056:09.946 N
005:33.211 W

Craignish Lagoon, Ardfern

On the cusp of midge season so lit our new anti-midge smoker for the first time last night which was very effective thankfully.

It hammered down in the night so this morning dawned clean, fresh and chilly but we could see across the Loch which was lovely.

Both very brave this morning with the first haircut of the trip in the cockpit hair salon ~ all went well.

Bol is so pleased with the new electric windlass that he installed last winter. He has a remote control in one hand and with the other hand guides the chain into the locker. Today we brought up a huge amount of kelp which had to be cut off with the bread knife. Crinan Bay has a very small area where anchoring is allowed for this reason, the rest is protected, and we could see why.

So a gentle downwind sail under jib up Loch Craignish, passing many beautiful houses tucked away on little islands either side. The entrance to Corryvreckan looked tame but looking through binoculars we could see white breaking waves; we wont be going through there tomorrow!

We’re the only boat anchored in Craignish Lagoon, a beautiful peaceful spot 1 mile south of Ardfern Village. We took a walk there to buy some fresh provisions and found an efficient looking boatyard and marina. One noticeable thing is 99.9% of boats seem in good condition, unlike further south there are many abandoned sad, broken dreams. Crinan in particular was home to beautiful well-maintained boats at their moorings, makes such a difference to the feel of a place.

We’re both very happy to have booked a flight for Isabelle to join us next week.