum arrived.

Roadworks

Calum came in about 10.30am Wednesday, it was all go from that moment.

Calum’s Back

Waterpipes and power cables were laid together without too much trouble.

Cable ans Pipe Works

We even got the road leveled out as a bonus after the ditch was back filled . Good to get rid of some of the stone sticking out.

Cable Laying

On Wednesday night we headed South looking for a young stag, we cannot keep up with venison sales which are going well with a big demand from the yacht visitors. We had a successful stalk and then back to the larder.

Stalking Late

No rest after a late night it was up early and into the replacement of the drains around the house.

Rain’s Coming

Always going to be a mess, the Lodge drainage was a race against time as the forecast was not too good, Earlier this year (or was it last) the road fell away and the waste pipe was damaged, so first job was to replace a burst rodding eye. That done it was time to work out the plan for laying the pipes. The Lodge has been consistently damp for years and we are keen to improve on that.

Inventive Corner

With no corner pieces we had to be a wee bit inventive with our cutting and joining.

Should Stop The Damp Bits

After a while it started to come together and it was time to fill in the hole, unfortunately after deciding the existing pipe could not cope with the outfall before the road up to the new house, we had to dig it up again, cables and all, to go below with a bigger pipe.

Letting The Water Go

Eventually after getting it open we released the water that had backed up, even in the hour we had held it back there was a considerable flood. In the past when this was not getting away the road was never drying out. Hopefully this will give us a major improvement.

Trying Our Best To Tidy Up

With the rain starting to fall, all that Hugh could do was level off and hope for the best. The ground was so soft we decided to close the road and direct the visitors up our alternative path. The next three days of, off and on torrential rain have been interesting but yesterday (Tuesday) I got the Irish drain in and a relief ditch dug, last night it was sheet lightening and thunderstorms and looking out this morning it is not pretty but at least it has worked.

Changeover

Saturday last came and went, the guests and Hugh went away, fortunately the rain held off but returned big time for the rest of Saturday later in the day.

The Bat

Sunday, Jo and Derek were coming over for a half day butchering the deer we got earlier in the week. They were keen to see how we do it and that they could apply that at home with and deer that Derek gets. Just before I set out the larder for the butchering I was going to clean the UV fly trap, I spotted a bat lurking in the corner, he was none too pleased to be evicted from his free feed.

Having a Butchers

It was a good day for it, wet, miserable, cold and grey, almost February. After a full morning and part of the afternoon the freezers are filling up getting us ahead of the game with the venison stock.

To-day, Wednesday after a night of sheet lightening, torrential rain it is a calm (midgie) morning. Lots to do as usual but to-day it is a paperwork morning then up to the garage to clear up. 8 Yachts in the bay, I guess we will have a busy morning with them calling at the house.

Posted in Daily Doings, Kayaks, The Views and of course the weather, Yachties | 5 Comments