23 October 2021
A Taste of Argyll - Glen Shiel
Neil Simpson
It was a cold rainy Saturday when we embarked on the Glen Shiel to a warm friendly welcome from the crew, Skipper Peter, Chef Neil, Bosun Gill and Aaron the engineer. After a couple of interesting hours sailing we moored in a quiet bay and enjoyed our first meal of scallops followed by venison and a cheese course. How chef prepares such amazing food from a tiny galley with an exceptional light touch is incredible, some of the best ship cruising food was enjoyed over the next 3 days. We were privileged to have 4 birthdays and each celebrated, the wine flowing all evening, plus a few (or more) drams. We had some lovely views over the next couple of days, enjoying walks in Lochgilphead and Tarbert. It was a pleasure to visit the wheelhouse were we could chat with Peter over various topics including discussing landmarks and points of interest along the way. He was always attentive and even said your in control of the boat as he left the bridge for a few moments (we were on autopilot). Gill was everywhere and into everything to keep all the passengers happy, nothing too much trouble, from tidying up our rooms to serving drinks and looking after those getting their sea legs. We won’t forget Aaron around 11pm out in the pouring rain, adjusting the anchor with Peter when the wind changed, cannot remember if he was smiling but he gave a thumbs up. Normally on a cruise it takes a while to get to know your fellow passengers but we all clicked together from the first night and had a fantastic time. Sometimes you only realise how wonderful and special your cruise is when you get home and reflect on your time away. Well we have and already booked for 2022 and 2023.
