Our recent guests, Ian and Fiona Woods, sent in a lovely review of their recent cruise. Ian mentioned that the cruise gave some spectacular highlights but for him the encounter with the humpback whale on the return leg was amazing but even better was the sunset off the Cairns of Coll. The evening meal had just finished when Skipper Bren came to announce that the sunset promised to be spectacular. Ian spent a good hour on the top deck photographing the beauty of the sunset and became aware of something special as Zoe, Hannah and Bren remained on top. There was total silence as they reflected on the profoundness of the scene. Both of those episodes led Ian to compose 2 poems which he read on the final night of the cruise - much to everyone's enjoyment. With Ian's permission, we publish them here so you can enjoy them too.
Whale Song
I see you Traveller
Sailing through my life
On your short journeys
You glimpse of me
Just fleeting moments
Enough, I think, to bring pleasure
But my journeys are long
In the deep ocean
Without the borders you create
Sometimes, you will see me
Leap high into your world,
Into your memory, into your dreams
When you are far from these seas
I will still swim through your life
You will never forget me
Sunset – Cairns of Coll
It is one thing
To hear just the lapping of waves
And the cry of seabirds
As the sun sets on the
Cairns of Coll
But nothing
Prepares for the moment
When clouds are thrown aside
And the light blazes forth
Like a warrior in death throes
And this is special
This commands silence from the watchers
The daily dying of the light
Piercing individual hearts
There is resurrection tomorrow
Always believe it loved ones
A typically delightful trip with Hebrides Cruises. From the warm welcome to the huggy farewell, the crew did everything possible to enable us to enjoy ourselves. Very lucky with weather, we visited 3 of the 4 Small Isles and 3 superb sea lochs as well as anchoring off the glorious beach at Kentra. The visits ashore were appropriate and well-managed—careful landings and a sensible walking pace. Lots of time to really look around and take in the beauty and wildlife we were privileged to share. While at sea there were superb sightings of common dolphin and minke whales. Golden and white-tailed eagles AND otters were a real bonus. And the food? Quite staggeringly good from such a tiny galley as usual. Beautifully presented and suitably varied with all tastes accommodated. Altogether an experience to remember with relish and long to repeat. Thank you to all involved. Jan Shearn
Janet Shearn: 20 September 2025The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens