Wednesday 16 June 2010 Carrick Castle, Loch Gail N540 06.678’ W0040 54.389’

Idyllic. Moored at Carrick Castle, part way up Loch Gail. A glorious sail up from Rothesay in company with Milly Brown; both boats are now rafted up together in the evening sunshine.

The castle, which dominates the berth, was originally built by the Campbells of Loch Awe dates from the 14th century. It was an important staging post between the Clyde and Loch Fine; it is reported that Mary Queen of Scots spent a night there en route to Cinerary. The castle was destroyed in 1684 to prevent it being used to help depose James VII and has not been repaired until the first decade of the 20th century.

But there nearly was tragedy. A member of the crew, George, became ill and it was feared had died. However, emergency treatment by the liberal application of WD40 seemed to have halted the situation and he appears to be ready for duty again tomorrow. Life with out the trusty George would be trying having to steer all the time by hand.

Also the peace is regularly shattered by a goose that has obviously been fed from boats on the moorings. It clearly believes we should be giving it food.