From Laggan Locks, there is a short length of canal before entering Loch Oich probably the most beautiful of the lochs on the waterway. We decided to stop to have a look at Invergary Castle which is now a ruin. Pulling into the designated pontoon, we could not find the castle or any sign of ruins but did appreciate a wonderful picnic spot. Looking at the chart again, it was apparent that we had come into the wrong bay and had to proceed a mile or so further to get to the castile. Not the most horrendous navigational error!
Alcyone arrived at the top of the Fort Augustus flight of locks and had to wait before being able to lock down, through the town, to the pontoon berth at the bottom. Whist waiting, a large (perhaps huge, or maybe gross) white motor cruiser (mini cruise liner) arrived and was duly shown into the locks whilst we had to continue to wait. The skipper was not amused. But was somewhat pacified on being told that we could lock down in a few minutes with two naval patrol boats.
Our instructions were to follow the patrol boats into the locks and go starboard side to at the rear of the lock. However, the naval boats went starboard side to, one ahead of the other, giving rise to excitement on Alcyone as fenders, fender board and lines were moved over. The lock keepers were agitated because apparently the naval boats had exceeded the speed limit and one of the keepers lives on the canal with his handicapped son and the wash from the naval boat caused damage to his boat and minor injury to his son; there were interesting altercations on the lock side as the names of the two Captains were demanded and presumably received. As the patrol boats entered the lock, their standard of boat handling was judged by the lock keepers to be not good enough to avoid damage to Alcyone as they swung around. Hence, they asked us to go right to the front of the lock and then opened only one gate to let us out first and trap the naval boats in until we were securely moored in the next lock. We were instructed to leave the last lock first so that we could moor on the pontoon for the night; the final indignity for the naval boats was that we took the last berth and they had nowhere to moor!!
A later arrival than anticipated but some fun and games along the way. So off to the pub for a pint and steak.
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