The Adventure Blog: Beach Clean

The day began with a trip to the beach. Our first insight in to Arran's wildlife came when we spotted a variety of bird life including swallows, wood pigeons, robin,wren, linnets, cormorant, oyster catchers. Our artistic skills were put to the test with the task of creating a piece of beach art better than the last groups (this was not quite the task!-Lucy) resulting in the formation of Bruce the Shark.

Initial stage...

Finishing touches...

Bruce the Great White Shark

Team Bruce

Ninety minutes of our hard graft had disappeared by the time we came back from lunch but it was okay because we had plenty to occupy us with the prospect of a big beach clean, using ltter pickers, gloves, and the motivation of the game "who can find the most random piece of litter". The day was topped off with a nice walk down the beach hoping the rain would abate. We almost got a bit of sun at the end of the day! Which was very rewarding, combined with the 13 bin bags full of litter we had collectively accumulated.

Hard at work cleaning the beach

Proud litter pickers.

Bruce the Shark

By *_* Sunday, 11 August 2013

After a much-needed night's rest we set of on the bus (of fun) for Lamlash. From here we took the ferry over to Holy Isle where we were greeted by one of the volunteers on the jetty. Outside the Centre for World Peace and Health we were also privileged to have an audience with one of the temple's senior abbess. She told us a bit about the Island, its history and the work of the Buddhist monks.

(For more information about the Island, click here)

We then headed up the side of the island up to the first crest, Mullach Beag, (759ft) stopping occasionally to view and discuss the local flora and fauna. After stopping for lunch we then headed to the top, Mullach Mor (1026ft), and took advantage of the stunning views. It was especially rewarding getting to the trig point here, as we were slightly disappointed not to reach the top of Goatfell yesterday due to the weather.

At the trig point at Mullach Mor

From here we made our way down to the coastal path, stopping briefly to look at the square lighthouse on the East coast. The walk was lovely and as we passed the Buddhist retreat we even heard some chanting!

Walking along the Holy Isle coastal path

As we walked back to the Centre for World Peace and Health we came across the rock paintings depicting various deities, including Green Tara.

Green Tara represents compassion and readiness to help. She is seen as a mother figure and protector for journeys.

We had a well-deserved drink back at the boat house, before catching the ferry back to the main island.


Leaving Holy Island

We then took the bus (of fun!) back to Kilmory where we had a brief stop at the bunkhouse before heading down to the beach. We then spent a couple of hours conducting a litter survey and beach clean for the Marine Conservation Society as part of their 'Beachwatch' program.

(For more information about the Marine Conservation Society and the work they do, click here)