Kilmelfording

We knew that we liked this place but that was confirmed when the sun came out. And stayed out. Wow. After so many horrid days it was like winning the lottery. Actually, never having won much on the lottery, we cannot say that with certainty but if the nice lottery folks would like to help us make the comparison....

We do look a bit tall here:

and Patrick got a Facebook mention too on the Kilmelford page. He is such an attention seeker.

We did the obligatory walk around the loch to Melfort and found that someone had painted the wall of their house and then trimmed back a bush growing against it:

An interesting approach to decorating.

The views over the loch and moorings were better:

They even caused the crew and Linda to stop and admire things - they were still amazed at being able to leave the boat without a coat and wet weather gear of course:

Again, for old times sake, we hit the Cuilfail hotel for lunch and then staggered back to the boat. The captain and Andrew went mad and washed off the boat. The crew and Linda burned off their lunch by sleeping. Females are clearly smarter.

Maintenance news:

Yes, we have some. The new main engine alternator drive belts that we had fitted whilst out in South Uist (Outer Hebrides island) had been shedding bits of rubbery gunge and plenty of dust since fitment. Recently they were re-tightened as they had stretched after a few hours in service. Well, the amount of dust had not decreased and the captain had a good look around during the trip.

The pulley on the engine had 4 grooves on it and the belts should run in the two closest to the engine. Well, whilst re-tightening them, the captain had obviously allowed the outer belt to jump over to a different groove so it was running at quite an angle - hence the dust. It was hard to see as they are both hidden by the big guard but the lesson learned is to check them after tightening in future!

Not a big disaster as the outer belt was not particularly worn after a few hours running "squint",  but it does mean lots of engine room cleaning to remove all the dust is needed. That, comes soon on a rainy day. Might well move to the "one belt" solution.

From deluge to Kilmelford (via Loch Aline)

Would the rain ever stop? Well, the forecast said so and hence we planned to head back to Loch Aline for one night and then to start our slow run south again. Guess what, the forecast was wrong. So, we walked to the Co-op in the gloom, chatted to the crew of Sceptre (a lovely old yacht that was our 1958 Americas cup challenger) and then scuttled inside as the rain started.  If you like old wooden sailing yachts with character, have a look at the Sceptre website,  If you prefer to avoid images of fresh paint hiding several feet of rotting timber, then don't.

Our return along the Sound of Mull was, once more, grey and gloomy. The positive part was that it wasn't raining all the time, as it had for the past couple of days. We spotted another square rigger for you:

The well organised Loch Aline had a hammerhead sorted out for us, so we happily moored up and then, as the rain looked to have abated for a while, risked a walk to the local shop. Amazingly, they rescued the day as they had both Marmite and a rather posh Lemon and Lime curd too. This led to a breakfast re-run of the world famous 2014 curd taste tests in which Mr Aldi wiped the floor with Mr Tesco's finest and hence their share price slumped. Well, Andrew took his role most seriously again:

and the little craft producer was given a big thumbs up. No chance of a blind "taste off" though as this one is lemon and lime flavour, so far too distinctive.

We left Loch Aline planning to arrive off Fladda (the cute little lighthouse place) as the tide turned in our favour. Too early and we might go backwards. Much later and we would have a swirly ride through the eddies that occur in the Sound of Luing with a spring tide in full flow. Just outside the Loch entrance, a little coaster had arrived to collect the piles of timber that we had enjoyed "sniffing" during our walks:

Yes, it does seem like an odd pastime but Loch Aline is a little bit remote.....

Here is our route for those addicted to maps and geography, showing the leg from Tobermory which we completed the previous day too:

 

Duart Castle, near the eastern entrance to the Sound of Mull was still covered in scaffolding:

and grey and broody looking of course. A pretty gentle run followed, just a little residual slop from the south west after the lovely windy days that we had enjoyed recently. Having mentioned the cute little lighthouse on Fladda, it would be rude to ignore the view as we passed it:

Arriving in a calm Kilmelford we found a suitable space at the end of their pontoon and claimed it as ours. It felt a bit familiar and welcoming, especially when two ladies in a yacht nearby told the crew that "we saw you approaching, recognised you by your headsets and realised that you didn't need any help to berth". Last visit was two years ago so they have quite a memory. Perhaps we are more famous than we thought or deserve?