The scenery is astounding as we leave Oban and work our way between so many islands, isolated communities and rocks.
We tick the islands off one by one….Kerrera, Mull, Luing as we hurtle down the Firth of Lorne. We get abeam of the Gulf of Corryvreckan and the sea starts to boil and bubble. The patterns are amazing and the pictures don’t really do it justice.
Steering a straight line becomes a challenge and the log tops out at 11.2kts over the ground. Jura is off the starboard bow and we consider diverting for some whisky but Crinan beckons, with its short cut canal to Loch Fyne and points south. While we hang around outside for permission to enter, another grand old motor yacht sails by…
There is no shortage of advice on how to tackle the canal, but we are well prepared and the incredibly helpful young women make entering through the high and somewhat daunting sealock a doddle.
On their advice we decide to stay just above lock 14 (of 15). This gives us easy access to the facilities at Crinan and also allows us to make an early start in the morning once bridges and locks open at 8.30.
Not that we are obsessed, but the café has great wifi (in an otherwise connectivity desolate spot) and even better ice-cream and beer. There is little better than whiling away the last of the afternoon sun…there is even a very well stocked chandlery nearby. Dinner in the Crinan Hotel includes linen napkins (dining above our station clearly).
heydays346 