June 12th, 13th Cadeldonia Canal

June 12th at 8:30 am we entered Loch Oich the North East portion of the canal.
At 9:00 am we did the single Kitoa Lock ( number 4), out by 9:20 am

Ariel's overnight resting place. There were showers along the floating dock for those with keys. If you were on the canal a full paying customer you got one set of keys to use the facilities which work at all stations. 

This cruise ship was across from us waiting for the lock to take them the next morning . You can arrange a tour like this without using you own boat.

He was the first boat in the lock in the morning. we went in the opposite direction.

We left Fort Augustus

The next lock is Cullochy Lock ( number 4A)  There was a nice guy there who had worked on the canal for 29 years and is retiring next year. He told us that he had worked the difficult set of locks in St Augustus for seven years. You have to be quite lively to work at those lochs. The lock tender will take your line hand it back then do the stern for all the boats in the lock which could be two on each side. Then they go to the control panel and initiate the locking sequence of closing gates and then allowing the water to drain or rush in.  Hang onto your bowline when that happens as the faster the water comes in the more likely the bow will want to go away from the dock toward the other boats in the lock which in our case makes our dinghy in the davits push toward the sides of the canal- not good.

Cullochy Lock (4A) This guy has worked for 29 years on the canal. He has a good spot.

This building used to be the lock keepers house but it is a B & B now.

I was unhurried and ahle to take a picture of the skipper at work on the stern line.

The swing bridge open upon arrival

At our last lock the lock keeper called ahead to have the swing bridge opened for us. Aberchalder Swing bridge (4A). Time 10 am

Now through Loch Oich- middle portion.

red right  is unusual here. Mostly Green Right Returning.  ( 4 B)

Next Loch Oich- Southwestern Portion (4c)

Laggan Swing Bridge 4 C

Behind us a swing bascule bridge

Next up the Lock Lochy and 3  Laggan Locks  We have 15 miles to go to the end of the canal.

Lovely water falls

Pretty Scenery

Aqueducts leading to the Loch

Cute lighthouse?

Charles talking to the lock keeper to tell when we can go through. It is their lunch time. (Gairlocky and Loch Lochy- Southwestern Portion)

 We can go through in about 15 minutes. The  first lock opened and the second loch was opened already so that was one less to go through because of the water level.

Sights on Lock Lochy- a pretty lake.

Next up- Neptune's Staircase