I hope Mael Coluim would appreciate this one

[Mael Coluim]

Donald had scheduled a service with several churches which was a few days away from our early arrival. So, we had some time to see some of the local sites.

One of the advantages of having your own boat is to get to places when the normal tourist would have a hard time to get to. We went to Ellen Mhor to visit the Celtic sites of St. Cormac.












[The below history is from the web site, Am Baile Highland History and Culture, photos are from our trip]

Near the south eastern end of Eilean Mòr, the largest of a group of islands in the Sound of Jura, is a cave known as 'St Cormac's Cave'. Its walls are carved with simple crosses.







St Cormac or St Charmaig was a 7th-century Irish monk who founded a monastery at Keills on the Tayvallich Peninsula. He is said to have used Eilean Mòr as an early Christian retreat.




This small ruined chapel on Eilean Mòr, known as St Cormac's Chapel, dates from the late 12th to early 13th century with alterations made in the 14th and 15th centuries. The broken 10th-century cross slab to the right of the photograph stands near the south east corner of the chapel and traditionally marks the site of St Cormac's grave.

[Mael Coluim]

Another excursion we took was to Celtic settlement on the Garvellach islands . The story we heard was that no women were allowed on Iona after St. Columba founded his monastery. His mother would sail from Ireland and meet him on this island settlement from time to time. When her husband (Columba’s father) died she came here to live permanently.






You can see a bee hive cell where the roof has collasped.


A 'group' os sea lions head back to the water

[Mael Coluim]

Nights were beautiful one Easdale. Here on some photos of a sunset.

You can see in the background the Paps of Jura island.

[Mael Coluim]

These are some photos around Easdale Island. It has quite a history with the slate industry. It’s a small island, but quite charming. The residents there are welcoming folks.



Sailboats in the harbor.



Ferry landing to Seil Island, just across the harbor.



We carried a inflatable zodiac which we used to go to Seil Island for provisions and fun!



Looking across the harbor to Seil Island.



Band saw once used to cut the slate.



Quarry that has flooded.

[Mael Coluim]

This wood carving was one of many by a local resident.



These wheelbarrows were used by the islanders to take their belongs from the ferry to their homes. No cars on the island.



Phyllis Logan is brining up some of our belongings to our the community center.



John with Robin having a bit of fun with wheelbarrow.



Cannons

More to come!

[Mael Coluim]

There was a pub on the island called The Puffer Bar. It was a great place for grub and a drink. You never knew when a Ceilidh might come together.

[Mael Coluim]

We were fortunate to have three members of the Causeway Coast Maritime Heritage Group sail with us. After all it was their boat.

Our Skipper, Robin Ruddock of Portrush was introduced earlier.



John Logan of Colerain was our port lead oarsman. Robin consulted frequently with him.



Jim Allen of Colerain was our unofficial bosun. We kept 10 oars in the water at all times. With 13 of us, Jim would spell us at our position giving us a chance to rest. When we landed Jim was there at the bow.



These guys were men's men. I would have no fear going to the Gates of Hell with them.

[Mael Coluim]

There is a famous whirlpool near Easdale Island called the Corryvreckan. According to legend, St. Columba calmed it with sprinkling of Holy Water. We took a charter ride out to it, see it for ourselves. The tide was not quite right for a maelstrom but it was interesting, nevertheless.

[Mael Coluim]

The day came for our ecumenical church service. The area Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and Scottish Episcopal Churches participated.

We rowed over to Seil Island with our bartender from the Puffer playing his pipes.

[Mael Coluim]

We processed to the site for the service.