We locked into the Crinan basin at about 3.30 and then spent the night just by the lock gates. We got embroiled in a heavy drinking session with John, Paul and Charlie from this boat
we worked together to lock through and we arenow about 2.5 miles from Lochilphead - so if the weather hehaves we will be back in the salt water by mid morning.
It is nice to be parked under the trees while the wind blows hard overhead.
I think pic 7 is of the last of the coal fired steam coastal traders. The offer trips I think
Cool boat
Warren
Is that a ‘Puffer’?
It looks just like the Vital Spark, Para Handy’s boat!
It’s VIC32 if memory serves. Does charters. Stands for victualling inshore craft which were wartime workhorses ferrying back and forth to the fleet on the Clyde and up various west coast hideouts. They are puffers for which the Crinan was designed to avoid the dreaded Mull of Kintyre a long sail and an exposed point.
How much did your transit of the canal cost?
I believe there are new “facilities” at Ardrishaig.
For any boat maintenance requirements there seek Jack,
Alan
This summer I visited Scotland (by bus) and in Inveraray I spotted “Vital Spark”. She did not look very “vital” though, more forgotten and left to rust in what looked like a closed down maritime museum.
They gave us your mooring spot in the Crinan basin when we were there. Magical night and morning we spent there in September damp, charcoal Atkey fire going, smoke hanging suspended in the stillness. We sat by the window in the Hotel bar drying out, watching our dinner come ashore.
Hi Dylan,
Many thanks for the scotch on Monday night and for your help with the locks. I have some photos of you leading us into the lock at Cairnbaan Bridge on the Crinan if you would like them.
Paul
Hi Dylan, are you in the Clyde ? would like to meet up for a coffee, I’m based in Irvine.
Best Regards.
Eddie.
That’s an amazing short-cut from Juro to Tilp and the Clyde. Binge-viewing your vids and vblogs I’ve been struck by how much of Britain is reachable by water and canals. Here in America they developed the rails to move people and cargo a mere 50-years later than your canal system, and we’ve lost many formerly navigable streams and canals to railroad and road bridges.
The steamer is the last of the Clyde Puffers.