Loch Ness

First to go from the Seaport Marina was a Loch Ness Cruise Ship, of such dimensions that it occupied the whole four-lock staircase. We others had to wait. By the time we three boats, (plenty of room for more), had reached the top, we were just too late to reach the next hindrance, which was a swing bridge, before it had it’s one-hour lunch break. The German boat had a skipper who obviously enjoyed both giving orders to his crew, and complaining to the lock keeper. Poor Scottish, patient lock keeper. We found him most helpful and informative, but he got an earful in gebrokkent. After lunch we pottered along to that swing bridge, where the bridge crew were getting their dose too. At last, the bridge opened, and two boats went through before the bells rang and sirens went off, red light shone in the German’s face and the bridge shut abruptly. More German phrases. It was obvious to all others, patient to a boat, that there must be a reason, and sure enough, after a very short while, an ambulance and a police car went sirening and wailing  past at high speed. Longer pause. No more sirens, and we were on our way again. One more lock and we were at the level of Loch Ness, which opened up before our very eyes.

Large, very large, as far as the eye could see, (German boat in the lead). Tranquil. Notabreathof. Occasional light drizzle created action, rain clothes, but otherwise 6 kn motoring brought us steadily to Drumnadrochit, which has Urkhart castle with an amazing history of battles and changing sides. Small jetty, fully occupied by two cruise catamarans. Retire to a little harbour a bit further north. One sailing boat, from Ipswich, east England,

otherwise motor boats, suspiciously hire boats, of which we have been warned of their unpredictability. Facilities unfortunately out of order, large building works creating organised chaos, probably a boat house, and the only attraction was the main A82 road outside, with plenty of traffic roaring past at plenty of speed. Nowhere to walk. Back to boat.

Promise of better weather tomorrow. We would like that. Try to have a look at the Castle tomorrow morning before the hordes. After that, next stop Fort Augustus.

Alls well.