Sea kayaking weekend away trip with friends from the Inverness Canoe Club. We met and launched at Talmine, heading off to wild camp on Eilean nan Ron - a uninhabited island off the North coast. Lovely weather. Above photos from not long after launching, whilst passing the Rabbit Islands.

Was surprised by the strength of the tidal current flowing between the mainland and the island, but more surprised the leaders had registered it, and that those less experienced were struggling against it. Too much chatting going on! As I was in my automatic shepherding location, keeping an eye on those at the back, couldn't easily prompt those up front. Made a sideways detour closer to the island, out of the flow, and soon overtook them all.

Extras:
 - soon to launch at Talmine, with soon to lunch in a wee bay, Port an t-Strathain;
 - after reaching Eilean nan Ron, and dropping off the camping gear, four of us went back on the water and headed off to explore the coast around the nearby (two miles away) Neave Island. Cliff, caves, and sea arches. The big sea arch is at the North end, and is visible from Eilean nan Ron.
 - some wild flowers on Neave Island: Field Scabious, Briar Rose, and Greater Knapweed.

There are a several shells of old houses close together on the island, a bit spooky in some ways. We had a fire in the former fireplace of one of them that evening. In the shelter of the walls we ate, drank, had good blethers, and listened to numerous tales and schemes. Some were believable. A good day.