Not quite over.

It seems that my exciting journey wasn't going to end with a boring bus ride home.
Just after rejoining the motorway at Birmingham, about 04:30, the Megabus coach I was on suffered a blow out on one of the rear tyres. Lots of flapping & banging noises as we came to a quick halt on the hard shoulder, followed by the pungent acrid smell of burning rubber.
Megabus quickly got another coach, and after transferring us and the luggage on the hard shoulder we were on our way. I did arrive at Victoria an hour late, but as the Maidstone coach doesn't leave for another three hours, it wasn't a problem.

End of this years adventure!

It has been a strange couple of days, dominated by the Scottish weather. Once Peter and I established that even if we could see a weather window which could enable a trip to Tobermory, there was no sign of a break that would enable a passage back to Oban. The marina could lift us out this week, but next week the hoist was booked for maintenance.
So we made the decision to lift out yesterday, and after that there was no point in staying any longer.
Calviere II is now ashore, water drained from the tanks, sails stowed below, engine winterised.
Peter caught the 12:50 train to Glasgow. Whilst in Oban, we did see Nicholas Crane, filming for an episode of Coast, I think they must be following my blog.
I'm sitting at the bus stop waiting for my first bus of my overnight trip home.
Many thanks to Peter H for his company on the two passages. Both trips being altered by the weather. But we did make some memorable journies, such as through The Crinan Canal, and that bash through the waves into Plymouth.
I will start planing next years return to the south.

Blustery Tuesday - Guest Blogger

Somewhat unexpectedly, I find myself writing the last guest blog of 2012, if not the last blog of any sort.
Our plans to go to Tobermory have been blown out (!) by the dreadful weather and the discovery that the marina can't lift the boat out next week as they will be maintaining the hoist. So we spent most of this morning removing the sails and other bits in readiness for the lift.
It's a shame to be leaving early, but there's no sign of any better weather - either dry or reasonable wind speeds - until well into next week. Still, I've had an enjoyable eight days on board Calviere Two and some good fun with Peter.
Let's hope the weather's better next year!

Rest Day in Oban

We decided that we could spare a day and take a closer look at Oban. In the morning we caught the marina ferry Shuttle across to the town. First we explored the 'War and Peace Museum' on the promenade which proved to be quite interesting, dealing with Oban's involvement in the second world war as a base for flying boats and the development of the town by  the ferries and railway.
We climbed to the top of Oban to the McCaig's Tower which does give access to spectacular views.

From the tower we could see The Oban Distillery, so we decided this needed a visit. Fortunately the tour does include a sample.

We returned to the Island of Kerrera, and took a long walk in the afternoon, getting muddy shoes in the bogs, and wet from the rain. But was still enjoyable.

Chrissy, Julie and Dorril had been to London to visit Buckingham Palace. Chrissy did see a number of tiaras which she liked. I may need to start saving up for her favourite, the Russian Fringe Tiara for Christmas. Today was also the parade of the Olympians in the open topped buses.

Dorril did get a picture of Ed Clancy, Gold Medal Winner, and some of the cycling team getting into a taxi.

Ardfern to Oban

We left Ardfern at 10:00 and made our way back down the loch. As the wind was quite strong and gusty we had two reefs in the main, and just a small amount of genoa. The wind was blowing up the loch so we motored for the first few miles, but once we turned north we were able to sail. The wind settled down so we able to shake out one reef and had the full genoa. We were sailing along strongly, pity about the rain.
We weaved our course between the islands, past the Gulf of Corryveckan, through the Firth of Lorn, up the Sound of Kerrera to Oban Marina.
In the evening we went across to the town in the marina ferry shuttle for an Indian meal, followed by a glass of Oban single malt.

Saturday. Crinan - Ardfern

We waited for a couple of incoming yachts to clear the sea lock before departing, through the mist. It was a bit of a damp start, but after a while the cloud lifted and at times we even saw small patches of blue sky.
There was very little wind and the sea was dead calm. We motored, weaving our way past the small islands and inlets to Ardfern.
We stopped at the fuel pontoon and took on 26 ltrs of diesel. As this is the first time I have refueled since Holy Loch, I didn't think we had done too badly. We did motor the length of the Crinan Canal barely above tick over.
The boat had collected lots of muddy footprints, grass cuttings & leaves on the decks in the canal, so I gave her a wash down whilst Peter visited the laundry.
In the evening we ate in The Galley of Lorne, the meal being followed by a single malt from Campbeltown.

Cairnbaan - Crinan

After a bacon sandwich, Peter and I set out in the light rain to find the Iron Age marked stones at Achnabreck. Despite some navigational setbacks we did find them.
We set off from Cairnbaan, up to the highest point that I'm ever likely to take Calviere II. Peter H at the helm and me in the rain walking between the locks to take the mooring lines and operate the locks, although all the locks and bridges did have a keeper.
Once over the top, I took over the helm for the descent.
We stopped for a chat with most of the lock keepers. I did feel that the bridge keepers were missing out on meeting the canal users. All they got was a blast on the horn as we approached and a cheery wave as we past by.
On arrival at Crinan, we moored above the Crinan Basin, and went off to explore the village. This was completed in about 15 minutes, so we did it again!
We carried out some running repairs, rewhipping some lines and refitting the head of the boat hook.
Dinner was enjoyed in the Seafood.Bar of the Crinan Hotel, which was helped down by the local single malt.

Peter H Guest Blog. Cairnbaan on the Crinan Canal

It's all very well, esteemed readers, for you to be languishing in the sunshine in shorts and tee-shirts, enjoying or at least contemplating the last BBQ of 2012. Up here in bonny Scotland we're wearing five layers of clothing and waterproofs because we've got real weather. Proper, dramatic weather appropriate to the dramatic scenery. And very nice it is, too. From the Titan cranes at Greenock to the 200-year old Crinan canal. It did let up briefly while we were in Rothesay, so we had a look round the town. Rothesay's armoured bars rather took my eye. No pubs here, just bars, and lots of them, with heavy steel doors and unlikely notices such as "no football colours" and "for your safety, wipe your feet on the doormat". We couldn't summon the courage to go in one for fear of what might happen if we were judged to have wiped our feet incorrectly. . .

Rothesay - Ardrishaig

We left at low water, trying to catch slack water at The Butes, which is the very narrow strait between the mainland and the north of the Isle of Bute. We nipped through just ahead of the ferry.
We had a mixture of all weathers on the journey. We has sunshine & showers, no wind, and winds so strong we put in two reefs.
We passed through the Kyles of Bute into Loch Fyne and then north to Ardrishag. We were able to motor straight into the sea lock of the Crinan canal and moor for the night in the Ardrishaig Basin.
After exploring Ardrishaig we ate in The Argyll Hotel. After leaving we heard bagpipes and went to investigate.

Tuesday 4 th September, Greenock to Rothesay

After the tiring day yesterday, we didn't have a need for an early start. We awoke to a fairly bright day, but the wind was blowing through the rigging above the dock.
The marina weather forecast posted outside the shower block was dire, F9 westerly, with sea state rough. We considered staying put for the day, but sought out advice from the marina staff. They were of the opinion that The Clyde would be sheltered, and we could make for Rothesay, with a number of ports of refuge if things did get too much.
We set off, with the tide and the wind we barely made two knots. Once round the corner we were able to unfurl a small amount of the genoa, which took us up to five knots. The highest gust we saw was 37knots.
Unfortunately, the wind followed us round, so we didn't sail for very long. The sea was flat, with small white crests which were being blown away.
We motored all the way, and moored in the inner harbour at Rothesay.
Chinese take out for dinner on board, with a bottle of NZ white.

The Adventure Continues- Monday 3rd September

Chrissy and I enjoyed our Baltic Cruise out of Harwich to St Petersburg on the Thomson Spirit.
We did return to some bad news. A good friend, fellow member of Queenborough Yacht club and the Harbour Trust, David Holden, died. David had been suffering with leukemia for the past year and had returned to Medway Hospital whilst we were away. In the past, David had sailed around Britain twice, and had taken Skeetwell to the Baltic, so I had been looking forward to comparing notes and showing him my photos. He will be missed by Queenborough, and the much larger sailing community.
This morning, Chrissy put me on the 08:05 coach out of Maidstone and shortly after 21:00, I met Peter H in the pub in Greenock. Peter had sorted out the boat keys from the marina and restocked the larder, so we are ready to continue the adventure!

Homeward bound

A busy day. I dropped my washing in the launderette, pushed the Bickerton to Greenock, where the cycle shop were able to replace the crank. I the stopped for breakfast. I returned to Calviere II and used the hoover & had a good tidy & polish.
After a peanut butter sandwich, I returned to the launderette and collected the washing.
After The Archers, I took the train into town. A wetherspoons lamb curry washed down by a pint of Tenents in The Counting House, an old banking hall.
My first coach leaves at 23:00 for Birmingham.

Goodbye John

John and I caught an early train into Glasgow Central, and then had a substantial Whetherspoon's Eggs Benidict to keep us going. I sent John off with a Snickers bar and a bottle of Iron Bru for the journey.
John has been a good crew member, more in tune with my pace. ie, snooze in the afternoon, listen to The Archers in the evening. None of this rushing to catch the first bus like one other crew member. I won't mention her name!
I called in at the Tourist information and asked about visiting one of the cranes which I had read was open to the public. They didn't have any leaflets but they said if I went to Clydebank I couldn't miss it. I took the bus and, sure enough, once at Clydebank the skyline is dominated by the Titan Crane.
It should have been closed! It only opens Friday to Monday, but because Neil Oliver was there filming an episode of Coast, the staff were able to give me a personal tour of the magnificent structure.
In her hay day she was surrounded by dozens of smaller cranes, busy workshops, and bustling docks. All has gone. The sheds have been demolished, the docks have been filled in, and some short little stumps are left by the foundations of the cranes. The Titan stands in total isolation in an industrial desert.
The lift whisked us to the top in seconds. The guide said that When she was working, the crane driver used to arrive half an hour before the rest of the shift to allow himself time to climb the ladders to his cab, carrying his flask and bucket.
The view was wonderful and the engineering impressive, but you can only wonder at past glory. One shipyard is left on the Clyde, with empty order books and an uncertain future. There used to be forty two.
I bussed it back into town, and rejoined the open top bus tour we had taken yesterday, the ticket being valid for two days. Today I had the Neil Oliver commentary.
I jumped off in Sauchiehall Street and went to the Willows Tearooms, famous for its Charles Rennie Mackintosh interior. I had the haggis!
Back to Calviere II for The Archers, after which I thought I'd go out on the Bickerton and perhaps get a late bite to eat and a glass of the local brew. I didn't get far when the pedal dropped off. I have stripped the thread and will have to see if I can get it repaired tomorrow.

Tuesday in Glasgow - guest blogger

Today being my last day as crew member on Calviere Two, as a special treat I was allowed ashore for a visit to Glasgow.
We took a train into Glasgow and then an open top circular bus tour of the city, the weather was glorious. The bus took us past a statue of a mounted Duke of Wellington, the courier thought it was funny that the city authorities make no effort to remove the traffic cone from his head - I was not impressed, very disrespectful.
As we entered George Square we were greeted by the sounds of a pipe band. Pipers from around the world had descended on Glasgow for the Annual International Piping Festival - I was impressed.
Back to the boat in time for 'The Archers' and a simple tea of bread & cheese.
I am returning home to Goring-by-Sea in the morning with fond memories having shared some fantastic sailing with Peter over the last ten days. Thank you Peter for your company and sharing Calviere Two with me. Best wishes for on your oddesey.
John D.

Monday, Holy Loch - James Watt Dock

Very heavy rain and no wind. We sat in the marina cafe, looking out of the window at the rain, whilst eating breakfast. John had the Scottish pancakes with ice cream & syrup. I went for the healthy option, egg, bacon, sausage patty, baked beans and toast.
We filled up with diesel before leaving the marina, and headed down Holy Loch in the murk, again dodging the ferries.
Once across the Clyde, the main shipping channel is surprisingly narrow as the central area is shallow with drying banks at low water. We passed a cruise ship, Ocean Princess, moored in Greenock, as we lined up to approach James Watt Dock.
Having moored up securely we went off to explore Greenock, only to be caught by yet another shower. What we did see didn't look to attractive. They do have an impressive crane which dominates the skyline over the dock area.

Sunday 5th August, Inverkip - Holy Loch

We had breakfast in the marina cafe, and headed across the Clyde, dodging one enormous tanker with tugs & numerous ferries nipping back & forth.
No wind, dead flat water with barely a ripple. We moored on the long visitors pontoon at Holy Loch Marina.
I assembled the Bickerton and cycled the couple of miles into Dunoon, whilst John walked.
During our journey Ben Ainslie won his fifth Olympic medal.
We stopped for coffee in The Yachtsman's Cafe and watched the PS Waverley load up with passengers for evening cruise before heading back to the marina. This time John took the bus.

Saturday at rest in Inverkip

We took a very late breakfast / early lunch in a coffee bar in Inverkip and then had a leisurely wander around the town. Not really much there. A station, a chemist / post office, which was closed, a Sainsburys local and the Inverkip Hotel, where we booked in for an evening meal.
We returned to the boat where I scrubbed and polished, in the warm sunshine, whilst the crew slept below.
Later in the afternoon, we had a thunderstorm, with lots of thunder rolling around the hills which surround us, and heavy rain.
We dodged the rain and made our way to the hotel. The starter, black pudding with poached egg and a hollandaise sauce was excellent, followed by the steak & ale pie for me and John had
the Hake and Thai curry. Both enjoyed greatly. John found some room for the apple crumble.
We enquired of the young waitress which were the local whiskies on the hotel whisky menu and had one from the Isle of Arran and one from the Auchentoshan distillery. Needless to say we enjoyed them both, and two boys giggled their way back to Calviere II.

3rd August, Millport - Inverkip

After John had fried up our breakfast, we took the inflatable dinghy across to the Millport jetty. John hired a bicycle and set off round the island. I enquired in the cycle shop about a new tyre for the Bickerton, it is an unusual size. They had one in stock and were willing to fit it. I returned to the boat and collected the bike. The new tyre was very difficult to fit, but the young lad managed it.
John completed his lap, and did a short lap of honor. After returning the bike, he stood on the jetty & whistled, and I collected him.
We set off in a dead calm, and motored all the way to Inverkip. I didn't even bother pulling up the main sail.

Ardrossan to Millport

The weather was a complete contrast to yesterday. Today we had a gentle SW breeze and enough sunshine to warrant the wearing of shorts. We set off intending to head for the town of Largs with a short lunch stop at Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae. We only had seven miles to go, so we weren't in any hurry. We sailed for the first hour, and covered about three nautical miles when the wind dropped.
We motored into Millport Bay and picked up one of the visitors buoy. John opened the bottle of red wine, French bread, cheese, olives and pâté for lunch.
We liked the look of Millport so I blew up the inflatable dinghy and we went ashore. We decided to stay the night on the mooring and enjoyed an indian meal in a quayside restaurant where I could look out of the window to check on Calviere II.

Guest Blogger John D in Ardrossan

After the glorious sunny day yesterday Peter's decision to seek refuge in the the safe confines of Ardrossen Marina where vindicated. It was a stormy  night, and today it settled down a bit. As can be seen by the photo taken on the prom at Saltcoats.

Saltcoats Sea Front

I have been missing my bicycle recently so I decided to go off for a cycle ride. (leaving Peter with the domestic duties).
All was going fine, I used the cycle route through Saltcoats heading towards Irvine, then I had a puncture (calamity of calamities). See photo.

Sad Bike

I carried on, on foot to the next town and caught the train back to Ardrossen Harbour. There are numerous cycle paths and I certainly intend to return here with a proper bike.
Reunited with Captain Fisher we settled down to an evening an meal of Guiness, Crackers and Camembert. Another great day Nite nite.

Tuesday, Campbeltown to Ardrossan

I had managed to download the Grib files which enable me to get a good idea of the weather for the next five days and it wasn't looking good. I had planned an overnight stop at Lamlash on the Isle of Arran, but the thought of being caught in bad weather whilst on anchor and using the inflatable dinghy to get ashore was not appealing.
I decided to miss out Arran and to make straight for Ardrossan. This would be a comfortable marina, with all the usual facilities and a nearby town with three railway stations.
As it turned out, the passage itself was easy. We had a dead flat sea, and absolutely no wind. The only excitement was provided by the Coast Guard who kept issuing gale warnings. on the radio which started with a DSC alarm, which is enough to wake anyone. Gale Force nine, later.
We sped across from Aran, refuelled, and then tied up securely in the marina. We only needed 22 litres of diesel since leaving Ardglass.
Then the heavens opened and it poured & blew all evening. John and I retired to the Italian Resturant overlooking the marina, enjoying good food and watching Michael Phelps win a nineteenth Olympic medal on the telly.

Monday, Portpatrick - Campbeltown

We left Portpatrick in more settled conditions than yesterday, and we were soon knocking off the nautical miles. We enjoyed a full mixture of weather from bright & hot sunshine, to heavy cold showers.
A close reach which occasionally lifted to a broad reach. Sometimes we had the full rig and for a short time we had a reef in the genoa & the main sails.
We arrived in Campbeltown in a 30knot gust and moored safely at the visitors pontoon.