Thur 2 July 50%ish Crinan

Left Ardrishaig at 1120, ag arrived at Lock 5 Cairnbaan at 1306. Looks like Crinan basin is full of boats and the locks the other side of the summit are a bit full. So we have arrived at Lock number five after having had a lovely free run all the way here, to find the three other boats who left ahead of us moored up on the waiting berths and wanting to press on. We have decided to stay here the night, and let the mad rushing people through. One of the boats is a training boat full of sailing students of all skill levels, including at least two Yachtmaster candidates. They are doing a round Britain as well, but on a more severe time constraint. We have paid for four nights so we think we’re going to use four nights. so far, the canal staff have been lovely. Barry, who runs the Ardrishaig side, has been very helpful. he is out and about between the locks and bridges so if you happen to call on VHF channel 74 or on the landline, you may not get an answer.

The best thing to do is to come round the wall into Ardrishaig and secure on the waiting pontoon. Barry will probably be with you within an hour.

So far, this has been a lovely trip. The waiting pontoon on the left by the biatyard at No 5 Lock (Ardrishaig side) has power and water. The other side doesn’t.

This afternoon we walked up to Locks9 and 10 at the other end of the summit, and ended up helping the lock keepers for a couple of hours, walking back, knackered.
Looks like Cronan badin is full of boats hising from the weather, so we might just loiter here a while.Read more