Linnhe Marine

About the crew: first of all, long suffering fits the bill. They all put up with long long hours of motoring - as most of the journey has been achieved, so far, by the engine. We've made good time, had some motor sailing, and contended with the fog.
The first crew were Peter, Alison and John. Here they are in Grimsby, or Cleethorpes, enjoying a very short walk by the sea.
The second crew were Alison and John, and the final crew were Alison, John and Val. They kept a rigorous lookout on the canal.

Linnhe marina was reached  on Monday 6th May. It is a lovely little place: just swinging moorings and a pontoon to go alongside for water and fuel. Umpteen sailing yachts, all of a decent ilk, not a Bavaria in sight. Almost old world. The pontoons are part of the crab/mussel industry which works over on the island side. We saw them lifting the great ropes of mussels. There are at least three Pentlands here, including two that are immaculate. I must paint the decks. There is one called ‘Alison’ which I think is nice as my better half is called Alison, most of the time.

The skipper. You may not be able
to see it but there is a sign
behind him about fishing.
Makes you think.

It’s the sort of place where, if it were a film, the handsome owner who used to be a brain surgeon has now given up the nasty world and set up a business with his father who has provided the capital but who is a widower with an affectionate relationship with the owner of the coffee shop, and although the boaty business struggles a little, Mr. Handsome is content now that he has got rid of the awful wife who has taken all his money and possessions, doesn’t have to wear a suit, and can substitute for the local doctor during the winter season. But along comes a beautiful blonde woman who has suffered similar things but has a gorgeous smile . . .

[end of script] [no, it wouldn’t be Jennifer Aniston].

Much warmer down here. About 17 degrees in the saloon today, not 4º as in the dark and gloomy walls of the Great Glen before we switched the heater on.
Added to that, Maillaig steam railway ran by, and a very large cruise yacht of the motoring kind came in.
However. . . the best bit was seeing the snowy mountains behind us instead of in front of us, and not having hail stones deeper than the toe rails.

Steam at Corpach on the way to Mallaig.
Still marked 'British Rail'.

Testing the self plunging coffee mugs.