We made a run out to sea today. We donned waterproof suits and life-jackets. Boarded an RIB (rigid inflatable boat), with Captain John, and off we went, skimming across the waves. We traveled out from the docks at Elgol (on the Isle of Skye) to the Isle of Canna. It was here that my hopes were realized – WE SAW PUFFINS! Yippee! Small-bodied, but strong and stout these birds are! They are truly sea birds – the only time they spend on land is to mate, hatch one fledgling, feed it until it is big enough, and then the parents head back out to sea. So this was the time of year to see the puffins beginning to nest. They mate for life, and return to the same burrow each year to have another fledgling, then it’s back out to sea – to the North Atlantic. Come this time next year, they will return to Canna, spend time in a mass of fellow puffins until they find their mate, and then it’s time for the romance to begin again 😂.
Not only did we see puffins, but also shags, razor bills, and cormorants. Captain spotted a golden eagle on the way in, but I missed that one. On our way to the Isle of Rum, we floated by a seal colony. Most were in the water, poking their heads up to greet us. Rum was beautiful. We saw red deer grazing on the hills, and a beautiful white, sandy beach. We stopped by the wreckage of the Jack Abry II. Seems the captain had too much to drink and ran the trawler aground. You can look that story up online to read more if you are interested. On the way back to Elgol, some dolphins came beside the boat to greet us. It was such an incredible sight to see all the wildlife, and learn about life on these islands. Another astonishing day! My heart is full. Thanking my Father for all His many blessings, allowing me to see so many incredible sights!
One more day exploring Skye, then we will be driving to Glasgow for our flight back to the U.S.A. Love to all 💕