Scotland, Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus
During breakfast the ship moved up Laggan locks, our last lock heading up the canal. This brought us to the highest point of our journey through the canal at 106 ft. After our sail through Laggan Avenue, we crossed Loch Oich past the ‘Well of the Seven Heads’ and the ruin of Invergarry Castle.
At Aberchalder Swing Bridge we were greeted by Skipper, who recognizes an old friend: the Lord of the Glens. This golden retriever belongs to a former lock keeper who now runs a café along the canal. And sometimes a stray sausage makes its way into Skippers always hungry belly; that’s why he loves the ship!
Cullochy Lock is our first lock going ‘down’ the way – towards the North Sea! Hikers, bikers and kayakers got off here to hike, bike and kayak to Fort Augustus, whilst some of us stayed behind and sat out on deck, enjoying the scenery.
There was time to explore the pretty village of Fort Augustus, with its excellent Canal Museum and shops, before lunch. In the early afternoon Carol and Larry took us to the Rare Breeds Park with its goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, ponies and cattle. Those seeking more exercise went for a hike with Konia, across the golf course, camp site, a cemetery and a historic bridge.
Recap tonight didn’t only entail Carol’s and Konia’s stories, but Brian also tells us about the history of the Lord of the Glens.
After dinner, one of our fellow guests, Marjorie, told us a good night story, night night!
