Greenock to Campbeltown

It was time to leave Greenock. Why, when the surroundings are so appealing? Well, amazingly there was the promise of a couple of settled days if we believed the Met Office forecast. In total disbelief we also checked other sources and they all (more or less) agreed. Miracles happen, well, for a couple of days at least. So, we planned to leave Greenock and head to Campbeltown, a handy stopping off spot near the Mull of Kintyre, ready to venture around that the following day. We went big and even refitted the bimini cover which was getting bored being stored in the flybridge locker to avoid being flogged to death in the strong winds,

Although we expected to anchor in Campbeltown loch, we hoped that we could use the little pontoon there so that after arrival we could raid the supermarkets for fresh food which would be in short supply until we reach Oban. Scurvy from eating only ship's biscuits was not tempting.  A combination of tide times and the desire to get to Campbeltown early afternoon dictated an early morning start. The 4am alarm was not welcome but needs must. We got up and prepared the boat for departure. Leaving James Watt Dock we called Estuary radio who control the shipping in the area to advise of our departure. No problem. We had seen a commercial ship approaching from the east on AIS and we got a call back from the traffic service folks a few minutes later to say that the NACC Indian was on the way out too:

We told them that we planned to wait inside JWD until the ship was clear, doing "the right thing". Well, we could have had another half hour in bed..... After the ship passed us and we followed on (the pilot called us to say thanks which was nice of him) there was a liner berthing ahead:

As all their mooring lines were not secured, the NACC Indian had to pass at dead slow speed. So, following them, we had to do the same. More like 3/4 of an hour extra in bed was lost! No matter, the trip was a very quiet one, not many folks were up and about that early on a Sunday morning, even the ferries hadn't kicked off yet. We passed the bottom (south) of the Isle of Bute just as a sprinkling of rain started - our rainbow picture isn't too distinct though, sorry:

But then things improved dramatically and the view from the pilothouse was much nicer:

The run across the top of the Isle of Arran and down to Campbeltown Loch was quiet enough. We do love the little island and lighthouse at the entrance to the loch:

Campbeltown itself looks better from the water then close up:

but it still has a charm and we are always happy being here. There was a suitable space for us on the little pontoon, between two yachts so we threaded our way in, chatted to the folks next to us and descended on the shower compartment for a much needed clean up. Plenty of hot water thanks to the big Lugger engine. Here is the route, dodging around the lovely islands, which takes around 6 hours:

Emerging as slightly cleaner and more "alive" humans, we discovered that Ken and Debbie on Juniper had arrived and berthed near us. So, a catch up before Tesco shopping and a wander around town, Campbeltown is blessed with two good ice-cream places and as it was sunny, it had to be done for the first time this summer. We tested the one selling our favourite Marshfield farm products. We'd patronised this place before and found that it was way nicer than the average Spoons location:

For non UK readers (or those that live here who haven't walked down a town high street in years) 'spoons refers to a UK pub chain Wetherspoons. Renowned for their eclectic customer base, they have a business model predicated on good beer at low prices and simple food at even better prices. We try not to frequent them as they are not dog friendly (and the founder is almost as annoying as some politicians). Somehow it seems that Izzy is with us all the time.

The evening kicked off inviting Ken and Debbie for a small gin on board, followed by an even smaller one, dinner and an early night. Once more, the alarm had to be set and at a silly time too.

Maintenance news:

Nothing to report. We did check the engine but it said it was happy and not as tired as we were.