Inverness

Popped off for a shower at 730 only to have Sam banging on the door seconds later to report that the Lock keeper wanted us in the Loch Ness flight (5 locks) NOW !  By time Id run to the boat Sam had started engine and untied ropes so in we shot. Nothing like the textbook departures you learn about on a weeks sailing course. Purely functional stuff. 

On the way ' down' we saw, yet again, members of the 'Cally Cruiser' Clan. They wear orange......all the time. We have even spotted them watching TV in the cabins with their 'colours' on. Of course it's good to wear life jackets but I suspect Mr Cally is having a laugh. There are hundreds of em. That Chinese lot (yesterday) were also from the same cult. 

Before setting off, across Loch Ness, we sat in a cafe which overlooked more Cally action. Sam was talked into trying fried Haggis. As the cook presented it she actually said that she wouldn't eat it. I questioned why, thinking she may have an allergy to oats or something. In a broad Scottish accent she just replied, "it's revolting". End of. 

Stunning trip down the 27 mile centre of Loch Ness. Sailed the whole way and it even stopped raining. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0jndesu72anxy6e/Video%2016-08-2013%2011%2048%2001.mov

Arrived at Inverness around 6pm and I managed to hold up the rush hour traffic  as they opened a bridge for us but I couldnt turn the boat around quickly. Lots of shouting and hollering. Moored now in marina 200 yds from the dreaded North Sea. 

Found a pub with the best beer garden ever but hard to get a photo that does it justice. This rushed photo includes an apparition (hooded monk?). 

Gales coming and really sad that Sams going. Truly fantastic time together and, to honest, Im surprised, given the fact that he is14. Im gonna struggle a bit on the way back from the airport. Inverness is a flip in long way from home. Thanks, mate.