Well, this is the last blog of the year. Feath is stripped down ready for her winter on the cradle at Portavadie. Despite the high winds it has been excellent this year. Below is a summary of the last 2 weeks, Starting with a trip through the Crinnan Canal, then a few days on the Clyde
Feath in the basin at Crinnan.
“The canal, which opened in 1801, takes its name from the village of Crinan at its western end. Approximately nine miles (14 km) long, the canal connects the village of Ardrishaig on Loch Gilp with the Sound of Jura, providing a navigable route between the Clyde and the Inner Hebrides, without the need for a long diversion around the Kintyre peninsula, and in particular the exposed Mull of Kintyre. The canal was built to provide a short cut for commercial sailing and fishing vessels and later Clyde puffers to travel between the industrialised region around Glasgow to the West Highland villages and islands. It was designed by civil engineer John Rennie and work started in 1794, but was not completed until 1801, two years later than planned. The canal’s construction was beset with problems including finance and poor weather.” Wikipedia
We contacted Jo and Pete (friends from Dunblane) to see if they wanted to join us for the trip. My brother and his family also came up for the day to help, so we had plenty of crew
We were joined in the first lock by a beautiful Motor boat from 1935 called Kingfisher. We never actually took a picture of us in the lock with her (probably as I was terrified I would scrape her). So here is a picture off the internet. Owners were very nice – turned out their other boat was a Fife over 100 years old called Mikado (very special).
Kingfisher – built on the clydeHeading off through the Canal – Day 1 was very wet at times. Kingfisher in the backgroundTim and Maggie doing the locksWell-earned Dinner at the end of a wet dayPete and Joe on Day 2 – weather improved The horn is to let the bridge operators know we are comminga mini set of the Kelpies at ArdrishaigHeading out into the Clyde
After Pete and Jo left we had an excellent sail from Ardrishaig to Tarbert, where we stayed for a couple of days
The bay in TarbertThis is a replica of an original Loch Fyne Herring Skiff built in 2009 (same year as Feath). They also have an original one that is in Glasgow being repairedThe mast angles back at the same angle as the transomFeath in the background
We went for a cycle the next day down west Loch Tarbert. Princess Anne was due to visit to look at the marina facilities. I believe she opened them a few years ago.
Anyone able to pronounce this ?! It’s where we went on the bikes.Trees beginning to TurnBromptons on Tour at the standing stone (in the distance)Better view of the Stone (not marked on any map so not sure of history)Bit of NaturePassed the Royal arrival on the way backPrincess Anne and Party. She never popped in for Tea and cake. Sadly the Queen passed away 2 days later
Round to Largs to collect our own VIP
We then headed round to Largs as we had arranged to take my college friends Antony and Susan out for a sail along with his mother (Jacobine) and sister (Helena). Jacobine has been a long time supporter of ours and has followed our adventures from the start, she even face timed us as we crossed the North Sea to check we were ok, so it was the least we could do.
Cracking sail round to LargsFeath Ready to receive guests (the Marina were very helpful in giving us an easy access slot) Antony issuing guidanceAnd you are in controlHelena got the hang of it very quicklyGot back just before the rain cameBefore we left largs we watched this 60 ft boat coming out. We had made friends with the owners who had sailed her all the way from New Zealand and have been touring the world for 10 years. You know a real sailor when you discover he has had to pop over the side to patch a hole left by an iceberg !
Portavadie to collect our last guests of the year
Calm day in Portavadie – so off for a bike rideView of ArranBromptons on tourCame across this Nash Pickup. Only one in the world as originally built as a prototype. Grumpy BulldogTurns out there was the Annual Running and walking race going on. This guy kept overtaking us as we stopped for coffee and pics. Then we would overtake him again. He was the lead walker and was keen to finish before the runners. We kept him up to date with the runners progress. He crossed the finish line about 10 mins before the first of the runners.A well deserved refreshment on our private deck
Geoff and Moira Join us for a few days
Moira ta the wheelDown the side of Arran One of our favourite walks on Arran – Glen RosaGeoff and I making use of the old man’s chairMoira waiting for the old men!Alas the beach Gin bar was not open so we had to settle for waterWe decided to head for Lamlash for the evening (just a short hop down the coast)Drinks after being entertained by the local dingy racingThe next day we went for a walk along the shore. The island on the left is Holy island and has a Buddhist Monk retreat on itSome tough goingBut lots of nice board walkPurple Mushrooms (no – we did not try them)Whiting bay and Lunch!Master chef Yes that is called a sail!A good wind – Having FunInteresting construction of the pier at Kames where we went for dinner. Built for loading dynamite from the local factory. Vertical rather than horizontal stonesA beautiful final evening before taking the boat back to PortavadieA grand last sailPacking away the sailsA fine bit of flaking
So that is it for this year. Boat is away and will be lifted out this week. We aim to resume at the end of April next year.
Feath 
Excellent blog as always with a good variety of Brompton pics.
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