One of Those Days

18Jul13

Today was gremlin day. For some reason the sails would not set properly despite trying every variation we could think of and so we had to settle for a longer journey by being under powered for most of the way – a problem we still have to resolve. The engine struggled to start when needed and the wind and swell were coming from all the wrong angles for our course. However, we finally made our escape from Kinlochbervie and arrived in Lochinver in the early evening with some fine and sunny weather from the South making the passage more pleasurable.

From a secure pontoon mooring we were soon alerted to the clattering sounds of ice being launched down a chute into the salmon despatching shed. Fish, fresh off the boat, were being prepared for their journey by road to the Continent by a team of French fishermen. Thankfully, the work ended before the wee small hours.

A quick sortie into the village for some provisions and gas before leaving and we would be ready to start making much shorter hops between the many lochs, bays and islands that adorn this part of Scotland – the views of the Highlands from the water are incredible; views from the land tend only to be up. Progressing south there are now many more walkers and tourists and we are preparing ourselves for more boat traffic at our future destinations. Our passage to Lochinver looks like having been our last day of wind, for a few days at least. Next stop Loch Gairloch and Flowerdale Bay where we can moor free of charge after paying our dues at Lochinver.