Plockton 2000 Trip Journal
Chapter 6 |
Uig Bay, Isle of SkyeAnd a fine day dawned indeed - the festival event I'd most looked forward to, Caledonian MacBrayne's ferry ride from Uig to Lochmaddy. The Hebridean Isles
Facts about the Hebridean Isles Backbone of Interisland CommerceCal-Mac operates a variety of services all throughout the western isles, and they range greatly in size depending on the route. This particular route, the lifeline from Skye to the isle of North Uist, is a massive commerce conduit.
When the line started to move, it was some sort of magic trick. Where did all those vehicles go? How could they possibly all fit into the hold, no matter how big our ship was? But, like the clown car at the circus, they somehow all managed to pile in. And our trip began. Room with a ViewStart to end, we were amazed at the quantity and variety of wildlife. Even coming from Hawai'i, I'd never seen so many porpoises at one time. Schools and schools of them, cavorting before our eyes. And incredible numbers of seabirds everywhere we looked -- cormorants, grebes, terns. What a sight. Lochmaddy, North Uist Island
The Caledonian MacBrayne ExperienceGourmet at Sea
Life Long CommitmentsHaving slaughtered many huge and gorgeous prawns, it was time for lolling about on the deck. There I was joined by Chief Steward Roderick Ferguson, who has been with Cal-Mac for 24 years. He and the staff were very interested in whether we'd enjoyed the event, and we also talked about what a backbone of the islands the ferries are. They even have special events such as weddings on board. Shortly after, I was joined by Second Steward Roderick John MacDonald, who has been with Cal-Mac for 26 years. He told of the night before when they were moving up from Lochmaddy to Tarbert without passengers and had a beautiful sunset, and could see the otters on the rocks. What a life! I felt I never wanted to leave. Steward MacDonald will by now have received his gold watch for service - he says that it seems like yesterday that he began his life of the sea. Ceremonies were held at the Gourock headquarters. And would that I could have been there to toast him a wee dram. Return to SkyeDebark? No, No!I thought they'd have to call the bobbies to get me off the ship. In fact, had not the Faerie Glen been calling to me, they probably would have. Ferry Trip Photo GalleryFacts about Caledonian MacBrayne's Hebridean Isles:
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