Moored on the Crinan Canal
Late Afternoon we entered the canal at Ardrisaig, in the same lock was a boat of experienced racing crew that transit the Crinan often. They were very helpful and passed on lots of useful tips, like having fenders both high and low on the lockside. We were going up and when the lock had been filled the high fenders are swinging in clear air.
The bikes had an outing too, after Colin's had fallen off the pontoon in to the water! ( Colin stayed dry it is the cycle that got wet ) They gave us a quick ride to reach the Crinan end and to see where we were going.
The race boat that helped us in the locks was owned by one of the sponsors of West Highland Race Week, before they left we had been treated to supper aboard and a handful of lovely Tunnock's Caramel Wafers, our favourite.
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Peaceful early morning
Anchored in a beautiful spot last night. At sunrise we could see just what makes this part of the world such a popular cruising area. The rain clouds of yesterday had cleared to reveal dramatic emerald hills, a perfect backdrop for this sheltered nook.
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Moored by the Bute Ferry
Having a lazy time cruising around Arran, Bute and the Kyles of Bute.
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The bonded store, packed with casks of malt whisky
The best thing to do on a rainy day in Scotland.
Also take a swim in the modern leisure centre pool...
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Colin dives on the prop to free a bunch of weed & line
Coming round the Mull of Galloway, well 5 miles off, the water boiled with tidal restlessness, then a familiar laboured engine noise alerted us that something was wrong. Despite our efforts with forward & reverse there was no joy so we jogged up to Loch Ryan where Colin took a 'refreshing' dip to free the propeller of the junk which included a foil balloon.
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Peel Harbour is accessed via a flap gate that drops at high tide.
A lovely town with a traditional smoke house and a friendly pub
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On passage from Holyhead to the Isle of Man
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Douglas Promenade
A short trip home while we left the boat in Pwllheli and then we were on our way again. Abersoch made a good place to anchor off overnight, the festival on the beach added to the atmosphere, before we tackled Bardsley Sound on the way to Holyhead. Overfalls pop up on every corner of the coast around here, we were happy that it was thier day off when we passed through.
On the passage from Holyhead to Douglas on the Isle of Man we were actually able to sail, a blissful seven hours, and the sun came out, we almost believed it was summer.
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Passing Bardsley Island
Glad I packed the right clothes for a summer season sailing in the UK.
Next year we are going SOUTH...
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Not so attractive in the rain
Rained from before we arrived to when we left next morning heading for Pwllheli.
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