The anchor was then weighed, and we steamed round the west and north coasts of Skye, the ‘Iolanthe’ going in the opposite direction through the Sound of Sleat to Portree, where we were to meet, and to anchor for the night. The effects of the rain were seen in a tremendous increase in the waterfalls that precipitate themselves into the Sound of Soa from the steep sides of the mountains. The cataracts were indeed magnificent, and every one felt that the wild weather had not been without its compensations.
To tell the truth, however, the scenery had to be taken very much for granted. One or two picturesque bits of rocky coast were all that could be seen. ‘M‘Leod’s Maidens’ were ‘children of the Mist.’ Dunvegan Castle was nowhere. Duntulm was invisible. The bold Quiraing, and the Old Man of Storr, and Prince Charlie’s Cave, were held as seen; and when we anchored in the evening in the Sound of Raasay, opposite Portree, we might have been anywhere.
These untoward conditions, however, did not interfere with our enjoyment of the good things provided for us on board, or of the adjournment to the smoking-room at a later hour, when bad jokes and good stories were equally enjoyed, and when some wonderful card tricks were performed by our own Wizard of the North, who proved, however, mere potter’s clay in the cool hands of Captain Webster.
Near Strome Ferry.
VI
WILD LOCH ALSH AND DARK LOCH DUICH
Outside of Portree Bay—Sunrise.