While Willk is away burning diesel...again...

[willk]

Originally Posted by jwalker

For the sassenachs, Ben Nevis is the highest hill in the UK.

For those without a basic knowledge of Gaelic, Sassenach is the old word for FEB...

Jwalker - that last photo is very pleasing - I've been watching your trip (and its duration) with some envy. I'm somewhat restricted ATM crewwise as they all have lives they insist on living. And missus willk says the idea of a week on a boat with me makes her feel suicidal.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by willk

.... And missus willk says the idea of a week on a boat with me makes her feel suicidal.

The first mate says to get her some big, warm jocks and she'll be fine!

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by willk

...watching your trip (and its duration)...

Yep, four weeks today since we left home. We've still got the canal to traverse then down the North Sea so it'll be a while yet.
I'm fortunate that my partner enjoys the boat and its' challenges so no issues getting crew.

[jwalker]

Inside a lock chamber...going up...

[jwalker]

Autumn has arrived while we've been travelling...

The beautiful Caledonian Canal.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Great trip fantastic in autumn

[jwalker]

Evening.... peaceful...

[Matt]

It looks lovely.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Yep, four weeks today since we left home. We've still got the canal to traverse then down the North Sea so it'll be a while yet.
I'm fortunate that my partner enjoys the boat and its' challenges so no issues getting crew.

Its not the boat that Mrs Willk doesn't like - its the skipper!

[jwalker]

Left the canal into a marina to wait for the wind to settle. Did a night trip starting off on smooth waters but not many miles and a northwest wind turned the seas pretty lumpy so after 3 hours of dodgy darkness we took refuge in a harbour for the night. Next day (today) started off nicely on slight seas from the south but turned fairly rough for most of the journey but settled fairly calm for rounding the first half of Rattray Head turning bumpy later and into Peterhead. Fueled up, took a wee break and off to do battle with the North Sea and it put up a strong fight - man, I hate that piece of water! Anyway, down to 10-12 knots, walls of water and had to trim for high bow and keep the power on to prevent being overwhelmed for almost five hours, but then the seas calmed and speed gradually increased until we were back to cruising speed for the last part of the journey on water that was calm but with the remains of its' underlying personality. Did I say I hate that North Sea?!
Picture is cruising home with Edinburgh in the distance.
Another brill trip, the Humber and its' engine are amazing in all sorts of seas and looked after us always...fortunately!