Oban to Crinan Canal - Day 29

Oban to Crinan Canal - Tuesday 31st May 2011 - Day 29

Call at 05.00 for a 06.00 start on leaving the marina to catch the favourable tide down Kerrera Sound.
By 07.00 passed the Sgeirean Dubha Lighthouse then Insh Island.

  For once the weather was fair with little wind and warmth as we passed the Bono Rock red lateral mark and the impossing Fladda Lighthouse as we entered the Sound of Luing.  The photo shows the Gulf of Corryvreckan one of the most feared stretches of water for yachtsmen in Scotland.  It runs between the islands of Scarba and Jura but today it looked very peaceful and we were happy.

Passed the narrows of the islands of Coirsea and Reisa an-t-struth before entering another race of the Dorus Moir between the island of Garba Reisa and Craignish Point on the mainland.

It was here we met VIC32 (Victualling Inshore Craft), the only working steam Clyde Puffer and an impressive sight.  We stood off the Crinan Canal sea lock at 11.00 until advised to enter with another yacht 'Stormer' skippered by Mike.  It was a lady lock -keeper this time in charge as we done the administration bit and received our license and key to transit the canal.  Mike had requested the assistance of two youngesters to operate the lock gates, so it was a pleasure following him through the canal.  A very impressive section is the view beside the River Add over the a flat plain out to the surrounding mountains.  The tree-lined banks of the canal are very pretty and seeing them in the sunshine made a big difference.

We passed through 5 bridges and 11 locks until we came to the mid-way point in the canal at Cairnbann after passing through No.5 lock we moored on the lay-by pontoon with a power supply at 15.00.  In the evening we walked across the canal to the Cairnbann Hotel where we had a very good meal and drinks in a very friendly atmosphere.