Change of Plan!

On Thursday 6th June we felt we had waited long enough in Tobermory and were itching to be on our way northwards!  

But the forecasts could only offer us strong NW winds for the next week, including a couple of days with gale-force.  We might just about consider toughing it out past Ardnamurcan into a F6 headwind but then finding somewhere suitable to anchor for 2 days of F8 winds made this option less than attractive.

We calculated that our best option was now to head back down the Sound of Mull and prepare to cross Scotland using the Caledonian Canal in a few days time, once the gale-force winds would have passed.  So we headed for Dunstaffnage Marina, suitably located at the southern end of Loch Linnhe, from where we could reach the Canal entry at Corpach sea-lock for a transit commencing on Sunday 9th June.

Running before strong winds down the Sound of Mull

The winds gusted at times to F7 but mercifully, being astern, were so not nearly so difficult to handle as beating to windward.

Dunstaffnage Marina - set against a mountainous backdrop 

We were slotted into a cosy berth in Dunstaffnage Marina and prepared to enjoy the local amenities, starting with a meal at the local pub/restaurant "The Wide-Mouthed Frog". 

We now had 2 days of foul weather to wait out until our allotted entry date for the Canal.


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