Moondog spent the last week in the very well run Inverness Marina whilst I spent a week at home. Now I was back with (non sailing) wife Helen and (non sailing) friends Pat and Martin.  All were looking for a nice week of light (more accurately, nil) winds and hot sunshine on the Caledonian Canal.  The forecast was consistent with the trip to date; lots of cloud and rain. Basically, this was to be the easiest leg of the whole trip and the most demanding crew!

Once everyone was settled on board the best plan seemed to be to take their minds off the potential weather and set out for an afternoon sail in the Inverness Firth, dolphin spotting. This was a success, with the dolphins making a timely appearance between rain showers. We even worked in anchoring for a late lunch in a nice little bay designated as a bird reserve.

The return to our berth was drama free, and the plan of continual distraction from the forecast bad weather continued with a drive out to a country hotel in the forested hills outside Inverness (the Cnoc  Hotel...highly recommended for dinner). After an excellent meal we returned to Moondog for the evening, planning to start the Caledonian Canal the next day.