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Wednesday 16th May - Day 6 |
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John helping Eddie (our resident chef) to get prepared for his first
day on the water before leaving from Crinnan.
Some of the team started the day refreshed after a good nights sleep kindly arranged by Ruth Caruthers at the Christian Hall Ardrishaig. Other members enjoyed some local ceilidh entertainment in Lochgilphead, and suffered in the morning ! |
| John pictured at the 9.45am set off from the quay at Crinnan. The destination
was Fort William and start of the Caledonian canal.
The scenery was beautiful, the navigation was tricky but thanks to our two Marks' diligent planning the night before the leg was made easy. |
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The journey took us up the Sound of Jura, past Scarba and into the Firth
of Lorne.
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The land team arrived at Corran ferry before us in time for a 'fly by' up Loch Linnhe and heading on up to Fort William |
| John pictured after entering the sea lock at the beginning of the Caledonian
Canal at Caol near Fort William, in the shadows of Ben Nevis.
Time for a bit of relaxing and pottering on canals. |
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This picture shows the sluice gates being opened on the lock gates
and the water rushing in.
You can see how far up the water level reaches by the 'tide mark'. This requires three quarters of a million gallons of water which is
released in approx.
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| While we were waiting for the lock to operate, we took advantage of
the time by refuelling.
Brian Clarke and Dave Jones pictured with the fuel cans and many thanks to Allan Curry from West Highland and Woodlands for assisting with taking the containers to the local garage. We required 160 litres. |
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The spirits of the team are now high, John now feels more relaxed as
the end goal is now in sight.
Many people have made impromptu donations along the route for which we would like to say thank you, including Sheila Platt and The crew of the dive boat that we shared the lock with. |
| The day ends with all craft being tied up to the cruise ship Lord of
the Glen at the top of the Neptune Staircase.
Many thanks to John Stafford and Mike Dawson the lock keepers who assisted us and to the crew of the Lord of the Glen. |
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We are now staying at ATC of 1730 (Lochaber) Squadron with thanks to
Douglas Barr and Toni Adams, while our tea is being prepared across the
street at the Highland and Islands Fire brigade.
At least if Eddie sets fire to the kitchen, we wont have to go far... |
Report by Brian Clark of Commercial Boat Services.