isleofronalog

On Tour

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Bill Cowie

We got away late afternoon and landed in a gloomy Portree. Heading down the road through Skye I turned right down the Armadale road and Lorraine said “Where are you going?” I had booked a night at Kinloch Lodge as a surprise start to the holiday. After trying to get here all last winter it was quite exciting to actually be driving in the main drive.

It was a superb evening in good company and a fantastic meal, head chef Calum Montgomery from Portree. In the morning after an eagerly awaited breakfast we headed off to Inverness. Sure enough it was pretty fresh and wet. We had a good drive down and were quite surprised to see the West end of Kyle under black smoke.

It seems that someones garden fire was a bit eventful!!!!!! we got to Inverness mid day and did some last minute holiday shopping then around tea time we headed to the Muirton Basin where the MV Aspire (our new ferryboat) was waiting to get surveyed. It was on the midway point of its journey to Skye.

We had a good look around and were very impressed with it all, good luck to Pam and Kevin on their purchase and safe return.

Saturday was a complete day off, a late breakfast and then a leisurely 6 mile walk around Castle Leod, my old hunting ground. After not seeing it for almost a decade it was quite a shock to see the changes in the forest. Especially sad to see no deer, no hoof marks and no droppings at all. It seems there has been a total eradication of the deer around this area. What use a forest without deer? I had a chat with the guys at Cromartie timber.

Then it was on through the woods behind the Castle, the Laird was not at home.

I planted this tree on my Lab’ “becky’s” grave, maybe 14/15 years ago, a Western Cedar. It is a bit bent here and there but going well. I must go back and clean up around it’s base one day. The trees here are fantastic, many fine specimens and well worth a look.

Sunday was a Vision Express day then a run up to see my Grandson, he is a wee star.

And after all that here we are on the Caledonian Sleeper, heading via Aberdeen (it is going to be a long night) seems there are engineering works going on.

Monday Morning and I’m passing the time at St Pancras serenaded by an impromptu performance on the piano. I am trying out WordPress on the ipad so goodness knows how this will look.

But here we go, across the channel for the next part of the adventure!!!!

Posted in The Views and of course the weather | Leave a comment

We Are On Our Way.

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Bill Cowie

At last our summer holidays. After much deliberation we are heading off to-day. The weather is not looking good and as we are not looking to spend two weeks stormbound on Rona, we will get away this afternoon. The last week has been busy, trying to get things in order for Calum and Irene coming. They will take over caretaking duties for us which makes for a stress free time off Rona.

Storm Force Continuing

This past week’s storm was still going Monday but with the week getting shorter there was lots to do and check. Calum had dipped the kerosene tanks and they were getting low. Things tend to run out at this time!!!!!!!

Topping Up

We had 2000 litres of kerosene up top so there was no need to be waiting for a boat and that brings the tanks up to winter levels, a relief.

Stuck Fast

We got all that out of the way and then had to organise a delivery of sheep, 6 ewes and a tup from Richard at Kilmuir to Rona. Tuesday morning was bright and no breeze so it looked like a good day for working at the sheep. First thing I got a shout from L, there was a lamb stuck right behind the house. I have never seen a lamb so stuck and if this had happened elsewhere goodness knows when we would have found it. After much cutting and cursing I got it out. But to-day (Thursday) I see it is trailing a new piece of bramble!!

We are missing a few sheep so I took a look around the cliffs but drew a blank. I did come up onto the high point just as the darkness came in and the Bay looked pretty quiet after the past week’s gales. Walking through the forest I came across this sparrow hawk, very dead. It looked very young, I guess it died of starvation because of the weather.

Weather Beaten

Tuesday came to an end with a promise of a better day Wednesday and good to see as the trip to Portree was on.

Better Weather Ahead

Wednesday morning up early and off to Portree on MV Rona for the last time this year. There are humpback and Minke Whales about but I was in a hurry and did not see them. I met up with Richard and loaded up the sheep. Keen to get back I didn’t hang about.

Ready for Rona

There were not too many people about, just Findlay the esteemed barman from the Pier Hotel, offering welcome advice.

Deflated (the Boat)

The sea was calmer on the way home so I took a look around the cliffs and here were my missing sheep, I’ll get them in on my return (I hope). The boat was due out of the water so I put it straight on to the beach. With a little persuation I got it up onto the hard stand easily, for a change.

Up She Goes

The Tup was not too impressed!

The New Boy

I daresay he would not have tried to get back to Skye but it was better to keep a hold of him until I got him in the field.

Lead on

The rest of the afternoon was spent putting the boat to bed. In between that 4 kayakers came into the harbour, I could not help musing at being in the tent (somewhere) from 6 pm until 7.30am next day, great!!!

Almost there

The beauty of an aluminium boat is it bashes well!!

Just a Wee Nudge

That was about it, I headed off up the track with the JCB, only to run out of fuel. Half way up the hill, no power. I could not believe that the tank was empty. there had been a leak but I must have underestimated just how much I had lost. It was a wee bit frightening going backwards with no power and 7/8 tonne of digger trying to take off. But I got it down and after much cursing I got it going again. I put it to bed and had a dram pretty quickly!!

Now we are doing the last blog just before leaving. We are off to Italy for a week or so, can’t wait and looking so forward to it all.

We will be back soon.

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

Storm Force 10.

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Bill Cowie

It had to come, but it is still a shock when it does. The first real storm of the Autumn/Winter. This week has been unsettled to say the least. But last night (Sat’ 25th Oct) was a big one. The rain never stopped, the wind came in gusts and shook the house every so often. All the time I’m thinking, the boat is on the pontoon, maybe quite literally! First thing this morning I went down to see……….

Leaping About

Various ‘security’ ropes were burst but thankfully the main ones were still holding out. Last time we lost a boat off the pontoon, the big ropes were ok, they had just pulled the metal post out of the pontoon.

Late Saturday Evening

I was up at the shed and quite sheltered so when I came down for tea it was quite a gusty and wet scene that I met at the top of the hill. I thought I had better check the boat, put on another two ropes!! But it was quite mad and nothing I could do. Just kicking myself that the boat was not safely out of the water for the winter. But with a new tup to come over this week, needs must.

It had been a busy day despite the storm. Our visitors had to leave Thursday due to the forecast so no changeover. That made for a good day on the new toolshed.

Almost There

Been building a smoker, which was too big. Then we thought an outside loo for the cabin, too heavy so the ‘project’ turned into a ‘hand’ tool shed. The big garage is full of stuff propped against walls so it is good to get the ‘hand tool’ corner cleared and maybe the strimmers away into it, because they are awkward to store.

Finished, Saturday Late.

Although the wind is out of the South the geese have been going over steady this week, greys, pinks, barnacles and Yesterday swans. Nice to hear their call and just after I took this photo a stag appeared at the garage, he let out a grunt and moved on!!

Swans Passage

Last weekend the weather had been threatening and L was coming back on Monday so I took off on the Stardust to Inverness to do some visiting, last minute shopping for our holiday and a haircut.

Force 5 to 6

The weather had not been too settled so it was a wait and see Saturday morning. As it turned out the boat came with Ross Young and his bride on their honey moon. They left their reception at 11 on the Friday night to drive to Portree. So it was a relief to get them over. hello Cheerio and Calum and Irene took over. Their trip over with the wind was great mine back against it was no problem which was surprising. It was a busy weekend with a trip to Cromarty with my German pals who were staying in Contin, but no food in the Royal Hotel, despite the good weather there were no punters about so the cook went home!

No Food To-day

The forecast had deteriorated and after many calls I decided that after I picked L up off the sleeper it would be back to Rona prompt. The Portree Medical Centre obliged us with a pop in appointment which was much appreciated, then as soon as possible we left. The weather was due to deteriorate and if we did not get over we would not get over until Thursday (Maybe) or the following Monday.

Approaching with Care

It had got pretty breezy by the time we got to Rona and Calum and Irene were there waiting for a quick turn around.

In A Hurry

By the time they got back to Portree it had really taken off and for the rest of this week it has been just that, a constant gale of wind. There has been some sun though.

From My Window

A bit of sun during the week made it a bit easier to get things done outside, especially find out where the hens are now laying.

Camouflaged

Everytime it was dry we shot outside to get the work done, it is a long winter if you get early gales and cannot get out. One job during the week was to find the missing ewes and lambs. With a wind shift to a NW gale, I was concerned that the green grass on the North facing cliffs would prove fatal. As it turned out we could not find them but got a good view of Dry Harbour from the top of the cliffs.

Escape

All too soon the torrential rain arrived so I decided to put new bushes into the A suspension arm on the front of the ATV. It looked like a knuckle burster but it turned out ok after a bit of ‘persuasion’.

New Bushes.

The only problem was I had only ordered one set and found that since I discovered the LH side was kaput, the RH side was now the same so a call to Robertson’s of Tain and a new set will be here for next week.

Wednesday night , Iain from the Stardust called, he had a trip to the Lighthouse the next day and if he managed it then I should get our honeymooners on the pontoon for the return leg. Because the forecast was nuts and that they may be stuck until Monday perhaps Tuesday!! It was 9 at night and raining so I thought I would go over first thing. But could not move until Iain left Portree. The next thing I knew he was at the lighthouse so things happened pretty quickly after that. Our guests had a rude awakening and were on the boat, just like that. I guess they will still be wondering what happened.

Leaving In A Rush

They may have got off Friday but it was not any better than Thursday as for the weekend well………… It is going to blow all day and now, into tomorrow.

Nothing much more to report, just some interesting stuff on the tideline and lots of sea weed.

What’s That?

This interesting ‘thing’ was on the beach right outside the bunkhouse, I have seen them before but not as complete as this one.

It is now lunchtime, 26th October my birthday!!!! The wind and rain have not given up, I’m off to see if MV Rona is still attached then I’ll post this blog. Maybe even consider opening a bottle of something when I get back!!!!!!

UpDate at 1.30pm: Blowing a hooley, spindrift everywhere, two ropes burst, the main rope sawing through nicely and the tide nearly turning. Apart from that everything is ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

The End of the Week and Stalking update.

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Bill Cowie

Friday night, it has been a superb week but tomorrow is, according to the BBC another story. The weather which has been so good is about to break. I am going off, Calum, Irene and two visitors are ‘supposed’ to be coming on. Fingers crossed.

Today it started a bit damp after rain overnight but sun shone and it was incredibly warm.

Incredibly warm.

All this week it has been like mid summer, very strange, if it was not for the trees changing colour, I’d think it was still July.

Aspen Autumn

Calum and Irene called in en route to Portree on Wednesday, yet another blue sky day. We went through winter projects then later in the afternoon they took off for an overnight at Fladda then Thursday Portree.

Blue Sky Day

I’d been getting on with tidying up and found out my trailer hitch had reached the end of its days.

Rattled

With the constant bumping on the road it is only a surprise it lasted so long. But with the weight on the rear of the trailer it was found out. So a quick look on ebay and another is on its way. The ground was drying nicely so Thursday I got on with some roadworks putting the refurb’ trailer into action. As long as it is a dry period you have to act.

Road Works

In fact it was so warm to-day I decided to give the hens a clean out and prepare them for the coming winter/wet weather. New bed, clean hut and fresh food, we should get some happy eggs tomorrow!!

Happy Hens

Back To The Stalking Week:

Eric’s Last Stand

Wallace and John came over a week last Saturday, Wallace Head Stalker and Ghillie John. The plan was to cull Eric and two possibly three others. Sadly Eric had to go, he had been here for 13 years and to stop interbreeding it was felt that his time had come. It was a pretty remorseful stalk and shot but that is deer management and we were only doing a bit of good for the herd. In fact last year he had been pretty much beat off by the new master stag. As the week progressed and the weather improved from sleet and rain the stags got more vocal and plentiful. We culled two more mature stags and one for the freezer.

Sighting the rifles

We had a trip up North in the boat and were not disappointed when we saw several stags rutting with hinds up there but the wind was poor so we decided to do a circumnavigation of Rona, the first this year. The East side of Rona was light on deer but we did see Derick, Eric’s son for sure and the confusion confirmed that there was in fact another stag that looked like Eric. He was sitting right at the South end and I guess he is on Raasay now. I could have had a picture earlier in the week but we stalked him and got into a position where we could not move and when we did he took off. Not to worry, he’ll be back!!

Heading North, Sea Spying

It is not all play though, Wallace was working in the larder on Eric’s head, so I pressed John into cleaning the shed, no rest here.

Hard At Work

After that we did a bit of butchering.

The Butchery Dept’

It was a busy week and as soon as my back was turned three yachts came in and promptly anchored on top of the mooring buoy. I did not get a chance to shout at them to move as it is always a problem when their stern is right on top of the mooring. Next day, sure enough, the mooring had disappeared. The gale that got up overnight maybe contributed to it but the buoy on the mooring had been cut, probably by a propeller knife!! I know who they are though and will be having a word. On cue the kayakers arrived, now if I was heading off to a remote wild place I would be looking for a remote wild camping experience but no. Not once but twice last week I found kayakers camped in the holiday cottages garden. Quite unbelievable, especially as the sign is there but unfortunately the kayaker had put his life jacket over the sign and did not see it. But hey, the outdoor access code says ‘do not camp around properties, be unobtrusive’. the bit I don’t like is when they crap around the holiday cottages in the morning!!!!!! And these guys had been kayaking for 50 years, some hope for peace and privacy for those that live here. Anyway that is my rant for the week.

Being Unobtrusive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back to the stalking: The week went very well and all too soon it was time to go, Wallace and John left with the three stags and Hannahlore and Norbert my German friends arrived.

Stags Away

Norbert has been shooting with me now for 25 years but now prefers to mess around and doesn’t stalk in Scotland anymore, but, he does not mind working on a head or two and I pressed him into service cleaning the antlers from the week.

Making a Good Job

The weather was kind and they enjoyed two days of clear skies, warm and positively summer weather.

Enjoying the view.

Saturday came and all too soon they went away back to their holiday chalet in Contin. Dode, Bruce, Lorna and Dougie arrived and another couple of days entertaining got underway. I was sitting with Bruce Sunday morning and all of a sudden a racket came from the lounge. We could not figure out what it was and half an hour later with more noise we spotted this Snipe in amongst the stuffed birds. I’m happy to report that it flew away apparently unharmed. Maybe too much of a mouthful for ‘George’.

George The Cats latest Catch

All in all the best stalking week I’ve ever had and good company throughout. Although social media is taking over the world!!!!!

Social Media, what would we do without it ……….TALK!!!!

Posted in Daily Doings, Kayaks, The Views and of course the weather, Wildlife, Yachties | 3 Comments

Roaring Away

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Bill Cowie

Wednesday Morning and the Master stag has now decided to start rutting outside the Lodge. It is 9 am and I’m catching up on the blog. I was out early thinking it would be a good sunrise and to have a look for deer. The morning is frosty, blue skies now and very bright. I have seen quite a few deer, a lot of young stags and of the master walking up the road on the way to Dry Harbour. But by the time I came home he was over the hill and roaring out the back of the Lodge. And still is!!!!

Taking The Road

The sunrise was clear and quick, without some cloud it was not very red but it did throw a fantastic light on the Trotternish Ridge.

Early Sun On Trotternish

The last couple of weeks were quite full, yesterday after recovering slightly from a full cold I thought, it is calm, there is a Tup sale next week in Portree so why not get the tup over. Richard the tups previous owner had offered to take him to the sale but a blown back axle put paid to that. Then I called Caley over at Stoer and he offered to come and collect. So a mad rush and by good fortune the tup was in the boat and we were on our way.

Tup’s Away

The tup behaved, I got a bit of shopping, gave the tourists a few photos, much to their amusement and headed home around 5ish. The day was overcast but on the way home the sun broke through. I had a we errand to attend to on the way home. Hugh had organised some scaffold boards for me to pick up at my nearest neighbour Paul: Life at the End of the Road .

The Arinish Harbourmaster

Himself and Ross, his son met me which was good with the tide dropping. We had a chat and quick catch up, seems Paul is as busy or maybe busier than ourselves.

Late Sun

I took advantage of the calm evening and went to the West side to see how many of our sheep were now resident on the cliffs and much to my disappointment I saw 6, I must chase them in.

Last weekend we had Dode, Dougie, Lorna and Bruce up for a visit. There would be a bit of diving, work and play. Bruce was going to have a walk to look round the regeneration and deer impact, Dode and Dougie were going for a dive but I was taking advantage of their welding and motorbike repair skills first.

Resurrecting The Old Trailer

Both guys are engineers to trade, so, why waste the resource!! A couple of bits of angle and some new boards, the old trailer (which was here before me) was back in service. Last week the seat of the quad came loose and when I tried to put it back I found that not only had the battery box and wiring parted company with the body, there were some cracks in the chassis. Not a surprise given the nature of the terrain and all of our ATV’s having sufferred the same.

Chassis Repair

After a lot of ingenuity on how to make a purse out of a pig’s ear, we headed out for a half hour dive and some scallops.

Looks Pretty Cold to me.

I took Bruce a run on the bike looking for stags ( a must at this time just to see what is on the Island). The night came in quick but no red sunset although it was quite dramatic and had a promise of a good day the next day.

Chasing Sunsets

Sunday we had a good sunny start and after a lazy morning with a visit from Kenny and Gemma with some walkers expected. We hung about until they arrived. They dropped off some welcome prawns and after a chat we headed off for a dive. We had heard of some Basking Sharks about so we said we would keep an eye out and sure enough we spotted one right outside the harbour, a few hundred yards later we saw another then round the East side yet another. Meanwhile Kenny had left and we radioed to tell him where they were. They quickly found them and had a good view. We then got a call to tell us that there were 4 Sea Eagles lined up on Eilean Tighe. We had look and sure enough here were 4 birds lined up like sentries on top of the Island. All of a sudden they took off and at one stage the four of them were circling over the Sound. Very nice to see as long as they stay away from the hens and lambs!!

The First Basking Shark This Year

All too soon the guys had to leave and the boat on Monday morning arrived quite sharp.

See You Soon.

They had a wonderful sail back with more Sea Eagles, Porpoises and glorious sunshine all the way.

Back to to-day: The sun is splitting the sky, that is the first update more later on last weeks events. The stag has stopped roaring for the day and I need to get on………..

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

Been a While

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Bill Cowie

It seems to me that the time just flies by. I last posted on the 29th of September and so much has happened. It is late and I have all the photos uploaded so tomorrow I’ll make a stab at getting the recent events together. In the meantime, the Rut on Rona these last two weeks has been the best yet.

So, lots from that but also it has been busy with visitors too.

The New Master

This is the new Master stag, he has been a busy boy that is for sure and he is massive.

The weather has been good, but changeable. Almost sleet one day, very warm the next. Basking sharks have made an appearance and Sea Eagles galore. Yachties, kayakers and visitors from the South, Germany and Scotland here making for a full fortnight. So without further ado, I’ll sign off and catch up tomorrow.

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

At Last, The Rut Is Underway!

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Bill Cowie

After weeks of looking for stags (without much success) they have appeared. Seems they have been keeping a very low profile. All the usual suspects are here and a few new young ones showing some decent heads. A sure sign that the stags were about was when this calf arrived in front of the house looking for its mother, there was a stag about and it looked like they had been separated. Later on in the day I saw them together with the stag lying down, on a hillock above them.

Orphaned for the day.

The weather has been mixed but generally pretty good, some welcome rain too. The vegetation is very dry and most unusual to be worrying about fire at this time. Last Wednesday was a good day, weather very fine, Calum and Irene were out and about and dropped off the mail plus daily papers, much appreciated.

MV Kestrel Tied up for lunch.

There has been an odd yacht about, surprisingly on holiday, seems a bit late especially during the Equinox when there is a good chance of poor weather. Others were just out for the day. We have been looking for some missing sheep so I took a walk around the SW corner. No surprise to see one of our sea ends non existent. I had found their escape route so next day it was a long walk with material to get it fixed. I made up my mind to sort out all the fences and finish the new fence, plus hang every gate. There is nothing worse than a gate that isn’t swinging!

The Non-existent Sea end

That was good job for Friday and then after I did thatwe got on with preparing for the visitors coming to the cottages. The forecast was not too promising but Dan, (who was relieving Kevin and Pam), was upbeat. When we woke in the morning we really thought it was a no-go. Even phoning our guests to be prepared. However Dan had made up his mind to ‘have a go’ so nothing for it but to wait.

M V Stardust 2

We saw him coming away out and although the wind was howling the boat looked pretty stable.

On time despite the gale.

It was a grey day, a rain shower came with them but it was a following sea/wind. That helped for sure but the passengers were very upbeat and Dan reported a pretty stable return trip. I guess he was trying it out as it was the first bit of bad weather he had the opportunity to try the boat out on. We got our guests settled, told them all about the rut in progress and after sorting out a few things it was down to serious stag business. I took off in the afternoon to have a look around and was not disappointed.

Just Out of The Wallow

It seems that late afternoon and early morning so far, the light has been pretty poor for taking pics’ of stags, but we try our best. I like to get as many pictures as possible to see who’s who. This guy has been about but I have not seen him since last year. He was holding a few hinds half way South but didn’t hang about when I appeared.

Taking Off, Smartish.

Next day (yesterday, Sunday) the sunrise was stunning, great light this time and the wind Westerly, so up to Dry Harbour early and there was plenty activity there. It is a great time to be out and about, early morning in the Autumn on Rona, no rifle just the binocs’ and the camera. I spied a stag with hinds over by the fishing shelf (where all the visiting fisherman go!!!! To catch fish????). I did not recognise it so decided to take a closer look. I stalked in on them after a fashion got quite close I then heard my first roar of the season. It was a little further than I thought so I stood up and walked forward, straight into this stag below.

Who Got The Fright

I don’t know who got the biggest surprise but he did not hang around, a big stag quite old, he quickly disappeared. Of course I thought this was my stag but going round the next corner here was the ‘roaring stag’.

He was not for going.

He was not for taking off for a few seconds but then he changed his mind and trotted off. Leaving the hinds wondering what was going on.

What’s Up?

Later in the day I headed over to check on our guests and they were sitting out front of the Escape cottage watching a big stag over on the peninsula across from Dry Harbour. We were also seeing our missing sheep eating seaweed on the rocks below him. I left our guests and came home to get Lorraine so that we could go and have a closer look at that stag, he did not look familiar. We headed over to the forest and over the hill to the cliff above the ‘field’. We spied our stag very quickly he had not moved, a Royal, we also saw 7 hinds and calves with him. We watched him for a while but with the day getting on we headed home, but not after catching the old ‘field/runrigs’ in the evening light.

‘The Field’

According to the papers we have, this particular area was a communal plot and every year the ground was rotated. But not rotated with crops, rotated through the community. So one year one family had a stretch the next they swapped. Quite an interesting way of sharing the land and I wonder if they put as much into it compared to actually owning it? It looks pretty good ground although it has not been worked possibly for 90 years. We headed back into the wind and found a family group, hind, calf and follower in the forest. As we came round into the view of Big Harbour, here was a yacht (Deep Purple) on the mooring. I had seen it before but could not remember the skipper.

Deep Purple

The crew were just coming ashore when we got back to the Lodge. They had left their mooring fee in the post box and said they left a wee bit extra. They did not have time to go for a walk but said they would be back next year, I look forward to seeing them again. How nice it is when the visitors come straight up to the house and pay their dues. And even more heartening when the give a bit extra. Shame on those who use everything provided, not only here but all over the West. It never ceases to amaze me how some sailors pick up moorings and think they do not have to pay or contribute to the owner for their expense. It costs a lot of cash to put these moorings in and pontoons, they don’t make money for sure but a little cash goes a long way to offset some of the cost. Thankfully this attitude belongs to a very small minority and the majority are very considerate and of course very welcome. We look forward to seeing them next year.

Back to this morning, up early and off South, the first guy I bumped into was Eric, our old stag. Holding a few hinds he was trying to keep out of the way but I did manage a few pictures.

Elusive Eric

After a while he showed himself and then headed over the hill, probably to do battle with his swimming pal who I then picked up round the corner.

Eric’s For The Off

I was wondering where ‘Eric’s’ mate had got to, they were together all summer on the Islands at the South end. They were quite far away and of course into the morning light but still at the early stages of the rut with not a lot of fighting or roaring yet. I’m sure it will get going for real by the end of this week.

Eric’s Mate Skylined

To-day has been a glorious day and these stags have been seen on the tops most of the day just surveying the scene, I guess.

For us too good a day for inside work for sure, although Lorraine has been putting the finishing touches to our new web site: www.isleofrona.com and facebook page and has been at the PC most of the day.

Have a look!!!!

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

Autumn is Definitely Underway.

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Bill Cowie

The weather has finally broken. After weeks of glorious sunshine we are straight into Autumnal (gales), well it is the Equinox after all.

Fog over Rona

We came home from a quick Inverness visit to see my new grandson to glorious weather. The trip back was in clear blue skies, Wednesday started the same but Thursday last week was a different story. wall to wall fog. Even the semi-tame goose was disorientated. I got to the top of the hill and here it was in the middle of the road sleeping. It got a rude awakening and flew off to the East side.

Goosey

Kenny had been in touch to say he was coming to Rona with a group from Shieldaig but I thought he would have cancelled. Not a chance, he arrived out of the fog at the usual time, despite issues with the radar.

Feeling Their Way In!

The fog cleared about ten minutes after arrival and the visitors had a sunny couple of hours on Rona, but as they were gearing up to leave the fog came back. Next day was much the same but Kenny came back on a jolly to sort out holiday plans and to have a long overdue lunch together, very enjoyable too.

Hard Work It Is Too.

Before you knew it the referendum was over and it was back to normal with a Saturday change over. The gang came over early from Dry Harbour as there were no guests coming out and Pam and Kevin could do with a quick turn around. As we were loading the boat, Nicola spotted a bird inside one of the creels. It turned out to be a young Sparrowhawk. It was the only creel (on the pier) left shut and a lesson never to leave them closed on land. They are a magnet to birds who often get stuck. This one was lucky though. It flew off with no problem and we saw it later that day at Dry Harbour.

Freedom

The MV Spindrift was definitely having its last trip before departing for southern waters to change to a new boat. We were sorry to see it go but fingers crossed for the new one…………….

Cheerio Spindrift

We went to tidy up at the cottages in the afternoon but there was not a lot to tidy, just a much appreciated clean couple of cottages this week and a flower arrangement.

The Welly!

Sunday I took a long walk North looking for the missing stags. I saw two, but not a lot else. They seem to be keeping to the trees for sure. I went right up to the North West corner and came back to the Loch. It is not often we see the lighthouse from this angle.

The Base

Looking North to Gairloch the sea was calm and it was quite a good day. I have been out a few times since but I cannot find many mature stags, plenty deer but not too many with decent antlers. Only Eric, twice, although last nights Eric looked younger than the one I saw an hour ago at Dry Harbour. Last night the stag I saw looked young, clean and the head was similar to ‘Eric’s’. Tonight’s Eric looked blacker (he had been wallowing) bigger and the head looked much heavier. Perhaps it was the light. Maybe, just maybe there are in fact two nearly the same. We will see.

Yesterday it was back to normal in the camp work wise. Lots to catch up on but mainly fiddly jobs. The trailer needed the bearings tightened and a new floor but bearings first. A quick grease and some packing washers and hey ho, sorted for a wee while.

Ready For Cladding.

The mink cull continues, Marc our DH visitor caught three in the traps we set lat week. I made a couple of new ones and set them. But nothing yet around the hen pen and shore in front of the Lodge. A check on the generators and the DH one needed an oil/filter change then back to Big Harbour to try the JCB and of course it had a flat battery, seems it is losing the charge. I put the battery on charge and then spent the rest of the afternoon looking for lamb 25 who went awol the night before.

Broken Jet Rope Hoist (Tirfor)

To-day I got the Tirfor winch out to look to taking the windmills down for their pre-winter check. That’s when I remembered I’d broken the release lever last time I used it. Back to the house a quick check on the internet and there was one on ebay. But by the time I would arrange a courier, the cost was getting nearer a new one so that’s the new plan. We’ll get a new one next month delivered to Rona by John, my pal who lives in Dudley (The Black Country). It just so happens that the dealer I found on the internet is two miles from where he stays and as he is coming up on holiday, what could be better.

I am just in (Tuesday night) and would you believe it, a Skye Yacht boat is in the harbour, I think number 463? Hardy holidaymakers!! It is a poor night out there and black as coal.

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

Phew!!! Nearly 30 degrees!!

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Bill Cowie

Topping Up.

Here we are back on the pontoon waiting for our lift back to Rona last Wednesday, thirsty work holidays!!!!!

Summer Sail

We got back to Rona with Iain and Margo Bennet our pals from Conon Bridge. Iain was goong to help with a bit of stalking. The weather was, as you can see beautiful.

Rona 2

Coming into Rona we passed Rona 2 one of the Sleat boats, the total yacht visits to Rona so far is 459, a huge leap on past years.

Looking Over To The Severn

The weather for our week away was stunning 25 + degrees every day and it was a bonus returning to it on Rona. The view here from the common above Stroud was right out to the River Severn, clear as a bell.

New Friends

Iain and Margo quickly settled into visit mode, but we had a bit of work to catch up on before the weekend visitors arrived.

The ‘Clampits’ Arrive

Saturday was more relaxed with our ‘Darlington pals’ arriving for their Autumn week. As usual a load of stuff was carted off.

Scraping The Bottom

Clive and Dave offered their services and a couple of hours later they were scraping the bottom of the boat, it had become terribly slow and no wonder it was pretty thick with barnacles.

Looking For Eric

Come Sunday we were off up North looking for stags but no result, too warm. But we did see about 50 Dolphins feeding off of the east of Rona. We then headed to Garbh Eilean, the Island between Rona and Raasay for a look for deer but again no Eric!! He is now leading a charmed life. The temperature was nearly 28 degrees so I guess he was in the shade. His time is up so it is with a great deal of remorse that I am going to cull him.

Dolphin Fun

There were no deer just a cast antler but as we were coming down from the top of the island we saw the dolphins coming nearer. I had little petrol left but it was a fantastic chance to see them close up so we went out and sure enough the came and played with us for 15 minutes then we left them in peace, What an experience.

Mark and Friends

And Another

What a day!! And to finish it all my son phoned to tell me that the new baby arrived a boy!!

So it is now Monday morning and we are hoping to get away, fingers crossed it is still flat calm, 25/6/7? degrees and blue skies.

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Hooray!! Holidays at last.

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Bill Cowie

After a busy week we are off to the South for a few days, thank goodness, it has been a long season. Autumn is here and the last week has just swept by. Here is an up date:

Sunny Days

The weather was calm so boat trips were easy, we lifted creels and fished a bit, not so many mackerel, but at least a few. Paul and his family enjoyed the trip and the week, no wonder one of the best for sunshine. on the way in we passed yacht Aisling with its YES flag flying, I have seen a few yes flags flying from yachts lately!!!!

No!!!!!

We had spied Eric our old stag when we were out with Paul fishing the previous week and here he was hiding in a hollow on the other Island just at the harbour.

Eric Being Discrete

So a plan was hatched and we decided to go out with Peter our German hunter, with Calum and crew at the helm, we would get dropped off and have a look for some stags.

Heading for the gap.

It was a fantastic morning with blue skies and warm early, a nice breeze from the SE and perfect for an early morning foray. We saw the stags, we got very close but they did not hang about. They took off and we positioned ourselves up on top of the Island. I told Peter to wait there as I walked to the windward side to wind the stags. I told him to be careful but if the opportunity arose he could get his stag. As it happened they swam off and stood perfectly for the shot. Peter, an old hand at stalking was so pleased to experience the sight of Eric close up, the stags swimming off and standing perfectly. He elected not to shoot and I have to say I was very pleased with his respect for the stags and the moment. A good hunter.

The Swimmers (courtesy of Irene MacA)

We headed back leaving the Island in peace and headed back for a late breakfast.

Speeding Home

The good weather brought a few more visitors, Yacht Ocean Lord was in and looking for a bottle of Rona whisky, an impromptu tasting was required and the dregs of our bottle made a few drams for the crew.

Tasting in the sun

We had been chatting down at the pontoon with Ocean Lord’s crew when a RIB came in from Portree, Calum was coming so they never tied up but we had a chat shouting at each other as they drifted about. The RIB was called ‘Sollas’ which intrigued me as I have many friends in that area of North Uist and of course my older sister lives just before it, at Achmore. It turned out to be Bruce Black and his pal from Portree.

Shouting Out

I ran Peter home after an exhausting day out and the last drop of sun was throwing up a lovely sky in Dry Harbour. We miss most of the sunsets at the Lodge so it was nice to see one.

Dry Harbour Sky

Next day more of the same but by evening it was getting a bit cloudier.

The Last Yacht Visitor for a While

It has gone quiet now and by the time Paul, his family and Peter left there was a change on and it has become very Autumnal. Monday morning I was tidying up getting the place organised for Calum coming to relieve and I heard the helicopter hanging about. It passed the mouth of the harbour hovering (I think) above one of the fish farm boats, it must have been on exercise . We didn’t here anything on the VHF. Later in the day I took off to check the creels, a few cracking lobsters but no prawns, time to lift the creels. I pulled up the fleet for the last time and headed in to miss the tide . So I tied up and planned unloading to-day.

The Last Fishing

So here we are unloaded waiting for the tide to lift the boat, it is pitch dark and Calum has just arrived. It is 9pm on Wednesday night.

Finishing Up.

I’m off down to the pontoon to get the mail and ‘hopefully’ put the boat to bed. Tomorrow, a long drive is in front of us as we head South to tie up a few loose ends and have a wee break, Hooray!!!!!!

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