Our recent guests, Ian and Fiona Woods, sent in a lovely review of their recent cruise. Ian mentioned that the cruise gave some spectacular highlights but for him the encounter with the humpback whale on the return leg was amazing but even better was the sunset off the Cairns of Coll. The evening meal had just finished when Skipper Bren came to announce that the sunset promised to be spectacular. Ian spent a good hour on the top deck photographing the beauty of the sunset and became aware of something special as Zoe, Hannah and Bren remained on top. There was total silence as they reflected on the profoundness of the scene. Both of those episodes led Ian to compose 2 poems which he read on the final night of the cruise - much to everyone's enjoyment. With Ian's permission, we publish them here so you can enjoy them too.
Whale Song
I see you Traveller
Sailing through my life
On your short journeys
You glimpse of me
Just fleeting moments
Enough, I think, to bring pleasure
But my journeys are long
In the deep ocean
Without the borders you create
Sometimes, you will see me
Leap high into your world,
Into your memory, into your dreams
When you are far from these seas
I will still swim through your life
You will never forget me
Sunset – Cairns of Coll
It is one thing
To hear just the lapping of waves
And the cry of seabirds
As the sun sets on the
Cairns of Coll
But nothing
Prepares for the moment
When clouds are thrown aside
And the light blazes forth
Like a warrior in death throes
And this is special
This commands silence from the watchers
The daily dying of the light
Piercing individual hearts
There is resurrection tomorrow
Always believe it loved ones
Gary and I would love to leave a review - not only for this particular cruise destination - Skye and Small Isles - which was far more interesting and entertaining to reach their shores by ship! However, to explain the whole experience of six nights of first class safe quality sailing, a dance of the taste buds at every meal, the knowledgeable guidance to witness our Scottish wildlife (for which I can assure you there are no polar bears! What happened on my iPad stays on my iPad! and the attention to small details for which only a true hidden artist can achieve - this MUST be experienced first hand! I am sure all seven of our friendly fellow guests will agree - we had the wonderful weather, the wine and the willingness to return again! No doubt - readers of this review - go whilst your legs can still carry you! With grateful thanks to all concerned Love Lesley
Lesley Stephen: 28 July 2021Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons