There are some things you can confidently expect when booking a Hebrides Cruises cruise; a professional crew who are experts in their field; delicious (plentiful) food; attention to detail - they will soon learn your preferences and foibles, and interesting companions in your fellow voyagers. There will be other things that you could not imagine, that will make the trip a unique experience. At breakfast, on the first morning of our cruise, my birthday, we had a visit from a couple of bottlenose dolphins, who circled the ship. This proved to be the best sighting of the voyage. Later, after a walk along the Crinan Canal, we returned to afternoon tea and a delicious chocolate birthday cake, suitable for everyone - see what I mean about attention to detail? The weather was varied and so were the walks we had - landings on pontoons, stony beaches, sandy beaches, water over the feet beaches (just the one and my boots have finally dried out!) Our comfort took priority, seeking a sheltered harbour when strong winds were forecast. We enjoyed honing our wildlife recognition skills. Lauren - I kept a spotting diary the next week ashore! We bonded with our fellow guests over meals, entering /exiting the tender with grace and style (not) and mercy missions - Dave held up the traffic, while I encouraged a handsome brown spotted toad onto the verge. This was our first cruise on Elizabeth G; two previous had been on Emma Jane, and we see why Eliz G has a loyal following, which we have now joined. Many thanks to our crew; Skipper Alistair, overseeing Sarah's graduation to skipper (Congratulations, Sarah) Lauren and Charlie, who survived us last year, and came back for more, and Craig, ever patient and good humoured (don't mention the cheese jokes!) Emma behind the scenes makes everything run like clockwork, and the team on the quay, rain or shine are so professional. You so deserve all the awards and nominations you have achieved. We have already booked for St Kilda next July.