Today marks a milestone on our journey. We have transferred from salt water to the freshwater in the Crinan Canal and is exactly 1 month since we loaded the boats and set off up the creek to anchor in Stangate creek to be ready to set of next morning.
We decided to cut through the Crinan Canal as it cuts off about an 80 mile journey around the Mull of Kintyre to get from the Firth of Clyde to the Sound of Jura. We have purchased a 5 day and 4 night license to transit the canal, so will not be rushing through.
Today we covered about 3.5 miles to Cairnbaan going through 4 locks and 3 bridges. There’s not many pictures of going through the locks as we are constantly adjusting lines and there’s not any time to take pictures. As both boats are single handed we were separated after passing through the sea lock to enable more help to be available to assist us.
Heavy rain was forecast to arrive at 13.00. I arrived at Cairnbaan at about 12.50 and it was just starting. It hasn’t stopped, but we put on our waterproofs and walked to the Archnabreck Cup and Ring Marked Rocks, believed to have been carved 4,500 years ago.
Tomorrow, assuming the broken lock a bit further on is fixed, we will be going another 4 locks and stopping at Dunardry. We could carry on through, but I hopefully have a parcel waiting for me at Crinan boat yard with a new motor to fix my autopilot drive. The yard and chandlery will be closed on Sunday, so ideally we will arrive there Sunday and I can pick up the parcel on Monday before locking out.
Fantastic stuff – well done
Great pictures and writing, keep posting for us armchair sailors sitting in front of our lit log-burners – in June!