Like all narrow seas encircled by highlands, it is visited by sudden and tremendous storms.

We were on it in September and October, perhaps the stormiest season of the year, and were repeatedly detained by gales.

At times, while sailing pleasantly over the blue water with a gentle breeze, suddenly and without any warning was heard the sound of a coming storm, roaring on with crowds of angry waves in its wake.

We were caught one morning with the sea breaking all around us, and, unable either to advance or recede, anchored a mile from shore, in seven fathoms.

The furious surf on the beach would have shivered our boat to atoms, had we tried to land.