Caledonian Canal - Days 18,19,20

Caledonian Canal - Friday 20th May 2011 - Day 18

After calling the sea lock, the keeper advised the time for leaving the marina and we cast off at 11.45 and made our way into the river.  In time for the big black menacing cloud coming over the mountain, not only having to contend with the overfalls/rapids in the river above Kessock Bridge, the wind and rain slammed into the boat as we turned and made the approach into the lock.  We surfed inside and the lock-keeper said "well done" as we throw him our ropes, "thank god" said I in reply.
Clachnaharry sea lock is where you pay your money and receive your license and key to transit the canal and use the shore-side facilities.  Looking to the North we could see snow on top of the mountain, "that's fresh snow" said the lock-keeper, "lets hope the boat heater keeps going" said I.
We left the lock at 12.45 through a road bridge, another lock and into Seaport marina where we topped up with fuel and provisions.
14.00 awaited the opening of the Muirtown traffic bridge then into a staircase of 4 locks, of course, all of these are operated by British waterways staff, while you stay on your boat and handle the ropes.
15.00 alongside Caley marina and used the chandlery to buy numerous items most important being a new whistling kettle.
16.00 left the marina and through the Tomnahurich swing bridge at 16.20 and by 17.00 in Douchgarroch Lock.  After leaving the lock tied up for the night at the nearest lay-by pontoon.
With a pie and beans dinner on board, followed by gin and tonics, no ice, no lemon.

Loch Ness - Saturday 21st May - Day 19

10.00 left Dochgarroch and entered Loch Ness the wind as usual was blowing from the direction we wanted to go, on the nose force 4 to 5 which made loch surface very choppy with heavy rain showers and it was cold.  We had two reefs in the main and were tacking to maintain speed with the engine running and half way down the loch is a the little harbour of Drumnadrochit where Lizz maneouvered the boat alongside.
We attempted to walk to the attraction of Urquhart Castle but gave up and went by taxi, spent and hour and a half there doing a photo-shoot and the same taxi came back to the harbour.

We left at 15.00 and motored all the way with the auto-helm in charge.  The wind had gone down but the beautiful scenery on either side of Loch Ness was not seen at its best in the cold overcast  conditions.  We arrived at Fort Augustus at 18.00 and went ashore for a meal in the Loch Inn, the rain was now constant and back on board for 21.00.  By 22.00 went ashore again to the British Legion Club where there was live entertainment, the singer was good and there was a liveey atmosphere but most important it was warm. On board by midnight and very glad of a night ashore.

Fort Augustus to Laggan - Sunday 22nd May 2011 - Day 20

From our berth at the bottom of the locks you are allocated times for entering the staircase of locks and we began at 10.00, through the road swing bridge and into the first lock.

  There were six boats  together going through each lock, for this you have to leave the boat and take your ropes with you, and walk/pull the boat from one lock to the next.  There are five locks in all and we tied up at the top on a lay-by pontoon at 12.00, went back down to the village for breakfast and some shopping. From Fort Augustus it is onto Kytra Lock, then Cullochy Lock, followed by the Abercalder swing bridge and into Loch Oich, for this we had the lot, wind, rain, showers and sun.

By 16.00 through the Laggan Swing Bridge and into the very pretty Laggan Avenue.  Alongside pontoon above the Laggan Locks by 16.30 but there was no electricity supply.
Just along the bank was the converted Dutch barge 'Eagle Bar' where we had phoned up previously and booked a meal which was very nice and eaten in a very friendly atmsophere.
Back on board after getting very wet for a karaoke.