Day 4. Laggan Locks to Fort Augustus.

Writing this at the start of Day 5 cos Fort Augustus did not oblige with a decent wifi signal yesterday and it's not much better now! Probably just as well that we couldn't post last night because we were all feeling really tired and fed up. It was a long days paddle - although beautiful through canal sections and Loch Oich - and although Eleanor is recovering from her cold, James and I are now choked with it and lacking mental energy. (What's new some may say). Anyway - let me tell you about Day 4.

After a good rest at the Great Glen Hostel with Clare and Mark, we put the kayak together - again - and the Brave Duo paddled off from Laggan Locks into relative sunshine through a beautiful wooded section of the canal. Laggan Locks marks the highest point of the canal - 30m or so above sea level - so in theory it is all down hill from here!

EIeanor and James made fantastic progress through Loch Oich and it seemed as though I hardly had time to make their lunch before we met up at Aberchalder swing bridge. The prevailing wind really has been from the south west which has made for some exciting water but has helped to push them along in the right direction. They are doing so well and I'm a proud if slightly anxious Mum/wife!

As you can see from the picture, El was tempted to change self propelled transport for something with an engine, but on they went - in the kayak - to paddle the last stretch of canal to Fort Augustus.

I went on in the car and just had time to put my bike together and cycle down the tow path to meet them. They really do look great when they are paddling along, so I've attempted to post some rather rubbish video onto the blog just so you can get an idea for yourselves.

Camping in Fort Augustus in the rain and gales is over and that's all I'm going to say about that - except for this - Fiona, I'd filled that big flask up in the morning and never was it so useful as when James made his lemsip at three in the morning - no way could we have boiled up water on our trangia stove with the amount of rain and wind outside! Thank you!

Right - I mustn't delay - I've just sent the Brave Duo out onto Loch Ness and the wind is gradually building. The two way radios are switched on and they were looking good as I watched them paddle out of sight but I need to go and check progress. More news later.