I guess I was a party pooper on the Wild West SIB outing. I only managed a flying Friday visit. I had to go for a MRI scan at the hospital. ..as the doctor had discovered something fishy with some of my internal components...and wanted a closer look.
However I fully enjoyed my day with the lads from down south. Due to the strong winds..Loch Linnhe was churning like a washing machine ..so we drove to Loch Leven which was sheltered from the south westerly winds by the surrounding hills. It has the disadvantage that the hills tend to generate lots of rain. But hey... our skin is waterproof although my floatation jacket is not..so rain wasn’t going to damped my day.
We set up the various boats in Glencoe Sailing Club compound which we had permission to do. Apart from the Wild West crews..there was not another soul around. ..rain stopped all other play.
As I was first on the water..I busied myself with the fishing rod while waiting the others to float their boats. First fish of the day was caught within a few moments of dropping the line. A lovely big mackerel was duly hauled on board. Second fish soon followed..a grey Gurnard .. well it didn’t quite follow the mackerel into the bucket.. I don’t eat gurnard ..so it was returned to tell the tale of being hooked by The Gurnard.
Once everyone was afloat.. we headed for Kinlochleven ... at the far end of the Loch. It didn’t surprise me ..but the others had difficulty keeping up with my 6HP outboard ..proof the Guppy can move when she wants to.
While some of us did some more fishing .. Roger made himself comfortable in his boat. He was a tad tired after moving so fast. Matt tried his best to ignore the loud snoring coming from the Honwave’s bilges.
Andy tried his best to blend in with everyone with his large camouflage cover ..before crawling under it to hide from the rain.
Stray who’s boat was coverless .. used Mrs Stray as a rain shield.
Martin was bored so decided to see how fast his blue boat would go.. while Paul B acted as time keeper ..and tried not to look bored
Meanwhile Paul was thrilled with seeing all the wet scenery.. and couldn’t believe we had the whole loch to ourselves.... I ... on the other hand..had never seen it so busy.
To slow the pace down ..I took everyone to the dead centre of the loch.. where we landed on Eilean Monde .. to see where the MacDonald’s of Glencoe were buried after they were massacred by the Campbell’s of Glen Lyon
I collected a few worms on the island to help attract some more mackerel. I enjoyed another fish tea that evening.
Im pleased to say ... my MRI scan was successful too..and the doctor unveiled the mystery of the white poo that smells like seagull sh%t. I have been scoffing too much free fish. So Im glad my mackerel season is almost over..and I can go back to eating sassages ...until next Mackie season
It was great meeting you all..and I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as I did. I hope to make the full weekend next time.
glad that the problem will be soon resolved 
with everyone, including Mrs Stray (Ali) having her first trip out on the boat in such miserable conditions (baptism by fire more like 
) commenting how much fun they'd had, enjoyed the stunning scenery, exploring the mystical island in company of like minded enthusiastic boaters 
it don't get better than that IMO 
