The fifth expedition of the year presented some challenging weather conditions, but the hardy souls aboard Silurian provided equal measures of fun and laughter with food. A plankton party and pass the pigs providing a memorable week for all.

With the Whale & Dolphin Trust, the Hebrides is a must.

Emma Boat and Emma Bear, and Sian, first mate, got us there.

Out to sea, we reached Tiree; two nights and a day, stuck in Gott Bay.

Birds and Boats and overnight oats; sunsets, games and gannets at play.

Not many fins but plenty of grins; not many seals but plenty of creels.

Annie and Cam fed the fishes, whilst the others did the dishes.

Sian’s food wasn’t wasted, it was the best we’ve ever tasted.

We all enjoyed Annie’s stories, regaling us with former glories.

Up and down we sailed the Sound, with no cetaceans to be found.

Then stepped ashore the Isle of Carna, where peace and beauty restored our Karma.

Despite the wind which blew and blew, the Silurian Skipper got us through.

We’ll all remember the week we’ve had; the fun, the laughter – we must be mad!

Annie, Carole, Erin, Jackie, Kate & Ruth

Day 1

A wonderful first day with sun and wind; excellent training & species ID resulted in common dolphin, puffin, and bonxie (Great Skua) sightings. Last time Jackie and I shared an HWDT trip we saw nothing and didn't even get out of the Sound of Mull due to the weather, so making it to Tiree was definitely a bonus!

Emma's forecast of "fresh" winds proved to be accurate - while the sun shone Jackie & Kate beamed with laughter at the mast as they rode the rolling swell & were drenched in sea spray. Unfortunately, Annie & Cam didn't enjoy it so much, but thankfully were on the mend to scoff the rather delish curry lovingly prepared by ‘team Whitebeak’ - with critical intervention on the steam pot contraption from Emma B - as the others galivanted around the bright lights that Gott Bay in Tiree (pg. 653*) had to offer.

*Hamish Haswell-Smith, The Scottish Islands. The bestselling guide to every Scottish Island, Fully revised edition 2015. Canonbie Books Ltd.

Ruth & Jackie

DAY 2

Today has been described as a no move, all food day. We were stormbound in Gott Bay on the Isle of Tiree - certainly worse places to be stranded. Sian made incredible cheese scones with a fabulous salad. Annie and Carol made delicious sausage casserole and Erin made the most amazing apple crumble. There was a plankton party, bird quiz and lots of time for reading with an abundance of tea. The evening involved lots of games including Bananagrams and pass the pigs. We are now well rested for a full day of surveying tomorrow.

Erin & Kate

DAY 3

After much hilarity last night, it was an early breakfast and as much surveying as conditions would allow today. A fairly challenging force 4 to 5 sea state, but that didn't hold us back (even me, and I was seasick)! It was very exciting and there was a great sense of comradeship whilst all us volunteers were looked after with regular cups of tea, biscuits and lovely risotto lunch. Despite the lively conditions, our skipper handled Silurian with complete calm and kept us all safe. To cap off an exhilarating day a white-tailed eagle was spotted and gave a great aerial display. Fabulous fajitas for dinner and lots of 😅.

Carole & Annie

Skipper Emma showing us the route for the day

DAY 4

Finally, some improved settled weather, but still cold with some showers early on as we cleared Loch Aline on the Morvern peninsula & sailed NW up the Sound of Mull heading for Loch Sunart. Again, as we passed the fish farm we were treated to another sighting of white-tailed eagles. Shortly, on our passage into Loch Sunart, the shout of "Porpoise" was repeated from the port mast as we negotiated the narrows between Glenborrodale & Oronsay.

No other sightings in Loch Sunart before we anchored at the Isle of Carna, not even the mysterious wildcats believed to inhabit the island. The peace and tranquility of Carna, however, was very welcome after a week of wild weather and challenging seas.

Jackie

During the expeditions the team surveyed 258.3 km of Hebridean waters, sighting three marine mammal and acoustically recording 38 harbour porpoise.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM OF CITIZEN SCIENTISTS WHO JOINED THIS EXPEDITION: ANNIE, CAROLE, ERIN, JACKIE, KATE & RUTH.