Monday 06/06/05

Sunny if windy morning. The helicopter on the big yacht is flying around the boat. Can see quite a few people moving about on board. They are just under a mile away, but my binoculars are strong enough to offer a good view. Anchor is aweigh at 10 o'clock, and Air leaves her anchorage in Cala Chlumaig. This ship has a crew of 26, and was launched from a yard in Bremen, Germany, only 7-10 days ago. She is currently undergoing seatrials. Mrs B's brother in law calls in at half past 10 and proceeds to tell some stories that happened in his life.
He was involved in the democratic salvage of the cargo of the Politician which sank off Eriskay in 1941, prompting the famous story of Whisky Galore. It was a story of help yourself to plenty of whisky. There were also some fantastic stories about democratic culling of deer on the hills of Lewis and Harris, on the estates of Morsgail, Scaliscro and Eishken. Latterly in 2002. Nowadays, poaching is much more difficult, with nightsight goggles and what have you.
At 12 noon, the cruiseliner Alexander von Humboldt comes into port. Two hours later, the Hebridean Princess follows suit. Town is full of people around 2 pm. I walk to Arnish, through the Castle Grounds, in 1 hour 15 mins. Look around the lighthouse, then divert to the small cape that separates Cala Steornabhagh from Cala Ghlumaig. Am only a few hundred yards from Air, which has now returned to her anchorage. The crew is cleaning, painting, polishing and skiving -crewmember engaged in latter activity is hiding on the steps at the stern of the vessel. I have a look by the BPC monument (I have previously ranted about Bonny Prince Charlie, so will spare you the ordeal), then return to town at 5.30. Two guys were climbing the rocks just outside Arnish. Stornoway was buzzing with cruise passengers. It's sunny, but with a chilly wind. The day closes nice and sunny