In the foothills of Ben Nevis

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Continuing from this mornings post I am delighted to report that Lloyds Bank must have gone out of business or have decided to take Tuesdays off. I am reasonably confident of this based upon the fact that they haven't rung me today. Perhaps the £202.78p I have just paid to use The Calodonian Canal was all I had left ? ( that's not, unfortunately, a joke). 

Up at 7am. Correction, I was awoken at 7am by the lock keeper who told me that I needed to pass 8 locks in a row, straight away. A big shock, especially as I needed to, first, sort this bloody mess out. 

Difficult to act like a sensible human being when you are knackered and its dark and your temporary home is tied to this lot. Also, the ladder was a bit loose. Anyway, entered the lock (at 8am) and got stuck in. Francesca also got stuck in.........to the fact that there was a train station within 100 yds with a direct link to Glasgow Airport. 'Gone in a flash' may be an understatement. I jest, partly. Francesca does need to report for work  on Thursday and I don't have a job so, ...........no problem! Having said that I am comfortable confessing that I am a little homesick and, as already mentioned, a bit worried about sailing the North Sea. Think Ill have a 'wee dram', later. 

Here's a pic of me looking rugged and 'fearless'. Yep .......fearless, like a fearless North Sea warrior. Anyway ....

Dramatic start of Neptunes Staircase. Google if interested. 

After Francesca had left (11am) we finished ascent of final locks then both had a little nap. Spent late afternoon cleaning / repairing boat the wandered down to the pub to sound out a suitable place to view tomorrows footy ( England vs Scotland). Barman said we were welcome tomorrow as the pub needed some anguish 'fodder'.  A few games of pool then steak pie on boat. 

The big bit by the mast is Ben Nevis. Need to get a bus to start. Night night.