Elizabeth G was looking her very best with a total makeover inside and out for her first cruise of the season. Our four crew, Skipper Rob, Chef Steve, Wildlife Guide Vivi and Bosun Sarah were ready to welcome our first guests of the season on board yesterday on a 6-night cruise to Magical Mull. Our next Magical Mull Wildlife Cruise is September 26th 2015.
The onboard menu is already getting rave reviews with bubbly and Granny Mary’s amazingly light scones on arrival and fresh langoustines for the first dinner on board, anchored in Tobermory Bay; a taste of magic indeed!
Today (Sunday), lunch was Wild Mushroom and Blueberry Risotti with Apple Salad while anchored in beautiful Loch Drumbuie, famed for its sunsets. A walk ashore will help build up the appetite again for dinner with locally caught cod in Harrisa crumb for the main course.
We have been asked for the recipe for Mary’s scones – so here it is! Granny Mary’s Scone Recipe Mary is 87, Rob’s mum-in-law, Emma’s Granny and very much head of the family.
Mary is a massive fan of Elizabeth G and she and Rob had a great overnight stay on the boat last summer. She loves making the scones each week for the new guests.
The number of wildlife sightings are already stacking up with bottlenose dolphins, great northern divers, arctic terns, Manx shearwaters, lots of shags and red deer on the list so far.
Last year was our first, long awaited trip on Emma Jane. It was an amazing experience, over and above anything we could have hoped for. So on our return we booked this years cruise AND 2025. As skipper James said ‘ you need to do these things while still vertical’! Emma Jane is a beautiful, comfortable vessel to travel on from the well thought out cabins, comfy sofas and books in the salon and multiple outside viewing areas to look out for all the wildlife and scenery. Skipper Charlie found wonderful anchorages, dramatic scenery and safe clean places for the hardy swimmers. Arriving at the Shiants around the north of the islands was a real highlight. This approach allowed us to see the huge and dramatic basalt pillars, that dwarf those at Fingals Cave. Later, with perfect conditions, Charlie and Will ( Guide) took us on the rib to see the formations, caves and birds at really close quarters. Amazing! Will sort out the wildlife at sea and on land with great success. Highlights include both common and bottlenose nose dolphins who came to ride the bow wave. A lovely view of Minke whale. 3 white tailed eagles together on the eastern shore of Raasay and 8 in the sky as we sailed away from The Shiants. Will led us safely on shore trips that were adapted to the ability and wishes of the guests. This includes a dramatic hike up to Hallaig, the abandoned settlement on Raasay. Stunning views in all directions and a golden eagle viewed from above. Charlie (chef, not the shipper!) cheerfully cooked us up 3 lovely meals a day as well of cake for tea, using a great deal of local produce. I loved the fish dishes. She was ably assisted by equally smiley Jasmine, who looked after us, served us meals, made drinks and kept everything spotlessly clean and tidy. It felt as if the whole crew worked together as a well oiled team. I’ve seen it written before on reviews before, but if you are considering a trip with Hebrides Cruises - book it. Will and Sarah
Will and Sarah: 13 May 2024Far-flung islands: Shiants & the Summer Isles