Some sun at last

We woke up this morning to an unfamiliar brightness coming from outside. We were amazed to find that not only was it no longer raining, but the sun was shining brightly and the sky was blue. The view from Alison's was amazing, beats Wolstanton Marsh any day.

After getting off to a flying start with getting our kit organised, we came slightly unstuck when we got to the food. We've got enough in the boat to feed us for months, and just as much left in the car. It took ages and theres definitely room for improvement next time.

We made it to our start point by about 12 noon, and the sun was still shining! We started out from the Glenfinnan Hotel which is one of the most Scottish places I've ever been to, complete with stags heads and paintings of Bonnie Prince Charlie on the wall.
We packed the canoe up and tentatively did a test launch to see if it sank. It didn't, and in fact was less wobbly than our last outing, although that may have been because last time Claire's mum was on board and was somewhat fidgety.

We had a tough first hour or two as the wind seemed determined to keep us in one place in the middle of the loch. We spotted a beach for a lunch break but it took us ages to get there. It was worth it though. One of the best views from a picnic site ever, and the best cup of tea for a long while made with some proper Scottish spring water.

We paddled on for another couple of hours after a lazy lunch and have found another beach to camp on about a third of the way along the loch. We've spent the evening by the shore eating freshly made bread from the camp fire and watching the clouds gathering round the mountain tops. The midges have kept away as they don't like the fire.

I'm glad Claire's had a chance to see what Scotland looks like when the sun's out.

Tomorrow we are planning on an early morning swim in the loch to wake us up. Claire also wants to visit an ancient burial ground on an island, which is fine by me just so long as she doesn't get any silly ideas about camping there.

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Location:Loch Shiel