Canna

This was my first time to Canna. The boat I was following disappeared into the mist. From my charts, I knew there was one Red channel marker. I coudn’t see it.

Any outgoing boats will keep close to that. I needed to be on the other side of the channel. The green marker was on land; at the end of the ferry dock. So, I had to find the red marker and continue on until I could find the point of land with the green marker. I could not see the harbour area at all. The mist and overcast was limiting visibility to less than a half mile.

I turned on the running lights. These are the red and lights you see on the bow of a boat and a white light on the stern (back).

There is a certain amount of angst arriving at a new port anyway. This had a higher stress level due to the limited visibility. I was sailing 80% by the chart plotter and depth sounder. It was one of those times I was thankful for my instrument flight training.

The AIS did not show any boats at the ferry terminal, which was good. They move fast!

Finally, as I rounded the point with the green marker, the mist had stopped. The whole harbour area opened up for me to see. The boat I was following was at a mooring ahead and to the left. They left another mooring right next them for my boat.

The photo below is looking back towards the harbour entrance. It shows a couple other boats on moorings. What it really shows is the low clouds I had to sail through outside the harbour.

Canna Moorings Upon Our Arrival

I was towing my tender the whole way from Tobermory. They needed to inflate theirs to get to land. I offered to row them ashore. Instead, I rowed their son ashore, then he rowed back to get his mom. Then she rowed back to get her husband. That worked out very nicely.

Distant Horizon On Its Mooring as James Rows the Tender

While that was going on, we were talking with the Harbour Master. He explained where we needed to go to pay for the mooring.

Then, Harbor Master pointed out that we were being observed… by a harbour seal.

Seal Observing Us

He also explained the tender could not be left on the slipway (ramp). We had to carry it up to the top. My tender is heavy, but with five of us, it was pretty easy.

Ed, the son, went for a run. The parents (Jo and James) walked with me to pay for our moorings.

After that business was taken care of, we went for a walk. James said there was an ancient christian cross nearby. Needing a little exercise, we agreed to go find it.

It turns out that this cross was from the 7th century. From the 7th to 9th century a fairly large monastic settlement had developed. By the 19th century, a large settlement grew up around this. It was actually the largest township on the island. However, during the clearances where landlords forced the tenants to move, in favor of sheep, most people were gone. The stones for the chapel, homes, and other buildings were used for field stones to separate pastures. This is the last remaining clue of the islands spiritual beginnings.

7th Century Christian Cross

I don’t know what is most interesting: this cross contains carvings of both christian symbols and Pictish symbols; Or that it has survived for over 1400 years.

It’s easy to see why the monks chose this location. The settlement would have been in a natural bowl for protection from the weather, and fertile ground down to the sea.

View From the Cross

Although it was cloudy, or heavy overcast all day, we were treated to a little sunset in the evening.

Sunset View of the Farming Community

Sunset View Looking Back Towards the Harbour Entrance

Jo, James, and Ed were heading to the Outer Hebrides in the morning. They were planning a very early start because the winds were forecasted to be very light and they had about 45nm to go.

I woke up early to wave goodbye, but they were already gone! Still, I was blessed with an amazing sunrise.

Sunrise the next morning

Before departing, I wanted to go ashore on the other side of the harbour. There was a very interesting church there. I must say, it was only interesting from a distance. However, the trip was worthwhile as I was able to capture this abandoned home just down the road.

Abandoned Home

Old Church

Having taken several photos of the church from land, I like this one; taken while I was departing. Next stop, Isle of Skye.