Loch Linnhe ferry, at the Corran Narrows.

Last time I was here, I and another were acting as guinea pigs for a level 5 (top level) sea kayaking coach assessment, so we were being given some free training in challenging conditions, whilst our coach was being assessed. And conditions were indeed challenging, with the tide running full pelt through the narrows, and strong winds sweeping and stacking waves through there too.

Today it was just a stop to pass some time, on the way to Fort William to pick up S and take her back North. She'd been chumming a good friend for the last twenty or so miles of the West Highland Way Race, whereas I'd been sea kayaking around the remaining part of Lismore.

Woke early in the brightness of the tent, and could hear shuffling noises outside. Hadn't realised there was a herd of cattle in the field, as they must have been at the opposite end of the field last night, somewhere over a ridge. They didn't get too close or tread on the tent or guylines. In packing up, kept a low profile lest there was a bull or any over inquisitive ones amongst the herd. Was surprised by a Greylag Goose walking very close by, when you'd have expected it to immediately take flight. The reason for not flying became obvious at she passed, with a troop of goslings running behind her, trying to keep up.

On the water, and the tough slog straight into a force four gusting five headwind. Kept as close to the shore as possible, to avoid the tide that was also running against me. That was strengthening the further I travelled, as the channel narrowed towards Port Appin. Cut across to the mainland over the last mile. Didn't take any photos on the water, as I'd only have been swept backwards, just kept plodding on. Not attempting to power against it, as that would just wear you out. Slow steady progress, keeping a paddle in the water most of the time, and taking care not to let the wind catch the blades at all... whilst keeping a good hold of that paddle.

A brief highlight was whilst only about a metre from a rocky stretch of shore. An Otter popped up between me and the rocks, jumping out of the water on to a rock. It was close enough to touch with the paddle, and oblivious of my presence and proximity. As it give itself a drying shake, I made a high pitched squeak like noise to attract its attention. It casually turned, and upon seeing me momentarily froze, and then promptly dived straight back in the water. I did laugh, and had something to smile about for the remaining three miles, of what felt like crawling slowly along the coast. So glad I did the majority of the circumnavigation yesterday, when conditions were great.