Oban, Scotland
The ODA diary
Erik L. Roede
Fri 2 Aug 2013 16:00
 Crossing Scotland on the Caledonia Canal turned out to be a fun way
to see the Scottish Highlands. The canal is approximately 60 miles (97 km) long,
of which 22 miles are man-made. There are 29 locks and 10 swing bridges along
the waterway, all operated by the canal staff. With a little practice through
the first locks, we learned how to handle the lines and fenders, and ODA was in
no way harmed. Unfortunately we did not see Nessie in Loch Ness, although Kai
and the kids think they may have caught a short glimpse of her once...
The
photo is of ODA during our visit to Urquhard Castle in Loch Ness. Tobias
is quickly learning, and before long he will be an able sailor and a valued crew
member. The kids were fun to have on board and provided non-stop
entertainment. Once
out of the canal we made a detour to the small and picturesque village of
Tobermory. By concidence, the Highland Race Week was going on and the pubs were
filled with music and happy sailors. ODA’s skipper and most of the adult crew
stayed out a big later than usual to enjoy the local ales, whisky and fun
times. A
temperamental low pressure system settled over the area and we weighed anchor
the next afternoon and motored against the wind to Oban, where we entered the
Oban Marina in gale force wind, happy to have found a space at the dock in this
crowded harbor. Also at the marina were three other Norwegian boats, two of them
from my home town in Norway, Asker. We
have also had problems with our two new sails from Elvström in Norway and one
had to be repaired here in Oban by the local sailmaker. A strong warning to
anyone considering buying new sails from Elvström sails! This leading sailmaker
must be experiencing management problems as the sails, service and follow-up
have been a major disappointment. Never again, for my part! Jeanette
& co. unfortunately have to leave us here and so Kai, Tobias and I will
continue on alone towards Dublin.
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